Junction City approves ordinance limiting number of animals per residence

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (WIBW) - The Junction City Commission approved a City Ordinance on Tuesday limiting the number of animals allowed per residence.

Beginning on January 1, 2023, no household in Junction City will be allowed to own, harbor, or possess more than six dogs, cats, ferrets, or any combination of the three species. The previous limit was 19.

“It’s a public safety thing and as well as you know pets are family, so we don’t want to impede on that but we also want to make sure that there being taken care of. Just by limiting the number, we think that we make the community a little bit healthier, homes a little bit healthier, and then also better for the pets and the animals in the home,” said Jeff Underhill, Mayor of Junction City.

The City Commission determined to grandfather dogs, cats, or, ferrets which are licensed on or before December 30, 2022. Animals not licensed before January 1, 2023, will not be able to gain a grandfather status.

“In Junction City if you do have more pets than what the ordinance that was just passed allows you are grandfathered in but if that cat or dog or ferret passes then you can’t replace it, your house is not grandfathered in just those living pets,” said Underhill.

“We are not in the business of wanting to take people’s pets away from them so were wanting to make sure that people get this licensing taken care of so they can be grandfathered in cause we do want pets the ultimate goal is to keep them in their homes where they belong,” said Vanessa Gray, Director of Junction City Animal Shelter.

The City noted that the ordinance does not allow people to exceed the limitations on pitbull ownership or other limitations in the ordinances of the City.

“I understand especially with all the hoarding issues that are going on so I understand I approve of it. I don’t disagree with it at all honestly I feel like I agree with Crystal to be honest with all the hoarding cases and people not actually taking care of their animals does put a huge effect on those who need to start taking care of their animals,” said Crystal and Victoria Horton.

Owners who have been convicted of cruelty to animals will also have the grandfather status of their animals revoked.

Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved.