The Henry County Board of Commissioners denied a dog owner’s appeal and upheld Animal Care and Control’s dangerous dog classification at the board’s October 5 regular meeting.

According to reports, the black female German shepherd was unrestrained when biting a Henry County Police Department officer on the left thigh, producing a puncture to the skin. Police were at the site because of complaints about the dog chasing a child on the street.

This classification does not make it illegal to keep the dog, but the owner must now microchip the dog, have a fence to keep it restrained, maintain insurance, and put up a sign to alert the public. The owner has since moved to Clayton County, but the designation remains by state law.

In other business, the commissioners authorized an application for up to $3 million in grant funds. If received, the Conserve Georgia Grant through the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program would require a minimum match of 25 percent in-kind or cash.

The county acquired property at Butler Bridge Road as part of a statewide greenspace program with the goal of preserving open space and conserving natural lands while also providing more recreational opportunities for the public, according to county staff. The money would support environmental restoration and creation of a public park that includes a kayak launch, water access and a trail system, officials said.

The board approved a $186,159.06 expenditure for the purchase of seven cardiac monitors along with supporting cardiac resuscitation supplies to be used by Henry County Fire Department personnel. The current equipment has surpassed its standard life expectancy, according to county staff. In other business, the board approved a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement with Georgia Power so that the county can obtain information needed to identify and provide relief assistance for citizens who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are in arrears in utility bill payments.

Also approved was an expenditure of $396,526 for additional walking paths in the Fairview area. The money will come from the county’s SPLOST account and is intended for walking paths that would connect the Fairview public safety complex now in development with Village United Park, according to a county staff report.

Another SPLOST acquisition approved was the $76,549 purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus air tanks for use by personnel at Fire Station 6, whose construction is near completion according to county officials.