Superior’s License and Fees Committee is recommending changes to its dog license ordinance to allow pet owners a choice in animals.
The ordinance adopted in 2009 allowed pet owners to have up to three cats and three dogs per dwelling.
The proposed change won’t change the number of animals people are allowed to own; however, it will allow people to decide whether their six animals are cats, dogs or some combination of both.
Humane Officer Mandy Hammer said one of the issues she’s run into in issuing licenses for dogs is the city’s ordinances only permit people to have three dogs legally. However, it’s the responsible dog owners - those who provide good care for their animals and properties - who are being turned away.
In one case, she said one pet owner has six dogs, five of which are used for mushing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hammer recommended adopting the Wisconsin multiple dog license as a solution. The state law allows to pay $35 for 12 dogs or fewer, and $3 each for each one in excess of 12.
However, committee members were more interested in changing configuration of animals people could own and capping the number at six.
Cat licenses aren’t required in Superior.
People could own five dogs and one cat, or four dogs or two cats, said Jack Sweeney, committee chairman.
The advantage of the change is that it will let the city know who has a large number of dogs, City Clerk Terri Kalan said.
The Superior City Council will consider the ordinance change when it meets at 6:30 p.m. July 17 in Room 201 of the Government Center, 1316 N. 14th St.
