Published: April 23, 2008 10:27 pm         

Shelter officials wary of proposed pet ownership rule

Limiting Beckley residents to three dogs and three cats could fill the already overcrowded Raleigh County Animal Shelter to the brim, shelter officials say.

They also say pets surrendered by owners fearing large fines would likely be euthanized first — on top of the numerous other animals already suffering that fate.

During Tuesday’s common council meeting, Bob Cannon, the city’s chief zoning officer, said the city was considering amending its current pet ownership ordinance. Currently, residents are allowed to have no more than three dogs and no more than three cats, total, outside their homes or inside accessory buildings. A loophole, though, has allowed them to keep as many domestic pets inside their homes as they want, just as long as only three of each go outside.

Cannon said the city may now only allow residents to keep three dogs and three cats — period. If an amended ordinance passes, violators could face a $1,000 fine per day.

Jim Kenney, adoption counselor for the animal shelter, said the proposed action was worrisome for him.

“I am definitely afraid,” he said. “We are already overcrowded here at the animal shelter. We are euthanizing practically on a daily basis. We could see an addition to those numbers.

“If people start bringing in that fourth or fifth dog, those will be the first to be put to sleep,” he said.

City leaders have cited numerous complaints from residents who say they have dealt with neighbors keeping as many as 20 dogs on their properties, and that barking and feces smell have given them grief.

However, Kenney noted some residents may have only one or two animals more than the city’s proposed limit. Also, someone could have four cats and one dog — one cat too many, but still less than six pets. What should matter most, he believes, is whether the owners are properly caring for their pets and do not have their homes overrun with animals.

Responsible pet owners, Kenney said, should not be penalized because of others’ actions.

“If they have the funds to have the animals all spayed and neutered, get them shots and get them city and county tags, and they have enough space, they should be able to keep as many as they want,” Kenney said.

“If you have four dogs you’ve had for 10 years, which is the one you get rid of? It’s the same situation with cats. People have raised these animals like children. How do you decide? You shouldn’t have to decide. Why should you be penalized because your neighbor is an irresponsible pet owner?”

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Cannon said the city’s planning commission will first discuss the proposed amendment at its May 6 meeting. If the planning commission approves such a measure, it would go before common council for a vote. Planning commissioners and council members would have to conduct public hearings before voting.

Mayor Emmett Pugh emphasized it was only a proposal. For example, commissioners or council members could include a grandfather clause for people who have slightly more than three dogs and cats.

“But 20 dogs? No, I don’t think that will happen,” he said.

“Three, to me, is plenty.”

Pugh does not believe there will be a huge influx of animals at the shelter.

“I don’t think this will happen. People will more than likely find homes for their dogs instead,” he said.

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