Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City council adopts three-dog limit for residential lots
Summary
The Wellsville City Council voted Sept. 17 to adopt a code amendment limiting residential properties to three dogs; more than three would require a kennel license allowed only in commercial zones. Councilors discussed enforcement and grandfathering before approving the change.
The Wellsville City Council voted Sept. 17 to adopt a change to its animal-control code limiting residential lots to three dogs.
Scott, a city staff member who presented the proposal, told the council the existing policy had been two dogs in earlier code and that the proposed revision sets a limit of three dogs per residential lot, with properties having more than three required to obtain a kennel license (permitted only in commercial zones). "So no more than 3 dogs per residential lot," Scott said during the public hearing explaining the draft language.
Council members discussed enforcement, barking complaints and whether existing kennel-license holders would be grandfathered. Scott said kennel licenses require ongoing maintenance and yearly fees; the staff recommendation was to retain kennel licensing for commercial zones and to apply the three-dog limit to residential lots going forward. Carl moved to adopt the amendment and Austin seconded; the council approved the motion by voice vote.
The code change restores a numeric limit that staff said had been discussed for years. The council did not publish a roll-call tally in the transcript; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff indicated they will follow up with details on enforcement timelines and steps for residents who need to come into compliance.
