Purr and grrr over Tacoma pet laws

Passionate pet lovers peppered the Tacoma City Council with opinions on proposed animal control laws for more than two hours Tuesday night.

Stiffening the city's spay-and-neuter laws is an act of kindness because it could lead to fewer unwanted dogs and cats being euthanized, many said.

Forcing pet owners to alter their animals or buy a breeder's license would harm people who want to show their purebreds, many others said.

Banning livestock from the city would deprive many residents of a little bit of the country in an urban setting, still more said.

Some four dozen people queued up to the microphone in the City Council chambers to let verbal fur fly over proposed changes to the city's animal control laws.

The proposals, still in draft form, would:

-- Force owners who do not have their dogs or cats altered to buy a breeder's license, even if they don't plan to breed their pets.

-- Make spaying and neutering mandatory for impounded dogs and cats. Owners would pay the cost.

-- Limit the number of unaltered dogs and cats you could own to two each.

-- Ban chickens, horses, mules, cattle, llamas, sheep, goats, pigs and other livestock.

-- Stiffen dangerous-dog rules.

-- Ban pet ownership for residents defined as "problem owners."

Council members know the proposals are controversial.

The public hearing Tuesday night was called to gather public opinion while revisions to animal control laws are considered.

"We have a ways to go before anything comes before us for final consideration," Mayor Bill Baarsma said.

About half of those who testified believe the council already has it right.

"I'm really glad you're being proactive on this. I'd like to see it passed," said Eschelle English, who owns property on the Hilltop.

Dogs roaming the neighborhood scare away prospective tenants, she added.

"We need help. Please help," said Kay Farrell, pointing out stiffer laws might mean fewer unwanted animals killed because there are no homes for them.

About 10,000 animals were euthanized in Pierce County last year, Humane Society officials say. Of those, some 2,500 were described as healthy, adoptable dogs and cats.

Dog breeders and dog fanciers who spoke against the draft proposals say they're pet lovers, too.

But responsible owners would be penalized for the actions of backyard breeders, dangerous-dog owners and people who let unlicensed pets run loose, they argued.

"The same people who let their dogs run amok, their kids run amok," said Marjorie Bakken, who breeds Chesapeake Bay retrievers.

Jesse Taylor, a 30-year Tacoma resident and occasional breeder, said people who treat dogs as "disposable" are the real villains.

"Education is the key, not penalties," he said.

Several other speakers echoed that sentiment, urging partnerships between the city and kennel clubs to help people understand the values of licensing dogs and cats and having them altered.

Wallis Roarke, past president of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County and a 20-year dog breeder, said she supports the so-called mandatory spay/neuter concept. But she also believes "there's room for compromise."

Owners of assorted livestock, meanwhile, just want their chickens and goats and ducks and horses to stay peaceably in their Tacoma yards and pastures.

Danielle Harrington told council members her urban hens "are not a noise nuisance except when they lay their eggs."

"They get a little proud," she said.

What's next

The Tacoma City Council's Public Safety and Human Services Committee will review comments from the public and discuss possible revisions to the proposed animal control laws next year. There will be more chances for public comment, and there is no set timeline for action. residents share opinions with TACOMA CITY COUNCIL

"This is my midlife crisis to show my dog. We don't even know if we're going to breed her or not. ... I urge you to use common sense and restraint."

Teri Kruse, owner of Lily, a 2-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, speaking against proposed breeder's license.

"A proactive spay/neuter law is a much better way (to control animal populations) than waiting for them to be born and then euthanizing them."

Austin Gates, speaking for the Washington State Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies.

"In the 30 years that I've been breeding, not a single one of my dogs has ever appeared at the pound."

Jesse Taylor, saying proposed laws would penalize responsible breeders.

"Allowing children to keep small animals ... increases their sense of responsibility, work ethic and empathy."

Debbi Needham, whose two daughters help care for 10 miniature exhibition Call ducks and four geese.

"In a lot of cases, you are banning people's best friends."

Catherine Wolfe, 11, who owns cats, but spoke against banning livestock in Tacoma.

"Dogs can't make responsible decisions about whether they're going to breed or not. People have to do it."

John Gamache

"If our dog got out and was neutered ... it would have ruined her career in junior showmanship."

Julie Short, speaking about daughter Amber Short who earned three AKC scholarships showing Alfie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

"I'm sure you will find that the responsible breeders are already in compliance" with animal control laws.

Paula Dempsey, a breeder of English setters.

"We simply cannot continue to destroy (unwanted animals) in the numbers that we do."

Sue Hayes, a Humane Society volunteer.

"Altering an animal -- possibly a valuable show dog or cat -- significantly impacts the owner's property interest."

Stacie Knudtsen, speaking against draft animal control laws.