Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 5, 1991 TAG: 9103051263
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
George Snead, director of administration and safety, said city officials are reviewing a proposed ordinance that was aired at a public hearing late last year. Changes may be made before a presentation.
"We are considering the comments at the hearing - and trying to determine if there are other things we should consider," Snead said. There are strong emotions on both sides of the issue, he said.
The proposed measure would have prohibited residents from keeping more than six cats. If the cats had not been spayed or neutered, only four could be kept.
Cat lovers fiercely attacked the proposed ordinance. They said it was misguided because it would penalize responsible owners who keep their animals inside and take good care of them, but would not force irresponsible owners to care for their cats.
They argued there should be no restrictions on the number of cats that are kept indoors if the owners properly feed and care for them.
But others said the city needs regulations so it can eliminate problems where large numbers of cats are kept in residential areas and have become a nuisance to neighbors.
Several residents on Chesterfield Street and Mountain View Terrace Southwest complained about odor problems and related nuisances that have been caused by more than 35 cats kept by a nearby resident.
Some cat owners have suggested that the city should require the licensing of cats and enacting an ordinance similar to the leash law for dogs. They said this would prevent cats from roaming in neighborhoods.
But state law does not permit cities to require cats to be licensed. City officials have said there could be problems in enforcing a leash law for cats if they are not licensed and the city can't determine ownership.
by CNB