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My First NEGATIVE Post

Putnam Animal Relief Center Dog I'm angry this morning. Usually I'm a pretty happy person, spreading the joy. I smile at strangers. Not today. Let me start from the beginning.

I have a client moving here from out of state. She's a lovely, spirited woman with a great laugh and a generous heart. She has taken in a little series of tiny dogs that were unadoptable for whatever reason. She's gained a reputation as a loving person who will not turn away a little dog in need. In the course of trying to meet her housing needs, I spoke to the other agents in my office. One of the agents told me I needed to keep her out of Hurricane because of the "dog law". I had no idea what she was talking about, so she explained to me that Hurricane has a limit of two dogs per household. I couldn't believe it! I grew up here and had never heard of this! I've moved people into, out of and around in Hurricane and had no clue!

*** Fellow Bloggers, you know I now had Blog Fodder. ***

I had to make many phone calls to find the right person to talk to about this law. Finally I made the right connection, and I ended up leaving a message for the City Manager, Ben Newhouse.

Putnam Animal Relief Center Dgo #2 Putnam Animal Relief Center Dog #3

Mr. Newhouse called me back this morning as I was shopping in Krogers, so I was unable to take notes and we'll have no direct quotes. I asked about the limit on number of dogs. He said two. I told him about my client wanting to move in Hurricane with substantially more. He said she could not, not unless she reduced the number of dogs she owned to two. I asked about a kennel license, I was told that for over two dogs you needed one. He said that was true, but they weren't granting them. YOU CAN NOT HAVE MORE THAN TWO DOGS IN THE CITY OF HURRICANE, WV. He said they are a nusience to neighbors. He said there is a lawsuit now in one of our neighborhoods over just this. The law has been on the books since the 1970s, but they are beginning to enforce it again.

I asked outright, "I am a Realtor who helps people move to Hurricane. What do I do if they have more than two dogs?" He said to tell them to reduce their number of dogs or not to move to Hurricane.

(Give me a moment to compose myself, please.)

This law does not apply to me. I have only two dogs and I am not within the city limits of Hurricane. However, I am a softhearted woman and I could easily see a situation where I would make room for one more. I am fortunate, I have a large house and a big, fenced yard. My husband is patient, my kids are animal lovers on a scale with me. I donate time, money and energy to the pets in our county that I can't take home. I took the pictures of all the dogs you see here. I put their pictures online with descriptions of their personalities and tried my best to find them homes. Some got them, some didn't. I tried.

Putnam Animal Relief Center Dog

I feel it's overstepping the bounds of my city to tell me how many pets I can own. I think that should be left to my own judgement, finances, time and to the room in my heart. I am embarrassed that my city is behaving in such a way. I am saddened for the dogs that may not get a home because of this law.

I am off to have a cup of decaf and try to calm down.

Posted by Sarah Cooper on 02/26/2007 09:33 AM

Comments (76)

putnam animal relief center, animal shelter, hurricane, dog law, wv, west virginia

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

76 Comments on My First NEGATIVE Post

FEB

2007

Girl, make it a strong colada, forget the decaf. Take your anger and use it to your advantage. I understand the city's reasoning, but a limit of two seems unreasonable. Maybe you can drum up some support and start a grass roots effort to change the law. Somehow I think you may be just the person to tackle a Hurricane straight on! This must be a terribly sad day for your client if she has to make a choice as to which one of her babies has to leave her just so she can live in Hurricane. I'm sorry Sarah. :-(

I can completely understand where you're coming from. I have no idea if Charleston has such a law, but I'm guessing that we don't since I know many pet owners inside the city limits with more than 2 dogs. I agree that it should not be a stance that the city takes--the number of pets you have should be determined by your heart, time, space, etc. I wish I had a solution to your dilemma with your client, but the only thing I think would work would be for her to move outside the city limits. She shouldn't have to give up her animals just to move there.

Laws like this are not uncommon. It makes sense to me to limit the number of animals people can have in a neighborhood. If folks need more then it becomes a choice not to live there but to find a location where you can live in peace with as many pets as you wish.

WOO HOO!!

Go Sarah, it's your birthday! It took you all of 3 minutes to get featured.

You ROCK.

Signed, a fan.

Maggie - Thank you, Girl. You made me smile. :o)

Jim & Maria - Sadly, we're going to have to look elsewhere for her now. Thanks for understanding. I wasn't sure if I would be the only one upset about this. (Kinda sensitive about pets.)

