Pets Policy

Pets

MLC Pet Policy

People have license to walk through our community in peace and to live in our community in peace.  Folks without pets have the right to not be harassed by the pets of others.  We also believe it is a privilege to live with these wonderful critters known as dogs and cats.  People need to be able to have pets; our furry companions enrich our lives in many ways. The goal of this Pet Policy is to respect the rights of the humans and the animals.

DOGS BITING PEOPLE:

The circumstances of the attack will be investigated by the parties involved.  We recommend that a first-time unprovoked attack be reported to the dog’s owner, to the Alternate Current, and posted at the mailbox.  The coordinator shall keep a file on such dog history.  If two unprovoked attacks occur, the Leon County Animal Control division will be asked to intervene.  After a biting incident, the dog’s owners will keep their dog confined at home or on leash when walked through the community.  The owner is to be held ultimately responsible for such dog misbehavior; owners of dogs that bite will appear before Town Council.  TC has the option to recommend that a dog be considered “canine non gratis” and will recommend relocation (off the Co-op) of said dog.

If a dog bite occurs:

  • The owner of the pet and the person attacked need to talk to one another immediately and identify the problem.
  • If the parties cannot resolve the problem alone, contact the coordinator or the Conflict Resolution Team to arrange mediation.
  • If mediation efforts are unsuccessful, bring the issue to Town Council for resolution.

DOGS ATTACKING CATS:

When dogs attack or kill cats on the cat’s (owner’s) property, said dog will be considered “canine non gratis” and will be removed from the Co-op if they are not constantly contained after such an attack.  This applies to instances wherein cats have been killed on their own property by invading dogs.  We recognize that cats allowed to roam from their own property run into many hazards.  After an attempted attack on a cat, the dog’s owners will keep their dog confined at home or on leash when walked through the community.

If a dog attacks a cat:

  • The owner of the dog and the owner of the cat attacked need to talk to one another immediately and identify the problem.
  • If the parties cannot resolve the problem alone, contact the coordinator or the Conflict Resolution Team to arrange mediation.
  • If mediation efforts are unsuccessful, bring the issue to Town Council for resolution.

PROBLEMATIC BARKING AND HOWLING:

Dogs often bark when someone comes on or near their territory.  Problematic barking and howling, however, is when a dog barks continuously, or when dogs get into a pattern of continuous barking or howling, or when there are several dogs in close proximity barking frequently.  It is absolutely the responsibility of the dog’s owner to work with their dog to alter that behavior.  The owner is responsible for stopping the dog’s continuous barking or howling.  The owner of the dog(s) is responsible for complying with the Pet Policy. The coordinator will be aware of the progress of each complaint.

If a dog or dogs are problematic barkers & howlers:

  • The owner of the pet and the neighbor involved need to talk to one another immediately and identify the problem.
  • If the parties cannot resolve the problem alone, contact the coordinator or the Conflict Resolution Team to arrange mediation.
  • If mediation efforts are unsuccessful, bring the issue to Town Council for resolution.

DOGS RUNNING LOOSE:

In accordance with the Leon County leash law, dogs are to remain on their own property, when not under positive control of their owners.  Non-compliance with the leash law may likely result in your dog being impounded by the animal shelter.

If a dog or dogs are in violation of the leash law:

  • The owner of the pet and the neighbor involved need to talk to one another immediately and identify the problem.
  • If the parties cannot resolve the problem alone, contact the coordinator or the Conflict Resolution Team to arrange mediation.
  • If mediation efforts are unsuccessful, bring the issue to Town Council for resolution.

Cats:

Cats are committed hunters of wild life.  We live in a wildlife refuge –  We have a responsibility to our furry, scaly, and feathery friends, as well as to our domestic critters.  Owners of outdoor cats are strongly encouraged to put collars with bells on their cats.

**********************************************************************

We recognize that the pet owners of the Co-op take responsibility for their pets’ behavior and well-being.

All MLC animal owners will ensure that their pets are humanely cared for at all times.  This includes:

Having fresh water available at all times

                              Ensuring that pets are well-nourished

                              Keeping pets’ vaccinations current

                              Providing access to proper shelter

                              Not allowing pets to breed indiscriminately

Because of Leon County’s massive animal overpopulation problem, it is strongly recommended MLC animal owners have their pets spayed or neutered.

Approved by Town Council 11/17/16

Post navigation