Real Estate Blog - Hurricane Town Meeting: What About Our Dogs?

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Hurricane Town Meeting: What About Our Dogs?

Sam Cole, Candidate for Mayor of Hurricane, WV Last night was Hurricane's Town Meeting. City Council members voted down a city ordinance that would have required dog kennels built to (in my humble opinion) insanely specific standards. It would have required:

Skylights or windows so that there is light during the day.
Fenced runs that are enclosed and visually screened from the general public and from the direction of neighboring houses.
A roof conforming to residential standards including R-13 insulation and sides must match the residential dwelling.
Must be built within 10 feet of the back of the property owner's residence.
Must have a concrete floor.
Must have a drainage ditch leading to a clean area 30 feet away from other homes or the street.
Must contain a ridge vent or other ventilation system.
If you have more than one dog, you'll have to build a separate such kennel for each dog.
A site plan for the kennel and building required, including:

Location to scale of all existing and proposed buildings on the premises.
Location to scale of any fenced in enclosures.
Dimensions showing the distance of existing and proposed buildings from existing property boundaries
The location of underground containers or facilities for waste storage.

It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to exceed two dogs over the age of six months. Violation of this section constitutes a $500 fine per occurrence.

Thank goodness this did not pass!! There was spontaneous applause when this was voted down.

<View the news footage here.>

Sarah Cooper on Channel 13 News Roy Vanater spoke before council, questioning the language of the dog limit law which states that owning more than two dogs is an "occupation" of kennel owner. People with more than two dogs generally feel they are more like a family than a business, and don't think that the law applies to them since they don't breed their animals. Very good point, Roy!

After the meeting, I was introduced to Sam Cole, one of the three men running for Mayor of Hurricane. I was surprised when he showed me the paper he'd carried into the meeting - it was a printed copy of my post about the dog limit law!! :o)

Mr. Cole is concerned about the law and thinks we need changes in the way things are handled around here. YES!! He also did not appreciate City Manager Ben Newhouse's approach to multiple-dog owners who would like to move to Hurricane - either reduce your number of dogs or don't move to Hurricane. A little harsh, eh?

Before deciding who you'd like to give your vote for Mayor this June 12^th, please speak to Mr. Cole. I think you'll appreciate the choices he'd like to make for our city. I was impressed with his stance on crime and drugs and feel that the changes he'd like to make in the management of Hurricane would definitely be for the best!

Our fight for our rights and those of our pets continues!

UPDATE, Read More Local Coverage on This Issue Here: Putnam Live.com.

Posted by Sarah Cooper on 06/05/2007 06:51 AM

Comments (35)

hurricane, wv, dog limit law, sam cole, mayor, roy vanater

This post has been included in West Virginia Information Putnam County, WV Information Hurricane, WV Information

35 Comments on Hurricane Town Meeting: What About Our Dogs?

JUN

2007

Sarah,

Unreal. No provisions for our pets as well in Florida. Can`t believe we never think of these things..

Congratulations, Sarah. It's good to see the influence of your blog reaches well beyond the members of AR!

Way to go Sarah. It is nice to see the power of your blog reaching your community.

Who's bird brained idea was these new laws? Although they did not pass..voters need to remember at the next election who the dimwit was! You were actually on TV?

Good for your community though for standing up against the system. One question.....is there a dog problem there to make these idiots think up these laws?

They can go jump in the lake!

Scott - It's a changing world. I'm just trying to make sure it changes for the better.

Jeff - Because of this blog, I've been in the newspaper and on the TV news. AND I've gotten this cool blogging gig! :o)

Tina - I've been surprised how many people are really reading. The locals don't comment, but they keep on reading.

Danny - I know that doggie!! :o) Isn't that the craziest thing they were thinking of? They'd price so many people out of dog ownership, it's ridiculous. And yes, I was on TV! I just added a link to it in the story if you want to see it.

wow I started reading it and thought the "Skylights or windows so that there is light during the day" thing was another topic the City council was dealing with. Like on real houses. That is a pretty specific group of criteria for kennels.