Kristal - Limiting animals in a neighborhood is one thing, the problem I have is that it's for the entire city, regardless of how much land you own. To me, there's a difference.

Yep, that's frustrating. It is certainly very common to have those restrictions (including no pets at all) in condo associations, but I have not seen it in a town as a whole. There are neighborhoods where the CC and Rs restrict the number of pets, or at least dogs, however, while this is perhaps frustrating for pet lovers, it does make sense in order to maintain an area that people can be comfortable with - not everyone is a pet lover. There are also restrictions on if you can have horses, or cows, etc. Knowing this in advance is important, of course, and part of the due diligence by you or your buyer. Better to know beforehand. Towns also have leash laws to restrict dogs from running lose - a good thing IMO.I understand your feelings, being a pet lover, but I don't think it is unreasonable to have some sort of restrictions. Is this fair? That's a tough one.

Jeff

Hi Sarah,

I'm so sorry to hear this and I don't even know what to say to you to offer any helpful suggestions. I feel bad because I know how much you love animals but I also know how things can be in certain towns. Maybe a petition could help but it may open up a problem with those who are for that law. I'm sorry...... You're such a nice person. I feel just terrible for you on this. Not to change the subject but your new photo is real nice. Did I hear it was your Birthday? Happy Birthday and I'm sending positive and happy thoughts your way!

Lisa

I agree with Kristal. If it is a deed restriction, it is one thing. ... if it is a BREED restriction it is another... but for them to limit the number of dogs total in an entire city is likely unconstitutional. Perhaps a call to the ASPCA and Humane Society will help your cause.

I lived in an apartment with very strict laws about dogs. My chocolate lab (RIP) was well above the size limit... but what were they going to do? weigh her? My vet would have covered for me if I had asked. Then my sister in law got my wife and me a new puppy... so we had 3 - the limit was two. So we lied that my little Lhasa was just staying with us and every few weekends we would ship her and the lab off to grandma's for a long weekend... meanwhile we were housetraining a bulldog - not a fun task and ruining the carpet AND COUCH. The apartment tried to harass me saying my dogs were pooping up the yard and they could tell they were mine by a chemical analysis of the poop leading to the breed. I told them there were 20 labs in that complex - prove it was mine! Long story short... we didn't buy when they converted and moved into a house in a community with deed restrictions on dogs - 2 total... we had 3. We haven't heard a peep... but since my Chocolate Lab passed almost a year ago, they have nothing to gripe about.

They can have leash laws... they can have poop-pickup laws... they can have breed laws... they can have insurance laws on some "vicious" breeds... but to clear out an entire city is wrong.

You could always sell her a three/fourplex and say 2 per unit!

Sorry Sarah, I agree with the city manager. There must be a limit of pets (dogs, cats, rabbits etc.). In my past life as an residential installation, I have been to houses that have been almost unenterable because of the smell of the pets within. There was a house in Tacoma, WA that I could smell from the road. They had over 20 cats inside. Think about the poor neighbors and what a house like this will do for their values when they try to sell. While sympathetic with your client, I have to agree with the city.

Hey, Lisa! Nooo, not my birthday! LOL! She was just celebrating for me over the star. I am glad to have this one featured, but just because I really want feedback to see what others think about this. I know I'm an animal lover, but what would the public at large think about this?

Jeff & David -- Yes, we do have leash laws and I agree with them wholeheartedly! I don't think we have a breed restriction but there are other towns nearby that have considered that. I know that not everyone is a pet lover and I do agree that everyone should be able to feel comfortable where they live. I just have a problem with a city-wide ban, one that makes my city seem inhospitable and cold. Let the neighborhoods decide this kind of thing.

Hi, Roger. I can see your point about cases like that. This law doesn't look at the situation though, just throws out a flat number. Maybe I'm too sensitive about it but it rankles me. Thanks for your input just the same!

Would they really want to live in Hurricane if they are that strict about animals? Not people I would want to live around. Although I am sure there was ONE person who the town disliked that had a few too many dogs and ruined for future residents. There is a reason things happen. You will find a dog loving community for this client.

Austin has a 4 pet per household law, if I'm remembering correctly (it was passed long ago).

The trick is, there's always more active people trying (usually successfully) to impose their preferences on others in the things that others can NOT do. Rarely do the people being so imposed upon stand up and fight back.

