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County limit of 3 pets is slammed

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@theCitizenNews.com

All Kim Finck wants to do is to keep her pets in the loving home she’s provided.

“The thought of choosing which two to get rid of is like having to choose between kids,” Finck told the County Commission earlier this month.

Finck, who lives on North Fayette Drive, said she received a visit from a county marshal after one of her neighbors complained when one of Finck’s pets escaped from the yard.

Finck has three dogs and two cats. She was informed by the marshal that she’s violating the county’s animal ordinance which allows residents in unincorporated Fayette County to have only three dogs and cats, total.

“They have all their shots and flea medicine, and we keep them in the yard,’ she said.

Finck was unaware of the county’s ordinance.

“I’ve lived here for more than 20 years and have never heard about it,” she said.

The County Commission told Finck to contact acting County Administrator Chris Venice about her situation. Venice said the ordinance has been on the books for more than 20 years.

According to the ordinance, if you have more than three cats or three dogs or any combination of cats and dogs that adds up to more than three, you’re considered a kennel operation and have a whole different set of regulations to follow.

The ordinance applies to all zoning classifications outside cities, including agricultural. Under county rules, it’s possible to keep dozens of cows and horses in an agricultural district and be in compliance, but to be in violation with over three cats or dogs on the same acreage.

The marshals were supposed to come to Finck’s house May 9 and further discuss the situation, but postponed the visit. The Planning Commission tomorrow night will discuss the definition of a kennel, which could affect the future of Finck’s pets.

Finck is pleased she got a reprieve, and hopes it’s permanent.

“I think they should change the number to six and I’ve got more than 100 people on a petition who agree with me,” she said.

The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. at the meeting room at the county’s administrative complex on Stonewall Avenue.