Aldermen consider additional changes to animal control ordinance

By: Mark Johnson

As Raytown prepares to enact a new animal control ordinance beginning Sunday, July 1, the Raytown Board of Aldermen is still considering making minor changes to related legislation.

The legislation includes the number of birds a resident can own, breeding and restrictions on tethering animals.

At the board meeting on June 19, Alderman Jim Aziere asked for a lifting on the proposed number of four exotic birds that could be kept at a residence, citing the therapeutic effects of birds found at area nursing homes.

“The problem is how do you define exotic birds,” Alderwoman Barb Schlapia said. “Do you really want more than four peacocks in a back yard?”

There were then several questions about what constituted an exotic bird.

City Attorney Nancy Thompson said exotic birds are usually defined as birds not indigenous to the state.

Alderwoman Marilyn Fleming said she wouldn't have a problem with residential care facilities having more than four exotic birds.

“I just don't want to say let anyone in the city have all the birds they want,” she said. “I really don't want to see 700 birds in a three-bedroom home.”

Alderman Greg Walters agreed with Fleming about the potential problems that could come with removing restrictions on fowl.

Walters also said he was concerned about people breeding animals in Raytown, even with restrictions that could impact pet owners.

“The problem is that you have hobby breeders who do it on a regular basis,” he said. “This is not a good health situation for any neighborhood.”

Walters said it was going to be a difficult issue to deal with.

“There is not a simple answer,” he said.

Alderman Jim Hamilton asked for consideration of another aspect of the proposed legislation that dealt with tethering.

“As it's written now, it seems to restrictive to me,” he said.

Hamilton proposed allowing short-term tethering in front yards while the animal is under visible supervision.

The Raytown Board of Aldermen is scheduled to continue considering the proposed legislation at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 3.

Raytown Editor Mark Johnson can be reached at 358-6397 or mjohnson@npgco.com.