Airway Heights looks at pet rules

Airway Heights resident Verne Patten took a quick survey of City Council members Monday to see who owned household pets.

Most raised their hands – a few owned cats.

“Why can’t we license cats and make sure that they’re kept under control?” Patten asked.

Some members seemed reluctant to do so. The city of Airway Heights is trying to sort out some snags in recent animal regulation changes to address new fees, cat licenses and miniature livestock.

Patten, a former council member, said he is tired of stray cats tearing up his tulip garden, chasing off birds and making noise.

“Every night I have a yard full of cats,” he said. “Cats are a free agent. Why?”

Mayor Matthew Pederson said the issue was divisive among citizens and council members. The council had been unable to deal with the issue when replacing the former municipal animal codes on March 6.

Now the city hopes to fill holes in the code, while taking on new issues.

“Have we considered miniature animals?” Pederson asked during the discussion.

Some people have turned to pot-bellied pigs or miniature goats for companionship, he said. Those may be considered pets, but are prohibited under city regulations against livestock and exotic animals.

He said the council could consider allowing those animals if owners are held to the same standards of quiet and cleanliness as dog and cat owners.

“I don’t think it’d be much of an impact,” Pederson said.

Accounting-records clerk Victor Bolstad began rewriting the animal codes earlier this year when multiple wording and regulation inconsistencies were discovered.

“This thing was pretty screwed up to begin with,” said Lee Bennett, interim city manager.

The rewritten codes include changes to dog licensing fees, which had been changed so those older than 65 years old could get free or reduced licensing for dogs. The previous age limit was 62.

Bolstad said he is just trying to put the age limit back where it was. A new code would also reduce fees for service dogs and correct several grammar or punctuation mistakes in the March codes.

The March revision initially included licensing requirements for cats, but that was dropped before the code could pass the council. Pederson said Spokane was the only area city he could think of that required cat licenses.

Patten said he just wants some accountability for cat owners. He has resorted to setting traps for the cats in his yard.

Another resident said his cat had been caught in someone’s trap and injured. The city should take care of the situation before other animals are hurt.

“Your comments do not fall on deaf ears,” Pederson said.

The issue is sure to come before the council again, he said. The rewritten municipal code, including its new aspects, will be open for input throughout its later reviews.