I would say that a case by case basis would make more sense. There are such things as "hoarders" who have too many animals, but that's different from someone who does rescue and finds new homes for the pets once they're adoptable.

Which makes me think - has she looked into becoming a rescue officially, since that's what she appears to be doing? That might make a difference. Maybe not, but it's worth investigating.

Keep your chin up and smile anyway. It's amazing....no matter how bad a day I am having if I just decide to smile :-) and say something nice to someone (no matter how bad my day is) great things start to happen and my day ends up better than I thought.

Try to drum up support to get the law changed. Sounds like a great publicity opportunity. You can get some great exposure while doing something that means a lot to you and others.

What number of dogs do you think should be allowed? No matter where you place the limit, there will be someone with just one more who will be upset. I could see that having no limits could be a problem.

We also have a law in one of our local self rule townships that limits you to 2 chickens on a residentialy zoned lot.

Sarah, I wish you luck. I understand the "spirit" of the law, but citywide enforcement, regardless of the specific area or situation does not seem right. Those dogs are adorable, and I hope that they find a good home - whether with your client or somewhere else.

Sarah, Good post and something worth considering carefully.

Obviously as others have pointed out there must be some balance between individual rights, most particularly where they conflict.

That said I'm always sorry to hear when an official attempts expresses total disinterest in the well being of the people he or she is supposed to be working for (i.e. telling your client 'reduce the number of dogs!')

It seems reasonable that if your client is making a good faith effort to house, care for, and adopt out pets that otherwise would be roaming the street, or sitting in animal shelters awaiting destruction, the state has a vested interest in actually supporting that person. At leas that's what you'd THINK they would want to do.

As some have pointed out, don't take no for an answer (if you have the time and resources to pursue this).

Good luck!

cheers, -B

Shame,Shame on the city. However I assume it was voted on? Get it placed on the ballot again and vote it down! Think of the PR you would get for your business!

Angela - That's one of my worries, that this would make people not want to live here. Even though I am within the allowed limits, Hurricane isn't feeling all that friendly to me right now.

Tricia - Case by case would be my choice. Maybe it takes too much effort. I'll bring up the rescue idea with my client. She would be awesome in that capacity!

George - Thank you. You are right, I'll work on it. :o)

Tim - Oh, isn't that a hard question! No, I don't feel qualified to set the number of dogs that should be allowed, I just know that two seems too few. Maybe it doesn't to someone without dogs.

James - Only TWO chickens??? Then how do you make breakfast every morning?! LOL! Thanks for that!

Mariana - "I understand the "spirit" of the law, but citywide enforcement, regardless of the specific area or situation does not seem right." That is exactly what I was trying to say. Once again, you are the master of getting right down to it.

Bryce - Mr. Newhouse was actually quite nice, it's his job to say the things he did. That said, my client was making an effort NOT to look in neighborhoods, but to find an individual home so that she wouldn't disturb neighbors. But she will not be allowed to live in Hurricane unless she gives away the dogs she loves. I WOULD think that the community would be supportive of people like her ... BUT ... *Sigh*

Hi, Danny! You snuck in on me while I was typing. Thanks for stopping by. I guess there was a vote, but Mr. Newhouse said it had been on the books since the 1970's. Wonder what it would take to get a second run at it???

Sarah,

I can see both sides of this really. To me, (a dog lover) the city's rule of two seems like a small number but it is the number they have put in place. What about something outside of the city limits? Any rulings for the county? Maybe you can find something for her that allows her close access to Hurricane and also the ability to have her pets. Just a thought. Good Luck!

These laws are in place because of the people who hoard animals, abuse and neglect animals, and are just plain mentally ill. Animal-loving people like us, with the sense to know when enough is enough, are not why laws like this are in place. I may not like it, but I understand it. I have a neighbor with two dogs. He is hardly ever home and they are never allowed in the house -- no matter how hot or cold it is. They have never been on a walk for the entire time I have lived here. The only time they have been for a ride in the car was when one of them needed to go to the vet. This man should not be allowed to have even the two dogs that he does. It breaks my heart.

If you were to drive past my house, you would never guess that there are four dogs on the property. Yet, municipalities have the right to place restrictions.

Sarah, I am an animal lover like you and it's sad to see the 2 dog per household law in Hurricane. I'm forwarding your post on to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the country. My hope is they will be able to help you by directing you to the right animal welfare people who might look into that ordinance.

