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West Valley City Journal

West Valley council to vote on pet ordinance March 5

Mar 05, 2019 09:58AM ● By Travis Barton

If approved, West Valley City residents would be allowed an exception to city code to own up to four household pets in any combination. (Pixabay)

By Travis Barton | [email protected]

 

A newly proposed city code would allow West Valley City residents to own a maximum of four household pets if approved by the city council on Tuesday, March 5. 

Previously, residents could own up to four household pets, but no more than two of any animal. Meaning someone could have two cats and two dogs. 

Under new city code exception, residents could have up to four household pets per address if issued a “Hobby Permit,” as long as they meet certain criteria: 

·     Owners must complete the applications and fees 

·     All dogs and cats are rendered sterile and microchipped

·     Adequate areas for confinement and shelter are provided

·     Owners have not violated this code within the past year

Discussions on the matter by city officials have happened intermittently dating back to last fall when Jim Vesock brought the issue to the city council. Vesock owns two cats and went to buy a third at the West Valley City Animal Shelter last fall, but was told no. 

Vesock agrees with the number (4), but not the maximum for each animal (2). He has consistently spoken during city council meetings and separately with councilmembers and city staff since November. 

While he disagrees with certain wording, Vesock is happy to see the ordinance coming before the council. 

“Please don’t call it a ‘hobby permit,’” Vesock told the council on Feb. 19. “Because when shelters are adopting pets out, they are looking for forever homes, not a hobby home.”  

Another resident, Vinh Nguyen, has four dogs he describes as “family.” Nguyen told city council the number of pets is less important than the responsibility and competency to accommodate the pets. 

The city council will vote on the proposed ordinance during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at city hall (3600 West Constitution Blvd.).