Rules change for owners of multiple pets in Chattanooga
November 29th, 2015 by Steve Johnson in Local Regional News
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Chattanooga City Council passes animal permit ordinance  (11/18/2014)

After more than two years of debate between city officials and residents, officials in Chattanooga now can begin enforcing rules concerning animal permits.

The Chattanooga City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to pass an ordinance creating provisions for the permitting of animal dealers, kennels, animal performances, rescue organizations and dogs in outdoor dining establishments.

Council members Moses Freeman, Carol Berz, Yusuf Hakeem, Chip Henderson and Ken Smith voted to pass the ordinance. Russell Gilbert and Chairman Chip Henderson voted against the measure. Chris Anderson and Larry Grohn were absent.

Before the meeting, Animal Control Board Chairman Mike Mallen said the ordinance was first held up last summer by a controversial section to allow urban chickens proposed by Councilman Chris Anderson. After the section was scrapped, more delays came, he said.

"The ordinance has been up for consideration three or more times only to be pushed back into reconsideration based on either poultry or politics," Mallen said.

With the ordinance passed, the animal board will be able to start functioning as it should -- as a regulatory board.

"The good news is, we get to turn our attention to becoming a hearing body, and actually, I hope, making a difference for public health, safety and welfare," Mallen said.

But Mallen said the board was working to make the rules palatable to the very end.

Nearly two weeks ago, the board met with a group of breeders who were concerned about some definitions.

After hearing concerns from dog enthusiasts, the board decided to exempt hobby breeders -- those who breed two or fewer litters a year -- and "companion animal" events, such as agility contests, from requiring permits.

But Sandra Weigle, a member of the Chattanooga Kennel Club, said some of the rules still need work. The hobby breeders definition favors large-breed dog owners, she said.

"If you have a small dog, a litter could be two puppies. If you have a Labrador, golden retriever or something like that, two litters could be 26 puppies," Weigle said.

But by and large, Weigle said, the rules as written will work for now.

"I think they were cooperative to an extent, but didn't come through with quite everything they said they would," she said.

Gilbert said after the meeting he voted no because he felt the ordinance needed more teeth to use against residents who are illegally breeding dogs.

"It's great for the people who are doing right. But we don't have anything in this ordinance to deal with the people who are doing things illegally," Gilbert said.

Henderson said after the meeting he felt the ordinance could hinder economic development by making the city appear to to be unfriendly toward pets and pet owners.

Contact staff writer Louie Brogdon at lbrogdon@timesfreepress.com, @glbrogdoniv on Twitter or at 423-757-6481.

Here is the link to the Ordinance:   Animal Ordinance as passed 11-18-2014

Chattanooga Kennel
Club, Inc.

ANIMAL ORDINANCE