Kelli - We'll have to look outside of Hurricane. Less dogs is not an option for her. (You just changed your picture, too! I had to look twice!) :o)

Kelley - Awwww. I want to go take your neighbor's dogs for ride in the car now. :`(

John - See? That's just what I mean. Case by case makes more sense to me, if you do well with your four dogs and your neighbors are happy, you shouldn't be infringed upon.

Irene - Thanks for forwarding my post! Can't hurt to get the word out.

Thanks all for stopping by and commenting!

It is all about the legislation as Danny mentioned above. Unfortunately though many of the rules that govern our lives in our cities and towns are created without public input. You would be amazed at the number of laws rules and polices that are on the books in your own community that are just waiting to raise their ugly heads.

Get involved in local politics. These laws exist because someone pressed the issue. Press Back !

Hi Sara-

I just heard back from Best Friends that because of the large number of requests they receive weekly they can't respond to a request from someone not secondhand requests or messages that are not directly from the person seeking help, or messages that have been cross-posted. Please feel free to suggest that people contact us directly for assistance. Here's an email address for them so you can send info directly.

animalhelp@bestfriends.org

Wish I could be of more help!

Good luck Sarah,

I can empathize with you. Sometimes you can't fight city hall..... but you can give it a try. Laws like this were designed for a reason. Just like home owners associations telling you what color you can paint your house. I think maybe it would be best for your customer to move somewhere she is appreciated (and commended) for her love of homeless dogs.

Sorry you had such a bad start to your week.

Good Luck!

Mike

Sarah- That law does seem old and maybe a bit out of touch with current pet ownership trends. Good luck making a change. I too am an animal lover! While I hate to see hoarding situations, I can completely see 3 or 4 dogs per household easily. Keep your chin up, take a deep breath, and smile. Glad the AR community could be here for you to vent to. Hope your day gets better.

I never heard of such a thing, I find is selfish(the law) of other property owners to have such a law. I have two dogs myself and am an animal lover.

I am so glad that your client has decided to keep her dogs. It is a shame that a person can be punished for rescuing animals. There are too many animals confined to shelters and a person should be rewarded for being kind hearted enough to take them into their home. While I can understand the limitation on the number of animals per household, I think that a family should be allowed more than two. Good luck.

Unfortunately laws are made mainly because people become irresponsible. Do most who own more than 2 dogs take responsibility for everything a dog is and does? More than Likely! How would you like to live next door to someone who has 5 dogs with a torn up back yard they never clean the waste out of and they are outside barking incessantly?

I am not saying this is right or wrong but just playing out devil's advocate, if you will!

I am sure I am breaking some sort of county laws by harboring 3 cats, 2 dogs and a bird.

Renee - Devil's Advocate always welcome on my blog! You make a good point and I'm sure that's why we have this law in the first place. I just don't agree with it and am thankful for the place on AR to vent.

Tammy - I completely agree, I think she's wonderful for helping out her dogs. She enjoys them, she can afford their care and they are adored. They are lucky little dogs.

Luke - It was the first I'd heard of it, too!

Debi - I think that was part of what I was trying to say. The law is old fashioned and many RESPONSIBLE owners have more than two dogs. I know several people with "pet families" and they work out wonderfully. Thanks for putting that into the words I couldn't find.

Mike - I'm not sure if I can fight city hall ... but maybe I can tick 'em off a little. ;o)

Irene - Thanks for trying. I'm going to see what I can get going here locally and I may be contacting Best Friends after all.

Herb - Press back? ... Well, Dad always said I was too headstrong. Might have to use it to my advantage, huh?

Sarah: Unfortunately it is the stupid ones who get the laws made for us. Then do you suppose that they follow the laws that were made for them? Probably not. Smile and have a great day :)))

Sarah, you might want to put this in the Doglovers Group and in the Pet Friendly Real Estate Group. There may be someone in there that could give you some tips/help/advice/a friendly shoulder.

As Mike says, laws like this usually exist for a reason - but it's not always a good one! Sometimes it's that someone on the council in the 1970's had issues with their neighbor's dogs, or it's that they don't like dogs in the first place, or it's that something happened and rather than write a law addressing the real problem they wrote a broad-brush type of law. The trick is to approach it as an antiquated law that needs revisiting and updating.

I agree with the city, limits on animals is good overall for the community, now maybe 2 dogs is a little strict, so try and change it to 3 or 4, but without limits, you could end up with a house knee deep in poop, not good for the surrounding homes value or the health factor as well.

