This is probably the clearest and simplest list of animal-cruelty laws I’ve ever read. I wonder how anyone could not see the common sense behind these laws or find a reason to disagree with them in any way.
Now if every community would just adopt this guideline we would have a lot fewer stupid people around who think they can do whatever they please with their pets. Her optimism about our progress in embracing responsible and humane animal care is welcomed, especially coming from someone who works within the animal cruelty enforcement community.
Kudos to Ms. Lane for writing this column so clearly.
By: Carrie Lane, Budgeteer News
Nearly 30 years ago I came to Duluth to attend UMD. I arrived here straight from “the middle of nowhere,” where the nearest town had a population of about 400. (I think that total must have included the cows that routinely wandered the unpaved streets.)
Dogs, cats and kids ran free. There was no neighbor to complain about a barking dog. If a stray dog or cat turned up on someone’s land, the outcome for the animal was almost always unfortunate.
No one I knew seemed to understand that dogs and cats needed anything beyond leftover human food and water.
Imagine my surprise when I got my first dog as a young adult and learned that, in Duluth, there are laws about keeping pets. Luckily, my learning curve was relatively quick.
Because I’d always loved animals, I was quite pleased that this community had rules about how to care for them — and I was even more pleased when I was hired by the city of Duluth to help people with animal issues.
The laws/rules/expectations relating to dogs and cats are mostly common sense: All pets need to be kept fenced or leashed, be licensed and kept quiet so they don’t disturb the neighbors. Yards need to be cleaned up daily to keep them free of animal waste.
When we walk our dogs we need to be respectful of others, carry a “pooper-scooper bag” and use it. All animals need adequate food, water, shelter, grooming and exercise, to visit a veterinarian regularly and to wear identification tags. And, in almost every case, they should be spayed or neutered.
However, there are some laws pertaining to pets that aren’t so intuitive: Most people aren’t aware that in order to breed dogs and cats in the city of Duluth, a breeding license is required.
There are specific zoning rules that govern where, and if, a breeding permit can be issued. Selling animals in Duluth is a business activity and requires a proper license.
Also, if there are more than three dogs or three cats kept at any location, a multiple-pet permit is required. These are just a few examples of animal related activities that are regulated in our city.
If you intend to keep any animal in the city, it’s important that you contact our office, or the city clerk, for information about required permits and licenses. Also, if you see someone treating an animal in any way you feel is dangerous, abusive, neglectful or annoying, you should call our office.
While enforcing animal-related laws, I often encounter citizens who are frustrated by the laws in our city and state.
Many people wish that I had a magic wand, that I could quickly and permanently eliminate all animal suffering and human frustration.
Others are angry with me, not understanding why I think that what they do with their animals is my business.
I understand both positions, and wish I could do more to keep animals safe and neighborhoods peaceful. Ideally, all people would be innately responsible, compassionate and caring so that there would be no need to have laws.
The reality is that the concept of humane and responsible animal care is something our society is just beginning to embrace. We are taking baby steps toward becoming a more just culture.
As Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
In Duluth, we are making progress.
My understanding of, and commitment to, quality-of-life issues for animals continues to expand. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people and animals of our community as I learn.
Carrie Lane is the Animal Shelter lead worker for the Duluth Police Department. The city’s animal shelter is located at 2627 Courtland St., phone number is 723-3259. The shelter is open for dropping off, reclaiming and adopting animals between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
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