To the Arapahoe County Commissioners:

The Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs represents more than 27 AKC and UKC kennel clubs and their members in the state of Colorado. We are an organization formed to encourage and promote the welfare of dogs, and to protect and advance the interest of dogs and people connected with dogs. We do this primarily by working with state and local legislators to inform them about and encourage them to pass sensible dog-related laws. We also provide educational and resource assistance on dog related issues to the public as well as to legislators. Recent examples of our commitment to the communities of Colorado include a public education booth at the upcoming Colorado Family Pet Expo, as well as providing citizen expertise and participation on the Englewood Dangerous Dog Task Force Committee.

Our concerns include proposed changes to your county zoning ordinances that may adversely affect responsible dog owners. We have researched the proposed changes, and would like to offer some alternative solutions.

Proposed changes are:

1. PETS. “A limit of one (1) litter, brood, or offspring is permitted per household, per calendar year.”

2. PET RESCUE HOME. “…Pet Rescue Homes may have no more than six (6) pets that are in need of this service of a temporary basis….”

3. 1-1503 ACCESSORY USES. “Keeping of not more than four (4) pets as set forth in the Definition Section.”

Our suggestions:

In talking with your zoning department, as well as animal control division, there does not appear to be problems with the current laws which would justify such restrictive changes. Arapahoe County is a largely rural area, and many people move to such an area to be able to have animals and pets outside of the confines of a more metropolitan environment. As long as those pets and owners obey current nuisance, dangerous dog, and leash laws there should be no problem with having those animals. The above changes would penalize responsible dog owners who are not creating problems, and who are good neighbors in Arapahoe County.

We would suggest rather, that any concerns that may be being addressed with the above changes can be better served by using the existing PACFA (Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act 35-80-101) state laws enforced by the state agricultural department, and with your existing laws. Breeders producing ‘more than 2 litters or 24 puppies, whichever is greater,’ fall under PACFA licensing. Rescue homes also fall under PACFA regulations if they foster more than 24 animals combined in a year, or 15 animals at any one home. In the restriction of number of pets to 4 for agricultural zoning, which to my understanding is 35+ acres, you allow significantly more horses for this size property than being proposed for dogs and cats. Most horse properties will have more than 4 barn cats just to control rodents. Are they then not then allowed to have any pet dogs on those 35+ acres? PACFA also requires some type of licensing in cases of persons having more than 15 dogs or cats in any one residence so this would limit hoarding problems. Would this not be adequate to insure you do not end up with substandard breeding or rescue homes. This division of the state law has its own inspectors, and own budget. It would be better financially for Arapahoe County to make use of this resource, rather than changing laws that appear to need no change and would increase enforcement costs. If the proposed changes have been done to ‘bring the county into agreement with the surrounding counties,’ is there really a need to do so. What problems would such changes resolve? You have existing dangerous dog laws. You also have nuisance and licensing laws to address those areas of concern. Being overly restrictive with laws that cannot be enforced and that place unfair burdens on already responsible pet owners does not do justice to the county or its’ citizens. It also tends to cause people with pets exceeding such unrealistic limits, to hide rather than lose them. This lessens the physical exercise as well as medical care/vaccinations received by those pets because of the fear of being turned in and ticketed. Please reconsider these proposed changes.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Responsible dog owners such as those represented by the Federation are an asset to any community. They have extensive experience and expertise in all levels of dog training, provide public education on responsible dog ownership, the responsibilities of dog breeding and care, as well as participating in other activities. They train and work their dogs in search and rescue, as therapy dogs, agility, obedience, terrier trials, herding, hunting, tracking, and conformation showing. This is a part of your community that can be used as a resource for all things related to dogs and dog issues. We have the expertise and are willing to share it with you. We only ask in return that we be allowed to keep and enjoy our dogs in a pet friendly community. Education rather than restrictive legislation is the best key to making good pet neighbors. The zoning changes as proposed are not a good answer for Arapahoe County or its’ citizens. We look forward to working with you on this issue. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or if we can offer any expertise and resources.

Sincerely,

Linda Hart, Secretary

Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs, Inc