Okay, two dog limits I have seen. In condos for instance or a town home community. Inside the city limits of huge thriving metropolis' but Hurricane? Not so much!!! (Sarah, not that Hurricane isn't a thriving metropolis because you and I both know it is just like my hometown Polkville). I agree that a case by case basis is the best idea here. Sounds to me like you have a town council that may not like dogs so much and might be afraid of change. I agree with an earlier comment. Dig your heels in, interview your client for the newspaper, talk to other dog owners, businesses the could benefit from having more dags in the area. GET THE OLD LAW CHANGED! And get the credit for caring enough to work for the people of Hurricane. Win Win.

Sarah

I hear you and your town is not alone. Most towns i have found through the years have the same law - 2 dogs per house hold. Who or when then enforce this i don't know but it has been the topic of conversation before in my business. I am a big fan of animals, especially dogs, but I can tell you this, I agree you should be able to do as you wish on your own property if it does NOT effect your neighbors. But, most people that have a large number of pets already know these laws exists.

Desiree www.TriCountyHomes4Sale.com

In the previous town I lived in, after being there about 2 years, we discovered they had a law limiting us to 3 pets per house. Oops. We had more. For a time we were rescuing parrots and finding them homes (not officially...these birds just kept finding us!). Plus we had parrots of our own, and three dogs. We were way over the limit.

From that point on, I try to make it a point to not be aware of such laws...unless a client asks and then I'll research it. I just don't want to find out that I'm in violation again! I've never heard of such laws being enforced unless there is a problem/complaint.

Now, if the laws were against dogs barking at all hours of the night, that would be something I could support.

Sarah, Some things really get to me too. I am sad that you are not doing well. I feel ever more upset about these laws, which I suppose are there to help people? Humm, I am not so sure, we have had over three animals at a time, all treated well. Down to two now, no more. Good luck on this one, good post, but..take care, more decaf!

Renee -LOL! I NEVER thought of it that way, it IS the stupid people who get the laws made for us! What a simple truth, so elegantly told. :o)

Tricia - Thanks, I never even knew about those groups! I'll have to join and post it there. Thanks for the heads up. I think you're right about the "outdated" law, too. That's the right approach.

Michael - I agree up to a certain point. I think it should be on a case by case basis. Kelley's neighbor (See comment up there ^) should not have two dogs. My two doggies are my best buds and lead pretty pampered lives. Some would go for someone with five dogs, some people do it well, some don't.

Virginia -SHOCKING to think of such laws in the thriving metropolis that is Hurricane, isn't it??? LOL! I'm seeing what I can do, I'll keep you posted.

Desiree - I'm SHOCKED! MOST towns that you have lived in had these laws??? I guess I've just never gone looking for it before, maybe it's much more common than I realize.

Don - 3 Pets. Hmm. We have the two dogs, two cats, three fish (betas, they're in separate bowls in separate rooms, those guys REALLY don't like each other), a hermit crab, a hamster and a bunch of Sea Monkeys. I think that's everyone. Probably best NOT to know such policies for the sake of my clients, but I can't very well unlearn it now. I'll work on change.

Bob - I'm feeling better now, thanks. I'm glad you stopped by and contributed, give your animals a cuddle for me.

Sarah, sorry to hear about the restrictions to only 2 dogs, we have something like that in king County/Seattle. I am not too sure what it is (I don't want to know: my eyes are squinched shut, hands over my ears, saying nah, nah, nah!) because I might be (have been, my 3-legged cat just passed away) in violation. I am glad that you were forewarned to keep your client out of Hurricane. What a tragedy if they bought and found out later about the law. Best wishes your search for a home for them and all members of their family!

I'm pretty darned sure that we'd be in violation just about anywhere. We have a dog. We have three horses. We have four cows. We have a rooster and 3 hens. We have two Donkey Girls. And we have ten cats

However, we live on 55 acres in the country and just about everybody else has more animals than we do! The cats came about simply because people WILL drop cats off in the country, they come up the drive, we feed them, catch them, take them to the vet for shots and "fixing", and then, well, they're ours. It's reached the point that I swear the other cats, when a stray shows up, say, "Just get here in the middle - she'll never notice another one!" On the other hand, we have no, absolutely NO, rodent problem. None, zilch, nada, even though we're in a 1930's house surrounded by pasture and with a creek running past the yard.

