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Gates Town Board members moved to amend a law that limits town residents to two dogs.
Residents on both sides of the issue agreed with the change which would require those who have more than two dogs to get a special-use permit for each additional dog.
"Dog limit laws are necessary for harmony in our neighborhood," said town supervisor Mark Assini, who added that Gates has the smallest lot sizes in the county.
Gates residents Bill and Trish Contestabile were in favor of the change. The two spoke up after being charged by the town with violating the law in September. The family owns three dogs at their home on Charlene Drive.
Assini thanked the Contestabiles for their willingness to come forward.
"It's been a tough road because you had the courage to come forward. I'd like to thank you and compliment you. I think you're going to affect positive change," he said.
The home owner would apply for a special-use permit from the animal control officer. And the permits would be given out on a case-by-case basis. The owner must have no violations for the past 12 months prior to the application.
There will be a moratorium on the ordinance until Jan. 1, 2011.
The application fee for a special-use permit is $50, with a $25 annual fee.
"The intent of the change is to protect good owners, punish bad dog owners and maintain harmony in our neighborhood," Assini said.
Gates Town Board members moved to amend a law that limits town residents to two dogs.
Residents on both sides of the issue agreed with the change which would require those who have more than two dogs to get a special-use permit for each additional dog.
"Dog limit laws are necessary for harmony in our neighborhood," said town supervisor Mark Assini, who added that Gates has the smallest lot sizes in the county.
Gates residents Bill and Trish Contestabile were in favor of the change. The two spoke up after being charged by the town with violating the law in September. The family owns three dogs at their home on Charlene Drive.
Assini thanked the Contestabiles for their willingness to come forward.
"It's been a tough road because you had the courage to come forward. I'd like to thank you and compliment you. I think you're going to affect positive change," he said.
The home owner would apply for a special-use permit from the animal control officer. And the permits would be given out on a case-by-case basis. The owner must have no violations for the past 12 months prior to the application.
There will be a moratorium on the ordinance until Jan. 1, 2011.
The application fee for a special-use permit is $50, with a $25 annual fee.
"The intent of the change is to protect good owners, punish bad dog owners and maintain harmony in our neighborhood," Assini said.
