Council limits number of pets

Area animal restrictions

Fairfield: 2

Middletown: 3

Oxford: 4

Liberty Twp.: 5

Dayton: 4

HAMILTON — Attention pet owners: If you have more than five cats or dogs, you are in violation of the law.

With only Mayor Pat Moeller voting no, City Council on Wednesday, Sept. 22, passed an ordinance restricting the number of household pets to no more than five adult cats and/or dogs, unless the area is zoned and licensed as a kennel.

The new law was prompted by the case of Gary Roberson who in June had to turn over 77 dogs to the animal shelter.

“The Ordinance Review Committee discussed the ramifications and felt, based on the experience one resident had, it was in the city’s interest to see what other municipalities do,” said Vice Mayor Rob Wile. “It’s not our intent to go door to door searching for pets, but to bring us to a standard on par with neighboring cities.”

Resident Andrew Meister, the owner of six beagles, urged City Council not to limit pets.

“My dogs are like my family. I love them,” he said. “How can you put a limit on dogs? I take good care of them and walk them. Hamilton has too many laws.”

Resident Dale McAllister said while the ordinance was well-intentioned, it’s too vague.

“We keep two pets in the house, but animals outside we’ll try to find homes for,” McAllister said. “Council should do things other than limit numbers of pets. We don’t have the manpower to enforce this.”

Councilwoman Kathleen Klink originally was against the measure, but changed her vote. “I’m philosophically against government getting involved in many parts of our life,” she said. “But the committee did its due diligence.”

Resident Jack Reynolds was in favor of the new law.

“Wild cats are dangerous, especially with kids around; they will eat you alive,” Reynolds said. “I would be happy to shoot as many as you’d let me.”

For those found guilty, the penalty will result in a $150 fine for the first offense, $500 fine for the second offense, and $750 fine and/or 90 days in jail for a third offense.

In other city news, the Hamilton Police Department and members of U.S. Department of Justice are meeting from 8 a.m. to noon today at police headquarters, 331 S. Front St., to kick off the start of the police force’s diversity training. Residents are encouraged to attend.