I think our limit is 3 dogs. I'm a dog lover and certainly can empathize with your client. But I also understand why a neighborhood limit is good, but 2 seems a little too low. IMO it's not so much the number as how the owner cares for them or whether their barking is a nuisance. Trust me, little Murph makes far more noise than the 2 Dobies I used to have, ever did.

I think that towns should look at dogs on a case by case basis. I can see some limit, but if the dogs are not a nuisance, than this law seems overreaching. With all the laws on the books, there seems to be very little to protect the rights of dogs that don't cause any problems. Perhaps it is time for the dog lovers of the work to start lobbying the legislature!

hey there, jumping in late here but here is a link that may be useful. Cary NC has a 2 dog limit BUT now added 5 if kennel/rescue ..maybe you can use this as a starter if you are thinking of approaching with documentation from a town that agreed upon change.....I believe this has been a 2 dog town since the 1960's!

Sarah

I am the President of Seniors Saving Seniors a non profit senior dog rescue in California. Most citys, towns etc have a dog limit rule although most of the time no enforced unless there is a reason.

Are all the pictures of the dogs above your clients? thats like 10-11?? 1. There is a medical condition that some people have of animal hoarding. But the dogs are usually not in good condition. Lets be on the positive side and say this is not the case with your client.

2. Does your client find homes for the dogs or keep them? If she re-homes them then the answer is simple.

3. If she helps find homes then she should designate her self as a "rescue" organization. Having a spay/neuter policy and adoption policy etc. If she doesn't want to do this on her own she should consider becoming a "foster parent" for needy dogs. Your jurisdiction is ran by the Putnam County Humane Society. They have a foster program and I seriously doubt the foster parents are limited to 2 dogs each. I have done dog rescue for many years and we all have our personal dogs plus our fosters. Below is their information but I would gather if you called them and told of the situation they may allow her to be a foster parent. Of course this is on the condition that she is not a "collector", mentally stable etc and willing to place the dogs. I hope this Helps Shell

Putnam County Humane Society
PO Box 461

Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: (304)586-5315 or 562-0300
Email: tmiske@adelphia.net

PS- She wants advice on how to herself become a rescue and do it from a non profit status have her contact me. I did it with my group I would be glad to give direction if she needs it.

Shell

Sarah,

I can understand the law, but not for the entire city. I would like to think that it could be based on the amount of land your home sits on or something similar. An apartment complex, ok, a limit. Estate lots with 2 or 3 acres, please!

I guess its something that we all need to look into when we have pet lovers as clients. I am taking a mental note now.

I hate that your client has to look outside Hurricane now. I am sure it has to leave a little bit of a bad taste for her.

Btw...I am an animal lover. We have two dogs, a cat, a ferret and a guinea pig. My little boy would like to add a snake, bear and lion to the group. I think we have enough for now :-)

FEB

2007

Deborah - You are TOO FUNNY!! LOL! Yes, I am so glad I heard about this BEFORE we moved her here. That could have been tragic.

Tricia - Love that you're so responsible with your cat collection! They have a pretty good sense of humor, too. :o)

Elaine - Two seemed too low to me, too, I guess because I already have that many and it doesn't give wiggle room. Murph is a great name for a dog. My maiden name is Murphy and I've thought of naming a dog that ... not sure how Dad would like it.

Joan - Case by case makes the most sense to me as well. I have a friend with five dogs that are very well treated, I know another family with one dog that doesn't think much about it, it's a yard accessory. Each case is different.

Michele - Thanks for the link! It's nice that you at least have an option to have more. Not so here! I'll look into your link, thanks for sharing it.

Shell - No, the pictures in the post are from when I was a volunteer dog walker (through the Humane Society with Mike Miske). I went in a little early and took pictures of all the cats, then photographed the dogs as we walked them. These are all animals I posted on the shelter website trying to find them homes. My client keeps all of her dogs. They have health problems or other issues that has made them "unadoptable". She is retired, enjoys their company and treats them very well. I don't think hoarding is the problem, she just has a generous heart and the free time to care for them. Thank you so much for the information, though. It is very possible that I'll be getting in touch with you some day to help someone else!

Brande - Yep, the "citywide" thing bothered me, too. My client was already looking outside of traditional neighborhoods in order not to bother neighbors, very responsible I thought. But to be told she's not welcome in the whole city did not set well with me.

Thanks all for your responses! I'm sure this is not the end of the issue and I will try to keep you updated.

