Idaho Falls considers new animal ordinance
The Idaho Falls City Council unanimously passed the first reading of a new animal ordinance Thursday, that will adjust the number of dogs allowed in each house, as well as change non-commercial kennel licenses.
Residents currently are allowed two dogs in each home, unless they have a non-commercial kennel license., which allows up to five dogs in a home if they get onsent from neighbors. City council is considering a new ordinance that would delete the non-commercial license requirements, including the requirement for neighbors consent.
“75 percent of neighbors within 100 feet of the home had to approve of those looking to get a non-commercial kennel license. This has caused a lot of problems within neighborhoods,” Said Animal Services supervisor Irene Brown.
The new ordinance would allow families to own three dogs instead of two without a license.
“Our zoning ordinance really does not allow for the non-commercial kennels,” said Brown. “We’ve been in direct violation of our zoning ordinance forever. When we got our new city attorney that’s one of the things he noted, that we have some issues there.”
If the council implements the new ordinance, those who have a current non-commercial kennel license will be grandfathered in. Five dogs will be permitted under the license until kennel capacity naturally decreases to three dogs.
City council will hear two more readings of the proposed ordinance. They will be accepting public comment at their next meeting on Nov. 6th at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
A full copy of the proposed ordinance can be made available by calling the Idaho Falls City Clerk’s Office at (208) 612-8415.
