We found it VERY helpful to bring in other laws to compare - examples of waht you want to see. We got our opnions and suggestions heard because instead of saying we were against the law, we siad we were for responsible ownership. (Like you would say that preventing safe confinement of dogs in outdoor kennels prevents citizens from keeping their dogs safe, from keeping their dogs from running at large and prevents citizens keeping their dogs from infringing on other's rights and property.)

So this law in my city basically goes - if somebody is afraid of the dog, it is considered dangerous and is under banned from the city for 3 years, EXCEPT it can come back if it gets a CGC and there are no further incidences. The way we convinced them to accept this by bringing in copy of the state law here recognizing the CGC as a way identify responsibly owned and well-mannered dogs.

Well, I am happy to report that I was told by the town supervisor that because of my input the town board decided to completely drop all of the changes they had considered implementing regarding restrictions of dog ownership by numbers of pets per house/acre in the new proposal. So, at least for now, the people in my town don't have to worry that someone will come knocking on their doors looking to count their dogs!

Then second issue they are now having is defining a "kennel". They do not want to allow kennels in residential areas. Many of the residential areas here are still on lots of 1+ acres, but sound does travel!! I advised them of the need to differentiate between for profit businesses and a pet owner who has outdoor runs. I also suggested that care be taken not to mistake a small hobby breeder with a large scale commercial business. I hope this prevents the possibility of any one trying to operate a puppy mill in our town, as even in a commercial area a permit would be needed.

So, now only time will tell how they proceed from here, but at least the pet owners of the town don't have to fret any longer!

Thanks so much for all of the feedback from everyone!

GOOD JOB, Jeannette!!!

Yay Jeannette! Good for you!

As I said in an earlier post, kennels in my county are regulated in that they require a conditional or special use permit. That involves the aspiring kennel owner to submit plans, detail noise mitigation, and that kind of thing. The kennel I bought my dog from had to go through that permitting process. I'm going to send you a pm with a link to the hearing examiners decision. There is enough information in there for you to get an idea of what at least one local government considers, and maybe your town supervisor would be willing to contact my county government for copies of ordinances and requirements and such, if nothing more than to use as a starting point and education material as your town starts it's process.

Thanks Connie!

Thank you Rich, I am apprecitate the help, and so do the people of my town, even if they aren't all aware!!! LOL!!

I am forwarding the link to my town supervisor. I am sure that they will find it helpful.It seem to be well thought out and not unreasonable, so that helps!

The proposed ordinance would be much more reasonable if they allowed for more dogs if said dogs were still under say the age of six months. This would allow for the presence of dogs born to a litter until they could be placed.

Otherwise, as I gather from what you have told me, the ordinance would put anyone who had a dog who gave birth to a litter of puppies in violation.

The ordinance needs to be well spelled out and should allow for younger "puppies" to remain until there has been a reasonable amount of time for them to be placed.

Woo Hoo!! Good one, Janette!