Shawnee city commissioners are trapped in a stinky ordinance

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) -- A woman who trapped a skunk at her house and then called animal control officers to pick it up has been fined $500.<br><br>When the officers got there, they told her she broke a

Tuesday, October 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) -- A woman who trapped a skunk at her house and then called animal control officers to pick it up has been fined $500.

When the officers got there, they told her she broke a city ordinance prohibiting people from using their own traps on animals. Residents are supposed to call animal control first, which will then provide a trap.

City attorney John Canavan said animal cruelty issues can arise when people use their own traps and then leave animals in them for extended periods.

The City Commission will consider modifying the ordinance at its Nov. 3 meeting.