Four dogs, or cats too many in the city

When Ms. Wilson presented her concerns about losing one of her cats, I was in her corner. However, enlarging that situation to include the right to have four dogs, four cats, or any combination of the four without a license, is creating the perfect climate for constant dissension, for individual neighbors, as well as entire neighborhoods.

I have in my desk drawer very recent letters from two neighbors who are having a struggle with the thought that our city is even considering such an ordinance. Both have neighbors whose cats/dogs spend their unleashed days in other than their own yards; using patio furniture for comfort, and soiling grass and flower beds with their excrement. The constant barking of one dog is more than enough, multiply by three or four, impossible.

A city dweller would certainly need to be licensed and Animal Control and the Code Department placed on a “24-hour, rapid-response call.” Living in the rural area, with no close neighbors, and a strong fence, etc., would perhaps, make the idea of four dogs a little more palatable. Animal lovers, and I am related to one, could not possibly care for four dogs; even a combination of cats and dogs, would be difficult to care for, as they should be cared for.

Even as the ordinance stands at this time, the Animal Control Division has a long way to go to work out the current problems caused by those who possess, but do not care for, their animals.

I appreciate the City Council listening to their constituents on the matter and realize it will be a difficult decision to make. I too, am an animal lover, just one at a time however.

I would add that taking large, or small dogs, to a public park and permitting them to leave their calling cards in the path where a child steps in it, doesn’t make for happy citizens.