Amador County – Animal Control Director John Vail and representatives of the County Planning Department urged the Board of Supervisors last week to revisit and possibly amend existing County laws pertaining to kennel permits, with the issue eventually being tabled for further review by County staff. A “proposed resolution of intention to amend Title 19 (Zoning) and Title 8 (animals) was submitted to the board by the Planning Department, as is proper procedure. Planning Director Susan Grijalva wrote in the agenda that, “Existing and proposed situations have arisen demonstrating a review of the kennel ordinance and definitions may be warranted to more adequately meet the needs and desires of the County.” Specifically, she said “not all residential zone districts can apply for a non-commercial kennel permit to allow more than four dogs as personal pets” and “the responsibility for kennel regulations needs to be clarified.” Vail said there is no existing provision to make an exemption for people in some residential zones who may own more than four dogs due to circumstances. He recalled the story of a person who owned dogs and promised a dying relative that they would care for their four dogs as well. He said the current four dog limit was “set arbitrarily” some time ago and should be revisited. “When people have emotional ties or responsibilities to these animals, it’s not that simple for them to let go,” said Vail. He said that although he is sympathetic to their situation, his department “still has regulations they must enforce” which may result in taking away someone’s pets. Supervisors Richard Forster and Louis Boitano, both of whom were on the board when the four dog limit was set, opted not to revisit the basic number but said they were open to other solutions. Vail said some Supervisors have been contacted by citizens frustrated with current law, especially when it changes across different zones and regions. The Supervisors chose not to make any decisions regarding zone changes, and instead “unanimously moved to adopt a resolution of intention to initiate proceedings to consider changes.” Vail said that means the board approves of the idea but wants the Planning Department to create a plan with specific proposed changes. The Planning Department will bring suggestions for changes back to the board within the next month. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.-
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Amador County – Animal Control Director John Vail and representatives of the County Planning Department urged the Board of Supervisors last week to revisit and possibly amend existing County laws pertaining to kennel permits, with the issue eventually being tabled for further review by County staff. A “proposed resolution of intention to amend Title 19 (Zoning) and Title 8 (animals) was submitted to the board by the Planning Department, as is proper procedure. Planning Director Susan Grijalva wrote in the agenda that, “Existing and proposed situations have arisen demonstrating a review of the kennel ordinance and definitions may be warranted to more adequately meet the needs and desires of the County.” Specifically, she said “not all residential zone districts can apply for a non-commercial kennel permit to allow more than four dogs as personal pets” and “the responsibility for kennel regulations needs to be clarified.” Vail said there is no existing provision to make an exemption for people in some residential zones who may own more than four dogs due to circumstances. He recalled the story of a person who owned dogs and promised a dying relative that they would care for their four dogs as well. He said the current four dog limit was “set arbitrarily” some time ago and should be revisited. “When people have emotional ties or responsibilities to these animals, it’s not that simple for them to let go,” said Vail. He said that although he is sympathetic to their situation, his department “still has regulations they must enforce” which may result in taking away someone’s pets. Supervisors Richard Forster and Louis Boitano, both of whom were on the board when the four dog limit was set, opted not to revisit the basic number but said they were open to other solutions. Vail said some Supervisors have been contacted by citizens frustrated with current law, especially when it changes across different zones and regions. The Supervisors chose not to make any decisions regarding zone changes, and instead “unanimously moved to adopt a resolution of intention to initiate proceedings to consider changes.” Vail said that means the board approves of the idea but wants the Planning Department to create a plan with specific proposed changes. The Planning Department will bring suggestions for changes back to the board within the next month. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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