Download Written Suggestion for Amendment of Rural

Written Suggestion for Amendment of Rural Kennel or Cattery for County Commission
Alachua County Unified Land Development Code 410-30 P. 653 Rural Kennel or Cattery: An establishment not meeting
the definition of a private animal shelter or animal sanctuary where more than 10 dogs, 10 cats or 10 ferrets are kept on
premises for any purpose, commercial or otherwise, excluding any agricultural animals.
To Whom It May Concern For Those Citizens Who Are Very Concerned:
I believe the number of animals allowed to be possessed by a private owner needs to be lowered to 2 or 3 from the
current Code Stating Ten, due to public safety and respect for the neighbors of the individuals.
Ten is way too high a number of animals for any individual who does not own their own property providing a
yard; allowing adequate space for the animals and separation from their neighbors.
This can also lead to much worse conditions that are unhealthy and inappropriate for any residential
neighborhood as well as for the animals. This code also contributes to Animal Hoarding for those who already suffer from
pathological hoarding issues and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Two or three pets should be a number that a responsible pet owner is able to care for adequately in any size space
on most incomes without infringing on the rights of their neighbors.
If you have someone who has 2 or 3 cats or dogs; if by chance they are not spayed or neutered, you have a litter
on average of three to five (can be up to 8 for cats & 12 for dogs) then you have at least 3 to 12 instantly to find homes
for. This is why the code needs to be changed and the owners need to be responsible and Spay and Neuter their pets.
I believe that it is only common sense to lower the number of pets allowed to private owners without special
permits and meeting criteria for owning more than the afore mentioned 2 or 3.
Thank you,
Tammy Barnett
Reference Materials
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog] In domestic dogs, sexual maturity begins to happen around age six to twelve
months for both males and females,
[3][144]
although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds.
Dogs bear their litters roughly 56 to 72 days after fertilization,[3][145] with an average of 63 days, although the length of
gestation can vary. An average litter consists of about six puppies,[146]though this number may vary widely based on the
breed of dog. In general, toy dogs produce from one to four puppies in each litter, while much larger breeds may average
as many as twelve.
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat] heat periods occur about every two weeks and last about 4 to 7 days.
The gestation period for cats is between 64–67 days, with an average length of 66 days. The size of a litter averages three to five
kittens. Kittens are weaned at between six and seven weeks, and cats normally reach sexual maturity at 5–10 months (females) and to
[140]
5–7 months (males), although this can vary depending on breed.
Females can have two to three litters per year, so may produce up
to 150 kittens in their breeding span of around ten years.
The Effects of Breathing Ammonia in Cat Urine
http://www.ehow.com/list_6064294_effects-breathing-ammonia-cat-urine.html#ixzz1lcn3W9gG
Ammonia reacts with available moisture in the respiratory tract, oral cavity, eyes and the skin to produce
ammonium hydroxide. Excessive ammonium hydroxide leads to cellular destruction by disrupting lipids in the
cell membrane
•
Fainting & Vomiting: Inhalation of large quantities of ammonia causes immediate burning of the throat,
respiratory tract and nose. As a person is exposed to larger quantities of ammonia, he or she may start to feel
lightheaded and faint. Ammonia levels less than 1ppm (part per million) are deemed harmless. Levels greater than
25ppm cause nausea and headaches. Breathing in concentrations of ammonia greater than 300ppm can lead to death.
However, ammonia in cat urine typically remains at lower levels.
Eye & Skin Irritation: Excessive exposure to ammonia causes eye and skin irritation. Cat urine becomes embedded
in furniture, baseboards, carpeting and other areas, and causes health hazards. Individuals with weak immune
systems, allergies, asthma and other health conditions--such as migraines--are especially susceptible to the risks
associated with ammonia inhalation. Low concentrations of ammonia (50ppm) also cause rapid eye and skin
irritation. Prolonged exposure to a higher concentration of ammonia may cause permanent eye damage--or
blindness--and skin burns. Children are most at risk for eye and skin problems resulting from ammonia inhalation
due to their lower body-weight ratio as compared to adults.
Lung Irritation & Bronchitis: Inhalation of cat urine high in ammonia content causes tracheal burns,
nasopharyngeal, alveolar edema, bronchiolar edema and airway damage--leading to respiratory distress or
malfunction. Continual ammonia inhalation causes olfactory adaptation and fatigue. Presence of low levels of
ammonia is difficult to detect accurately, delaying corrective action and medical care till serious damage has set in.
Asphyxiation results in enclosed areas or those that are poorly ventilated.
Inhaling small to medium quantities of ammonia in cat urine causes cough, phlegm and leads to shortness of breath.
Inhalation of ammonia irritates the airways of the lungs, making it difficult for an individual to breathe easily.
Coughs that bring up phlegm are an indication of a respiratory infection.