Published Thursday, May 27*, 1999 Hermitage is the last of six communities in the Mercer County Regional Council of Governments that will vote on the amendment, which includes a section that limits the number of cats and dogs to four in each household. Commissioners final vote is set for June 30.
The proposal was shot down Monday by Sharon council but Farrell, Sharpsville, West Middlesex, and Wheatland councils have approved it.
The ordinance does not apply to homes located on five or more acres of land, spayed or neutered animals, litters of newborn animals up to but not exceeding more than 90 days after birth. The proposal also does not cover recognized breeders, trainers or boarder kennels who are licensed, accredited and have a $50 permit from the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter.
"Dogs are personal property," explained Gerda Widmyer, enforcement officer for the Mercer County Humane Society, who said approving the ordinance meant law would supersede state law. "No one can tell you how much personal property you can have."
The proposal is only "hurting good pet owners," Mrs. Widmyer said.
Kathy Walcott of 3515 Lamor Road supported the argument by saying the proposal's acreage limit was discriminatory and would most likely encourage "backyard breeding" or irresponsible breeders.
Mrs. Walcott contended that there already leash-laws and nuisance complaints to fall back on for enforcement. The ordinance "does nothing to encourage responsibility," she added, but "punishes pure-breed fanciers."
Several others added their own jabs at the proposal and seemed to garner support from commissioners.
Both Board President Dr. John Coupland and Commissioner Joe Augustine, said they could identify with the pet owners and their concerns.
Augustine, who had four dogs, said he didn't agree with the limit or the renewable $50 fee that would be required of breeders.
Dr. Coupland, with five dogs, said he had all sorts of animals ranging from parrots to cats. "I have your sympathy," he said.
Mrs. Widmyer added by saying that other avenues should be looked at to halt the number explosion of the pet population.
"The biggest problem in 20 years has been the ineffectiveness of the Animal Shelter for whatever reason," said Mrs. Widmyer. "Try and get more grant money ... Limiting the number of pets is not the answer."
COG has one-full time warden to answer all animal calls. COG runs the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, which member municipalities fund at a cost of $1 per resident.
Debbie Shaulis, an independent animal rescue worker from Mercer, however supported the proposal, not uncommon in other areas around the United States. "The ordinance is better than nothing," she said. "I know its not perfect, not a cure-all."
"I sympathize with the responsible breeders but they are few and far between," she said.
