E. Dundee board to revisit limit on number of pets

Debbie Freese and her husband Ken Yokers want to bring Rosco home to their family, but the East Dundee code currently doesn't allow it.

That's because Rosco is a collie. The village code limits the number of pets to four animals with no more than three dogs or cats. Freese and Yokers already have Jessie, a 7-year-old beagle mix, and 7-year-old Pomeranians Cody and Wolfe.

"I don't want an ordinance, I just want a permit to have an extra dog," Freese said. "I want to adopt a dog from the collie rescue because one of our dogs just died, and the others need another friend."

Some trustees Monday said they were willing to revisit the pet ordinance to allow Rosco, a 2-year-old collie, to join the rest of the brood.

Trustee Jim Carlini said he would be in favor of allowing a fourth dog, especially when owners are abandoning pets due to financial struggles, he said.

"I don't see an issue with people having four dogs as long as they are well-cared-for," Carlini said. "They are serving the community because some people are giving up, abandoning their pets. We should be coming down on people who are not taking care of their pets."

But Trustee Jeff Lynam said allowing an amendment or variation to the pet ordinance will open the door for exceptions to other village codes.

"I don't see what the benefit is of having another dog," Lynam said. "I can be swayed one way or another, but where does it end? Six months later, someone will come to the board and says, 'I need a fifth dog.' Where do we draw the line?"

Some trustees suggested allowing four dogs or cats, while others said the size of the property should determine the allowable number of dogs.

The board will consider changes to the ordinance at its next board meeting Monday, April 20, at village hall.