County Tightens Rules For Having Exotic Pets

Thu., May 6, 1999

By Dan Hansen danh@spokesman.com

Animals ruled Spokane County commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday.

During the same meeting at which they proclaimed “Be Kind to Animals Week” and honored three men who saved a girl from attacking dogs, commissioners tightened restrictions for keeping cougars, venomous snakes and other “inherently dangerous” pets.

In other action, commissioners considered whether a Valley man can build an office park on the bank of the Spokane River.

County residents with exotic pets no longer can skirt county regulations by obtaining a less restrictive permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A “one-strike-you’re-out” provision means one Spokane Valley family will have to sell their two cougars or move.

At least one of Randy and Glenda McGlenn’s pets has escaped its pen within the last two years, said Nancy Sattin, the county’s animal control officer. That violation of the ordinance will prevent them from getting a permit, Sattin said.

If the McGlenns don’t want to sell their cats or move to another county, they could buy a house in Spokane. The city has no ordinance for exotic animals.

Sattin presented certificates of appreciation to Tom Sweeney, Cleve McCool and Ronald Frazen, who beat off three Saint Bernards that attacked Cassie Jones in March.

Wearing a “Be Kind to Animals” sticker given her by Sattin, Jones, 11, shyly thanked her rescuers in person.

In the land-use matter, commissioners must decide whether to change the zoning on Tom Murphy’s 23 acres from agriculture to light industrial. After hearing Murphy’s arguments for the development, they put off the decision until June 15.

Murphy wants to build Rivercrossing Industrial Office Park adjacent to the state’s port of entry weigh station.

The land is sandwiched between Interstate 90 and the Spokane River, and is scarred by illegal dump sites, fire pits and informal roads from frequent trespassers. Murphy contends the ground is too rocky for agriculture and is too close to I-90 for building lots.

Hearing examiner Mike Dempsey last year rejected the zone change. Murphy appealed to commissioners.

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