Animal Ordinance

Several months ago I blogged about animals in the city.  Many constituents have contacted me and requested that they be allowed to raise goats in residential areas.  I am inclined to support efforts to expand urban farming, and this seems consistent with those efforts.

A draft ordinance before the Planning and Public Works Committee would ban all horses, cows, hogs, pigs, and goats in the city except for miniature versions.  While this seems straightforward, it is complicated by the fact that apparently several people keep horses in their yards in residential areas, particularly in our rural settlement areas.  There is currently at least one miniature horse in the city and recently a full size horse.

So what is the solution?  Should we have lot size requirements for keeping farm animals, like the ordinance recently enacted in Wilmore?  If so, what should be the minimum?  Should we allow all animals and regulate them on the basis of nuisance?  Stay tuned.  This matter will be back before the Planning and Public Works Committee on December 6th (NOTE: MEETING POSTPONED, NEW DATE TO BE SET) at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers.  A copy of the meeting packet will be available a few days prior to the meeting and can be obtained online by clicking on the notice for that meeting on the Calendar of events.