04-22-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 22, 2009 AMENDMENT The City Administrator reported that Paul and Sharon Anderson, 775 East TO THE DOG Viking Drive, have requested an amendment to the Municipal Code so that ORDINANCE - they can have four dogs which they use in their pet therapy volunteer PAUL efforts. The Administrator reported that the City's animal ordinance limits ANDERSON the maximum number of animals to three. The Adminisriator noted the correspondence in the agenda packet from the Anderson's outlining their pet therapy volunteer efforts as well as information about the Delta Society which certified animals for pet therapy. The Administrator then reviewed a proposed ordinance amendment providing for up to four pet therapy animals under certain conditions. Paul Anderson appeared before the Council and reported that he and his wife have been active in pet therapy since 2007. They currently have two huskies that are Delta Society certified as pet therapy animals. Anderson described their pet therapy visits to St. Joe's Hospital, the VA, the Spinal Cord Injury Center, Woodwinds, and various senior residences. Anderson reported that they have a very robust volunteer schedule, and he and his wife would like to add another team of dogs so that visits could be rotated between two teams. He reported that this is strictly a volunteer effort on their part. Blesener asked how long the Anderson's envisioned that they would continue with their volunteer effort. Anderson replied that they would like to continue the level of volunteer effort they currently have for as long as possible. Anderson reported that this is their unique way of making a difference. Anderson also reported that he has discussed what they do with their neighbors, as well as their desire to add another dog team, to ensure that they are not a nuisance to their neighbors. Anderson reported that the Delta Society certification process takes several months. He also indicated that he understands the challenges that the City has faced in the past with kennel situations and people owning too many animals. Anderson reported that their dogs are active work dogs. He also reported that he has reviewed the ordinance amendment as proposed and is confident that they can comply with all requirements. Blesener asked about the future when the dogs are too old to work and whether the Anderson's would want to add additional younger dogs without giving up the older ones. Anderson reported that they understand they would be limited to four dogs and would not request additional animals. Montour asked how many Delta Society certified animals are working in the area. Anderson reported that there are many other teams. Regions Hospitals has other teams. St. John's Hospital does not have regular teams, but only uses pet therapy animals on a case-by-case basis.