The topic received more than 90 comments online at journal-news.com since the original story was posted Thursday, Sept. 23. Citizens have the ability to request a petition for referendum, as outlined in Article IV of the city’s charter, one possibility for overturning the ordinance.
Mayor Pat Moeller, the sole “no” vote, disagrees with limiting the number of animals in households.
“The legislation should be based on the type of owner and if they can handle the animals responsibly,” Moeller said.
A Ross Avenue resident, who asked not to be named to protect her cats, has been researching the ordinance and action she can take against it. “I have the finances to care for stray cats and they are healthy,” she said. “My neighbors don’t have a problem with it.”
The West Side resident said the restriction could impact the economy, as she spends around $15,000 a year on her 17 cats.
Vice Mayor Rob Wile said via e-mail, “The intent of this ordinance is not to create an overseeing body that will go door to door counting pets. The intent is to have an ordinance in place so if a nuisance environment were to exist, the city would be able to respond.”
Hoarding cases, such as Gary Roberson, who turned over 77 dogs from his Ross Avenue home to the animal shelter this summer are relatively rare, said Karen Minton, director of Ohio’s Humane Society of the United States.
“It’s a pretty strong reaction, but we applaud a council for trying to be proactive,” said Minton, adding that typically there are provisions for responsible owners to apply for permits or get grandfathered in.
The ordinance will be enforced as complaints are filed with the health department.
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