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New ordinances for Elizabeth City pet owners

Posted at 1:19 PM, Sep 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-29 18:33:50-04

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - Having too many furry friends could cost you in Elizabeth City.

Monday, the city council enacted several new animal ordinances.

The memorandum presented Monday said there was not clear from the ordinance if animals kept within the homes were included along with those kept outside the homes.

The language has been changes to state "No person shall keep more than three animal at any given time within a residence or toher enclosed space and/or in any yard or lot within the city, in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare."

Pet Owner Ann Hoffman doesn't think three is enough.

"That seems a little conservative to me. Many dog owners know that dogs do better when there`s a second dog in the environment," Hoffman explained.

They also changed their nuisance policy saying if a dog repeatedly disturbs or annoys human beings, damages gardens, bark/howl excessively they are now a nuisance.

The homeowner will have 24 hours after being notified to address the issue.

Also, dogs are no long able to be leashed to any inanimate object.

“If you’re gonna have a dog, you need to interact with it," Sonia Brake, who agrees with the change, said. "Have part of the family and be a good master. Teach them being around people how they’re supposed to act.”

The changes are now in effect.

To see the complete update to the ordinances, click here.