Providence’s “Three-Dog Limit” is Fiscal Tyranny: Guest MINDSETTER™ Espinal
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Let me tell you a little love story that ends in fiscal tyranny.
You meet the love of your life. You plan on buying a lovely home in our capital city to enjoy the fruits of your labor and contribute to society as members of the tax-paying community. Oh, but hold on there, Sparky, not so fast!
You see, our capital city has just proposed a limit on the number of furry family members that you may house. Since both you and the love of your life have two canines apiece, this means you must either remove one or pay up $250 for a special license to keep your family intact.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNo, this is not fiction, this is the new proposal set forth by the city council. It’s being peddled as a way to combat unlawful breeders and puppy mills, but it’s another form of infringement upon the rights of city residents.
Sounds Like a Shakedown
Current statute dictates that dogs be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city’s Animal Control office. I have complied, as have my friends and neighbors. Now, would it not be more sensible to update these current regulations to ensure that dogs are not being used for breeding purposes?
Additionally, the new proposal states that all canines must be fixed by the age of 6 months without any input from the family veterinarian; this is contrary to the guidelines set forth by the American Veterinarian Association (i.e., as appropriate per breed specifications, larger dogs like German Shepherds shouldn’t be fixed until at least 12 months of age).
Furthermore, as a tax paying citizen, who is city council to tell me how many healthy, vaccinated dogs I am allowed to have on my property, provided that they are in proper standing and registered with the city? This feels like a shake down to me. In a city known worldwide for its corruption and mob connections, the idea that a responsible pet owner should pay a fee to have more than three dogs is ludicrous. “You want to keep Fido with his friends, then pay up!”
Good Intentions Versus Homeowners' Rights
While I understand the good intentions behind the proposal, I believe there must be a better way to ensure the proper care of man’s best friend without infringing on the homeowner rights of residents. We are not merely tenants, beholden to a Cruella de Vil landlord who dictates how many furry companions you can legally possess. This is yet another law that will be rendered unenforceable, taking up room on the day’s calendar during precious assembly time.
Why don’t we focus on the rampant gun violence and pollution in our city instead? Really, Providence? You expect neighbors to police each other, reporting those with more than 3 dogs? This idea is laughable at best. I hope the rest of my community can see the pointlessness of this proposal and work to amend the current regulations on the books to keep the best interest of our canine companions at heart.
Amy Espinal is a lifelong Providence resident.
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