Good work Sarah... I will have to watch the video.

Keep fighting - you activist Realtor you......!!!

Maureen - I know!! For a kennel I'd NEVER use because my dogs are inside dogs!! And how hard would that be to sell a house with kennels like that to a non-dog owner? I'm so glad this wasn't passed!

Peggy - LOL! I've never considered myself politcal, but if you mess with my kids or my pets, watch out!! I may just turn activist after all ... I was wanting to sit on that city council board last night for sure!

Sarah--You go Girl! (I really hate that saying. but felt it appropriate here!) :)

As someone who lives in a more rural setting but near urban areas, I know that many communities have enacted ordinances limiting pet ownership. It is frustrating when a buyer has 2 dogs and 2 cats to find housing in some areas. Anything more than one small dog or one cat becomes a huge issue as to where they can move. Restictrictions can be necessary but use common sense!

I love it. You believed in something enough to tackle it. I really and truly believe your efforts may have been the catalyst. How awesome was it that one of the mayoral candidates had your post with him?! You deserve a big congratulations. Very inspiring Sarah. The power of the BLOG. LOL (and a passionate heart, of course).

Raisin wants your autograph!

Way to go!

Sarah, The Activist REALTOR, burning bras and walking the dog!!! I love it..

Sarah for Mayor of Hurricane...TV, Newpaper...and a blog. You don't need any campaign money!!!

Good For You! Hate to tell you this Sarah, you're already an activist my friend :) I'm so proud of you! You looked great on TV too!

You are famous - I am proud of you - and happy for your community

I missed the burning bra footage! You sounded great though, guess the out-a-town-er's really stand out since Hurricane is pronounced a little different by the locals.

You go sister.... you not only took a position and made it know... but you were seen and heard!!!! My hats off too you. And the animals thank you too.

... and right as all the house burglars were about to jump up and yell 'woo hoo! they've contained the beasts!'

Excellent job, Sarah!

JUN

2007

Teri - I'm going! :o) I have never thought of myself as an activist, but I do love our animals! And by "our animals", I really mean all of them. I used to volunteer at our local shelter and I may do it again. I miss it. I feel like it's up to all of us to take care of them.

Maggie - Nah, I'm no catalyst! I'm along for the ride! But I'll do what I can. Going to the town meeting was actually fun and they did discuss things I need to know to do my job properly, such as new areas that were just annexed into the city limits. Especially with our dog limit law, I need to know what's "city" and what's not! I'll keep going -- they may wish I didn't!

Raisin & Danny -

Chris - Thanks!

Bob - Burning bras?!?! WHAT?! No, no bra burning here!! I just want people to be able to choose how large their families should be. Pets are family to me!

Lysa - Already an activist?! No going back then!! I'll keep working on it! (Glad you think I looked OK, I was kind of squinting and grinning because she'd just asked me the same question about three different ways, and I was wondering what quote she was hoping to get out of me!)

Thesa - Thank you! I'll be happy for our community when we can make our own choices. Surely we're responsible enough to do that, and if not there are other laws to take up the slack.

Dan - Yes, we always know when someone's not from around here! We do say it differently, don't we? (I missed that bra burning footage, too!)

Desiree - It's all about transparency, isn't it? I'm not afraid to cheer for good stuff or boo the bad stuff as long as it's how I really feel. I feel so strongly about this! (The being seen and heard stuff, I think that was just dumb luck!)

Sara - Eeeek! Good point!! Our dogs are sometimes our protectors, too! We do need them!

No going back my friend! You love animals as much as Tall One (and Little One too I bet) that is where they get it from. You're fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. Welcome to my world :) It's not so bad, honest!

Can I get your autograph? Might be my best chance before you become mayor...lol. I think we have associations here with less rules they were trying to pass...sheez. Who came up with that proposal to begin with?

Sorry Sarah....burning bra's might be before your time. :)

Lysa - I could see my kids going activist on us, they get so outraged at injustices!! Got any tips for us???

