Council Responsive to Public on Pets

Questions and comments from the public at the June 15 City Council meeting put a temporary halt to the passage of Ordinance No. 952 regarding limits on the number of cats and dogs residents can own and maintain within city limits. The proposed number is three animals in any combination, but after objections from concerned citizens, the ordinance was tabled for further consideration.

Mayor Erickson took the lead in stating that while the pet owners and shelter operators present at the meeting were more than likely responsible animal caregivers, the target of the ordinance is pet owners and breeders that generate complaints for noise, feces, crowded conditions, possible abuse and questionable business practices.

Members of the public pointed out that while the problems listed are legitimate, regulatory efforts should take care to avoid penalizing those citizens who offer limited animal control services to the community.

A permit process for shelters, adjusted limits on the number of animals, and an expanded timeframe for compliance to account for the necessities of vaccination were suggested and taken under advisement, as were questions about the practicality of enforcement.

Some commenters pointed out that the heart of the problem may rest in an improved and carefully calibrated approach to enforcement rather than additional limits or regulations.

Erickson and the council acknowledged the validity of the concerns expressed, and encouraged further involvement from members of the public directly affected by the proposed rules as discussions and drafts of the ordinance continue to progress. The council’s next meeting is scheduled for July 20.