Sarah 'the trooper' Cooper. what a big heart you have!! i am outraged at such a law. i they aren't barking all night then how is it a nuisance? that really stinks. start a petition online.. i'll sign it as a local ;).

i hope this get overturned... oohhh the nerve of that person.. yo need a kennel license and we aren't giving them out!! ooohhhhhh.. that get me worked up. dont make me call 'nick the revolutionary'!

Hey, Nick! If I start a petition, I'll be sure to bring it to your attention FIRST. Thanks! ;o) I am going to the Hurricane City offices tomorrow to ask for a copy of their kennel license application and a copy of the law stating just how many dogs are allowed, all the verbage and all that. As Realtors we need to know for our clients, and I'm curious about it. Thanks for stopping in and commenting!

I have heard of rules against properties over run with pets, like 30 cats. But only TWO dogs...sounds like a Home Owner Association and not a City.

Wow, Sarah, great post! Sorry your day started so crummy. I understand your frustration completely. I also understand what Renee was saying. I have found that most Cities do have animal restrctions. It is a shame there can not be a happy middle point, such as not restricting the number you can have, but instead enforcing animal cruelty laws. If the city has the man power for someone to go around looking at code violations, then they certainly can have the man power to enforce animal cruelty laws (assuming the city has those).

Michelle

FEB

2007

Hi, ARDELL! My thought exactly. I wouldn't have a problem with it out of a homeowner's association, but for an entire CITY??? Noooo, I don't like that.

Hi, Michelle! I would think enforcing animal cruelty laws would have much more to do with responsible pet ownership and that a law such as this will just earn a city a bad reputaion. I'm going to look into it a little more today by going to city hall and requesting a printed copy of the law and a dog kennel license application. As a Realtor I need to know this stuff, and my manager wants to bring it up at our next meeting.

Thanks to all for sharing your own points of view and opinions on this!

Sarah.... Again, late to the party. I applaud your efforts and your heart. I am not going to sell you support in regards to what you wrote. I do hate when people tell you that you can't do certain things. Sure, I know a few people that have more than 2 dogs. BUT......

I would have to agree with some limits in certain areas. Maybe if you lived out on city limits? A larger yard? Bigger house? In all honesty, I lived next to someone that had 5 dogs and they all barked, when barking at once, it was loud. Now...I am not sure if your houses are close together.....but it does make a difference.

Overall...don't get me wrong. I love dogs actually. I don't have one because I am single and not always around. It wouldn't be fair to the dog. But overall, look at those people that hoard tons of animals into their house. At least once a year on the news, you hear of animal control coming across a house that has up to 40 cats.... or possibly 10 of this, 5 of that, and 8 of that. It can make for unsanitary living conditions. It's a tough call for those that mean well and have a heart. But I hate to say it, but there are reasons.

Sarah,

My blood is boiling too. This citywide restriction seems unreasonable. My thinking is with Brande, Any rules should be relevant to the particular housing situation.

I hope that a solution can be worked out. Keep us posted!

Ginger

Laws are meant to be changed. And what's this ridiculous notion about kennel permits and "we're not granting them" all about... if the city's provisions allow a kennel permit to exist whether any are actively being utilized or not) under what authority is a permit being summarily denied? Sounds like a case for your local television reporter and you to start a crusade.

Hi, Jeff! Always better late than never! I do NOT mind when people disagree with me, and I'm glad to have your opinion. You do have valid reasons for feeling the way you do.

... Still ... :o) I just don't like a citywide law. Wikipedia says we had an estimated population of 5,968 people in 2005. We are not living right on top of each other.

Ginger - I'm right there with you with the boiling blood!! I will be sure to update you as changes are made. I am EXPECTING changes to me made.

Chris - The very questions I asked while I was at City Hall earlier today. I asked for information and when I have it, I will update you.

Thanks all!

MAR

2007

I just want you to know that I really appreciate people like you who care about animals. If I could, I'd have a petting zoo in my backyard.

LOL! Eva, that is TOO FUNNY!!! LOVE IT! Thanks for that!

Sarah... I just hope it didn't sound negative. And overall, I admire you for your passion in regards to animals. I even love dogs and when I was growing up, my mom had a cat. I just think of others around me at times....

Eva..... that was hilarious....

MAR

2007

Jeff - Don't worry about it, you didn't sound negative to me. I welcome all opinions as long as they're polite, and yours always have been. Feel free to comment any time you like, pro or con!

