Wellsville council adopts limit of three dogs per residential lot

The Wellsville City Council on Sept. 17 adopted a code amendment limiting dogs on residential lots to three. The council heard staff explanation, received no public testimony, then voted to adopt the change.

The adopted text places the limit at three dogs per residential lot and preserves a carve‑out for nursing puppies. Scott, a city staff member who explained the proposal at the public hearing, said: “Our number used to be 2. … We went up to 3,” and that “when they have puppies, they don't count.” He added that kennel licenses are allowed only in the city's commercial zone.

Mayor Bailey and council members asked how the rule would be enforced and whether lot size would affect the limit. Council members were told the rule is a per‑lot limit rather than square footage based. Scott said the usual enforcement approach is complaint driven and that the city generally gives 30 days for owners to reduce animals or find new homes when an owner exceeds the limit. He also said existing kennel licenses maintained under the prior code likely remain valid but that few such licenses exist.

The ordinance text and staff comments clarified that: puppies nursing their dam are excluded during the nursing period; kennel licenses historically required fencing and on‑site maintenance; and kennel licenses remain tied to the commercial zone. No public speakers requested changes during the hearing.

The council called for issuance of notices and follow‑up enforcement under the city's complaint process for any suspected violations. The council did not record a roll‑call vote in the minutes excerpt; the motion to adopt was moved and seconded and the council chair called for the ayes.

The city clerk will publish the adopted code language and follow the city's standard notice and enforcement procedures.