CENTRAL POINT — The City Council will reconsider a proposed animal ordinance that would have banned specific types of pets, after residents questioned the regulations at a Thursday night meeting.
The ordinance would have banned a specific list of animals — including raccoons, wolves, wild cats and snakes of a certain length.
Existing pets could be grandfathered in, though owners of prohibited pets would have had to register with city code enforcement officials by March 12. Replacement animals would not have been allowed.
Interest in the proposal drew a capacity audience to council chambers and spurred a lengthy discussion. Council members and residents felt the proposed ordinance, as written, could prove too restrictive.
"I'm uncomfortable with a list saying we can't do A, B, C and D with these animals," said Matt Stephenson, a new member of the council. "I've got an issue with some of these animals on the list. I just think this is way too restrictive."
Advertisement | |
Review of the city's existing animal ordinance was initiated this fall over concerns from neighbors of Blue Grass Downs homeowner Nick Kessler and his pet bobcat, Kona. Kessler bought his home this past summer. Having faced complaints in another neighborhood, and been given approval by a court judge to keep Kona as a house pet, Kessler said he did not expect to face the same charges again.
Kessler holds a permit from the local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to keep his 60-pound cat, one of a half-dozen in Jackson County and 54 in the state.
Kessler spoke at Thursday's meeting to oppose banning certain types of pets.
"The bottom line is an animal is an animal. It comes down to the owner," Kessler said, suggesting an ordinance for "bad pet owners."
Central Point resident Cathy Eppinger agreed, suggesting that "rather than ban these animals from your city," the council consider regulations to protect any animal from neglect or otherwise poor care.
Urged resident Mary Anderson, "Don't allow over-anxious people who may have an agenda tell you what to do or what not to do."
Council members Bruce Dingler, Kay Harrison and Stephenson agreed to work with city staff to draft an ordinance with simpler language and fewer specific restrictions.
City administrator Phil Messina said the issue would be revisited during a Feb. 22 meeting.
Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at buffypollock@juno.com.
