 Who
Let the Dogs Out?
One of
the joys of home ownership for many people is the freedom and
space accommodating pet ownership. While pets can provide rewarding
and fulfilling companionship, there are responsibilities within
a community association that accompany pet ownership.
Whether
family pets are housed indoors or live in enclosed property,
a community association is responsible to its members to provide
oversight and restrictions for certain pets and pet behavior.
Most association's pet guidelines are consistent with established
local ordinances and are primarily enforced for the health
and safety of the community association residents and the animals.
One
of the most common ordinances for pets is a leash law that
requires a dog to be on a leash when not contained within a
fenced property. Another local ordinance in some cities is
a prohibition against an animal leaving feces on another owner's
property. This type of behavior can be subject to a fine for
the owner. Additionally, a dog that barks all night can be
in violation of local noise. Under these circumstances, an
association has a duty to its members to provide controls regarding
this behavior to protect a degree of harmony for other residents.
Examples
of common pet rules contained in community association deed
restrictions are a limit on the number of cats and/or dogs
or restrictions on the size and breed of dog that can inhabit
a residence. Too many animals living in a home or dogs too
large for condominium living can become unmanageable and a
nuisance or health threat to the owner and the community. Associations
can also enforce restrictions on the types of animal considered
a family pet. No family desires to have their children playing
near wild, dangerous animals.
Responsible
pet ownership can provide numerous benefits to the individual
owner and the rest of the community. But pet owners should
be conscientious in controlling their animals to eliminate
the need for the association to address this as an issue.
Association Times' Staff Writer
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