Montrose City Council Members,

Thank you for your time. I have lived in Montrose for the last 3 years or so. It has recently come to my attention that I am not in compliance with ordinance 2339: "2 dog and 2 cat limit imposed on city residents". Prior to a neighbor complaining to animal control about my dogs barking while I was at work, I was completely unaware of the limit on dogs and cats. The barking issue has been addressed; however, my neighbor found it necessary to inform animal control that I have 3 dogs as well. I have had several conversations with animal control officers and the strict guidelines for variance application do not apply to my situation. I have done a significant amount of research on this topic and I am confused why a rural city would impose a limit on dog and cat ownership. Just 2 dogs and 2 cats?

A responsible dog (or cat) owner is not defined by the number of animals they own, but by the manner in which the owners care for the animals and their neighbor’s wellbeing. For example: The lady that complained about my barking dogs, walks her little dog around the neighborhood and lets it poop in other people’s yards. I don't believe that is responsible pet ownership nor does it promote the interests of health, safety, general welfare and comfort to the community.  And my flowers don't like it either.  Additionally, this ordinance is only enforceable through neighborhood complaints. How does this ordinance foster a sense of community and neighborhood cohesion, especially when it pits neighbors against each other? 

I would like to formally request a review and reevaluation of ordinance 2339 section 6-2-3. The Montrose restriction of 2 dogs and 2 cats is far more restrictive than other cities in the state. Many of these cities are much larger than Montrose and allow more animals. For example: Montrose County does not have a limit on dog and cat ownership (that I could find anyway, website had no limits mentioned and the County Sheriff’s office is unaware of any limiting ordinance) Brighton, CO - 4 dogs and 4 cats, Grand Junction, CO - 3 dogs and 3 cats (or 6 animals total), CO. Springs - 4 dogs and 4 cats (CO Springs is roughly 25 times the size of Montrose). As a responsible pet owner of 3 obedient and well trained (but not perfect) dogs, any imposed number of pets doesn’t make sense to me. I do understand the position of City council to provide a blanket or “ounce of prevention” to deter irresponsible pet ownership and over burden to our law enforcement officers; however, the current ordinance limiting 2 dogs and 2 cats does not address responsible pet owner rights and privileges in the city. 

I was curious if I was the only one in this predicament or felt this way, so I started a petition. The petition was generated online and distributed through local Face Book groups, Montrose message boards and others. In 4 days I have received over 160 signatures and over 1000 views. This indicates to me there is a significant number of local pet owners that feel the same way.  

According to COLORADO.COM “Colorado is one of the most dog friendly states in the country” Let’s make the City of Montrose a dog and cat friendly place by writing some ordinances that make sense and are applied to the well being of the animals.    

I would be more than willing to participate in discussions and provide some constructive suggestions.