Clermont stands by dog banishment

Sharon Drahn
Contributing Writer 

Police Chief Ryan Evans and dog owner Lyle Meis-ner addressed the Clermont City Council Monday eve-ning concerning two dogs owned by Meisner that were banned from the city in 2009.  Chief Evans read a letter that had been sent to Meis-ner by former Police Chief Art Sullivan outlining the banishment. It stated that since several complaints had been fi led, along with written reports, which in-volved biting incidents, the dogs were to be removed from the city limits. At that time, Meisner was advised of his right to appeal the decision to the City Council, which he did not.  More recently, the dogs have been brought back into town, and Meisner was at the meeting to ask for their reinstatement. He shared a letter from his veterinarian stating the dogs were not a threat to anyone unless they were provoked. Meis-ner added that the dogs do not leave their yard, show no aggressiveness unless threatened and do not run at large.  When asked why the dogs were back in town, Meisner explained that they were brought back home to be cared for after a health is-sue. After the discussion, it was the council’s decision that the dogs must remain