MAR

2007

Sarah,

Please go to thedogplace.com. You will be amazed at what a whole lot of cities and the Federal Government plus state and city to limit the rights of individuals to own pets. One city has a noise control with police that just drive around and if they hear a barking dog they ticket the household. I find these laws outrageous, but they are coming and it will take people like you and me and a wholelot more to stop this crusade.

Thank you for this post. It will open eyes. I just posted one that no one is reading and I sure wish they would, it too might make a difference. We MUST stick together for the life and welfare of our pets.

....>>>>> WOW !!!!!! ,, this topic sure has gotten a load of repsonses!!!,, must mean something !

When my husband and I moved three years ago, our BIGGEST priority was to find a home for us and our ... get ready,, SIX BIG DOGS ! .. Obviously we knew we had to find out if there were any numbers restrictions well before we chose a certain community.

We were coming from a city that had no restrictions but we were well aware of such laws in lots of places.So we did our research.. There is a sign posted along the main road to our new home that reads: "Please drive carefully, Placitas is an animal friendly village !" Nice huh ?

Sarah.. You need to help your client find such a community !!

Anne Vigneri www.casavero.com Placitas NM

MAR

2007

We have similar laws in several Minnesota communities. I had a client last year that did pet rescue and we had a terrible time finding somewhere that would accommodate her pets and her temporary visitors.

MAY

2007

We live in the city limits and have a dog. This is a good law because some people like the people behind us have dogs that seem to bark constantly. They are hunting dogs that live outside year around. I grew up in the country out Red House Hill and used to coon hunt with dogs my self. We bought a house in a neighborhood and I hear alot of barking. This should not be aloud in a neighborhood that is in city limits. The dogs are a nuisance to other people. The barking and the smell, they also need to run, I never see the owner taking them to hunt.

Sarah, I am one of those activists who wants limits on pets because pet owners are not taking responsibility for their animals. I live in the country on a once quiet little road. People here have animals and even without restrictive laws try to accomodate everyones need for quiet and cleanliness. There are kennels of hunting dogs close by that we hear from time to time but not all the time. Our neighbors , for the most part, do not let critters run free. I want quinea chickens, but because they make noise and messes and disturb others I do not have them. It is pet owners themselves who have mandated restrictive laws in cities and towns where we must live in close proximity. If you want a bunch of critters go where there is space to accomodate them. It is only fair to the animals too.

JUN

2007

Carol-that is a broad and sweeping statement to say you want limit laws because people arent taking care of thier pets.

This country is fast becoming the land of the legislated.

We HAVE laws on the books for nusience, noise, cleanliness, cruelty and abuse. So it stands to reason that IF the exsisting laws are enforced, one would not have need for more.

What would you have done with the soft hearted and the many of us who rescue those unwanted/unloved pets? I foster several times a year....without people like myself providing interum care for these homeless animals they would be euthanized without a chance at a loving home.

This is a complicated issue which many towns have issues with. I understand no one wants to live next to a yard of howling, uncared for dogs or a home with urine smells so strong a summer day will cause you to gag...but it is entirely unfair to punish the responsible for the actions of the irresponsible.

Sarah

Boy am I going to get hate mail for this. I am one of those people that have many animals. But, in my defence I am taking on the responsible of someone else. I agree with Leisa. There are plenty of laws on the books that protect everyone. People and animals, but they are not evenly enforced.The cats that were deposited on my patio (by mama kitty but really by the one time owner of momma who didn't have her spade,) were there. Should I have drowned them? I tried to get help from rescue groups and couldn't find any one that would take them. So, taking up the slack for someone else I paid to have them fixed. I now have 6 outside cats. I love each one of them and wouldn't take them to the pound for anything. I'm the one that paid the $500. to the vet to get them fixed and have shots, and I'm the one that pays over 150.00 a month to feed them. Why should the cats be penalized or why should I, for doing what some irresponsible individual didn't do in the first place?

JUL

2007

Sad to see what narrow minded people can do.

AUG

2007

That is one of the things around here it's important to know, every city but one has a dog limit...usually 3. It is a tough one to change because as many people are against the laws, that many are for them. I know one woman who purchased a home and didn't know (and her Realtor didn't either) that they had a limit of 3 and she was told 2 of her 5 dogs could not stay after purchasing the property...she sold of course at a loss and sued her Realtor and won.

SEP

if there is a law limiting the amount of pets in a household, what about the amount of rugrats people are allowed to have. that is what should be limited.

NOV

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