Some pet violations could become criminal offenses

Yuma County supervisors want further review of a proposed amendment of a county ordinance that could change some pet violations from civil to criminal offenses.

The board decided that the issue needed additional discussion, and moved to gather more information on the proposed change before holding a public hearing on it.

The proposed change would affect ordinances that govern the restraint of animals and barking dogs in the county's unincorporated areas.

Yuma County Attorney Jon R. Smith says the change means some pet violation offenses would be amended to become criminal offenses instead of civil violations.