City, Residents Working on West Richland Pound Problems

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By Rudabeh Shahbazi

Story Published: Apr 15, 2008 at 10:19 AM PDT

WEST RICHLAND-- Residents near Paradise Road have been complaining about the barking dogs at the city's animal impound facility. They even signed a petition saying they want the pound out.

The problem is, the facility was there before the homes.

West Richland moved the pound to its current location more than a decade ago. The point was to build it in the middle of nowhere, so that it wouldn't disturb people.

Now the area is a residential neighborhood. Neighbors say they knew about the nuisance before they moved in, but they didn't know how loud it would be.

"At night, when it's getting dark, they just bark all night long," said Bianca Outlaw, who lives next to it. "It's very annoying. It keeps you awake."

After complaints and a petition, the City and neighbors agree, it's time to make some changes.

"All of us would be willing to help the City find an alternative for it," said Outlaw. "We're very open to working with them."

"We'll work with the City to make it happen, but people need to understand as well," said West Richland Police Chief Layne Erdman.

Erdman says he has already proposed a solution, or at least an idea for one.

Short-term, they are looking into covering the outdoor facility, to muffle the noise. It would also keep the animals warmer on cold nights.

Long-term, the city is considering moving it to a new location all together-- one they hope won't become another residential neighborhood.

"We can't move it every time someone has a complaint," said Erdman. "We have to find a facility that works and no matter where it's at, there's going to be barking dogs."

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