Sean - Here's one for you, too! I don't know who came up with that proposal, but I'm guessing it was this same city council. A month ago they proposed it, this month they said it wasn't a good idea after all. Hmm.

Bob - Today's my birthday and I was born in '69. I missed the bra burning by just a little! But my Mom did set me in front of the TV while they walked on the moon, so that someday I could tell my kids that I saw it.

Happy Birthday!!

Thanks! :o)

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Hooray for Hurricane for not only seeing the light, but using common sense. Way to go Sarah. Keep at it.

Happy Birthday!!!

JUN

2007

Sarah: WTG! We now know your voice, and your opinion. Gotta love it! Also we gotta add our robotic comment for today:

We haven’t been commenting as much as we should on our “Gentle Reader’s” posts. Today, in an effort to visit all who richly deserve our attention, we’ll have to resort to the ROBOTIC METHOD of commenting:

“Did we actually read this post?”

“My stars, yes!”

“Goodness gracious, we think so…or maybe not.”

“Are we commenting just to let you know we stopped by?”

“By golly, probably!”

“Do we expect to get chastised for using this ROBOTIC METHOD?”

“Yah-sure, you betcha!”

Happy belated birthday!

Jay & Medford

Bob V. - Thank you! I am SO GLAD this didn't go into effect! But we still have that pesky dog limit law on the books, so I'm not done yet!

Bob C. - Thanks! That's a good lookin' cupcake!

Jay & Medford! I'm so glad you stopped by! I'll take a robotic comment from you guys any day! Just knowing you were here makes me smile. I was really nervous in that clip, I don't much like being in front of a camera unless Little One is holding it. ;o) Thanks for the birthday wishes! Yesterday turned into an AWFUL day, so I'm hoping Day Two of year 38 will be much better.

Sarah - I'm outraged - as a dog owner - my boys are part of our family! I can't belive there is such an ordinance! Well I hope you folks are successful in getting this repealed!

BTW - Nice shot on camera!

JUN

2007

Sarah

You go girl. Someone has to stand up for the dogs and their owners. Darn it all, I am so tired of those that yell the loudest getting heard. I guess we have to think the way Roosevelt (Teddy that is)did, "speak softly and carry a big stick." Just don't throw it or all the dogs will give chase. :0 Great post! I mean it. GREAT .

Phill - There are so many other ways that the problems that "might" occur with too many pets can be addressed. We don't need a limit on animals for those who are responsible and have the means and time to care for their pets properly. (And our county offers many ways to assist those who may need it financially, so income is not the main issue here.) Our boys are family, too! I'll keep working on it. (And thanks!)

Roberta - With this blog, I can "yell" pretty loudly, too! If you Google "dog limit law" (even without the area) I pop up on page one! I'm doing my best to make people aware and to offer alternative to limit laws. There are other things we can do. The election is Tuesday and I've heard talk from two of the guys running that this law should go. I'll have to keep reminding them about it, won't I?

Sarah,

You Are WOOFERIFIC!! Yeah Sarah! If I lived in Hurricane to start a write in campaign for you the slogan : "Sarah the Dog Defender Cooper will not limit your Pooper Scoopers!!!"

YEAH!

Ginger

JUN

2007

Sarah-

Do NOT have decaf - I mean NEVER, but especially not now!

While I do agree that pets need to be housed properly, this goes way beyond asinine!

Sounds like another politician who had no real authority, but wanted to make up for some inadequacy or other!

I don't know why, but I could not view the news clips-

Anyway, keep up the fight and do your best to get Barney, Goober and Gomer out of the local gov't.

BTW - with regards to that dolt Newhouse - just how red is his neck?

Ginger - "WOOFERIRIC"!!! Love it!! LOL!

Marc - :oD!!! Marc, I don't know whether to hug you or take you out for coffee! You said some things I just can't say, thanks! I'll keep fighting, we'll see if the new mayor will do as he said and remove the two dog limit as well.

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