Town Doing Home Checks On Number Of Dogs -- Freaking Out - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

DanicaBraggs · 03-26-2009, 02:40 PM

Ok I don't know where in NY you live but I watch Animal Planet all the time and there is one Rescue NY,you know animal control I don't know the exact name of the show but it is NY.They said numerous times the limit on pets were four.These Animal cops were going in and rescueing animals from Apartment living and they let them keep four and took the rest.Numerous times I watched this program and numerous times they said four.I know in Illinois depending on the size of your home and your land you can have as many as you want.Just depends on the size of the property the animals are in.Just call your animal shelter (from a pay phone) and ask what the limit is.I would bet you would be suprised on the limit.Also keep in mind they might say the limit is only three for larger size dogs.You have small pets.heck combine them all and you would get a large size dog

I wouldn't worry too much as other said if someone does come a knocking ask to see a search warrant.Then go from there.Good luck!

dogbert · 03-26-2009, 02:43 PM

I found out our limit by looking online for dog license rules etc.

roxies_mom · 03-26-2009, 02:47 PM

I found this article. Not sure if this applies to you but maybe it will be informative.
Piscataway adjusts limit on dogs per household - Breaking News From New Jersey - NJ.com

JesBred · 03-26-2009, 02:47 PM

We also have one pet "over limit". We live on a military base so rules are real strict. I went to my landlord (its actually a company) and told them I had found a dog (when actually I had bought another) and was going to keep it until I found it a home. They said that's fine as long as its not permanent. Of course it really is permanent but they don't know that.

You could try saying something like that.. That you either found one and are trying to find it a home or maybe you can say you "dog sit" for a friend during the day or she/he on vacation and your watching their dog??

YorkieOwned5 · 03-26-2009, 02:48 PM

I don't agree one bit in removing a 'family member' from home.. I hope all they will be looking for are these animal hoarders that have 10+ animals and are living in filth with them. The animals are disease ridden and not current on shots or any other kind of vet care. These are the people that don't have it all together and think they are doing a good thing by keeping them out of shelters. I feel sorry for them because most are mentally ill. But that is NO reason to remove healthy animals from people that can and want to love and really care for them.. I hope this is just an April fools joke. God Bless

Bianca · 03-26-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my2boyz

O.k...let's think this out but let's start with a question. Are you for sure this is for real??

I mean come on...'they have hired a police officer'...just one?? In New York?? I wouldn't worry...your dogs will die of old age before he gets around to you!

Also...this will start on April 1st...isn't that 'April Fool's Day'?

Are you sure someone isn't yanking your chain?

I agree, I don't know if I believe it, but if it is I think I will die before they get here to check

Don't worry about it

Mom2Lulu · 03-26-2009, 02:51 PM

"I said 'Yes, I got three dogs.' Well he says, 'You got to get rid of one because the ordinance says you can only have two,'" Ruppert said.

BIG MISTAKE!!!

Once again, if they do not have a warrant, DO NOT answer any of their questions. You don't have to. You have the right NOT TO incriminate yourself. It's called the 5th Amendment.

If a police officer knocks on your door, and starts interrogating you about ANYTHING without probable cause (a warrant), tell him to leave your property or you will file criminal trespass charges against him. After you tell him to leave, he has to, unless he has a warrant. Always remember when dealing with a police officer is for you to keep your calm. Never provoke one; they are just looking for a reason to take you down or taze you bro.

Next, if by some crazy reason, you do get a ticket...march your butt down to the courthouse and ask for a jury trial. Don't waiver on this. Most of the time they will dismiss the ticket, because they don't want the expense. Additionally, they are going to look really stupid for wasting a jury's time for this type of charge, and a jury most likely would acquit. (How many jurors do you think would not own pets?) DA's can be reall *ss *oles, so don't be intimidated.

I've had 3 tickets dismissed by asking for a jury trial. I fight everyone I get, because they are nothing more than a way to raise revenue and have little or nothing to do with keeping us safe. Think about it.

chattiesmom · 03-26-2009, 02:57 PM

I don't mean to bring this off topic but.....

Your tax $$ is paying for a "dog cop" to count critters that are being well cared for by their owner and on the other hand WE the tax payers are paying out the cahottie to allow an irresponsible mentally imbalanced woman keep her whole city of 14 children. Go figure.....

I agree with John, you have the right to be secure in your own home and unless the dog cop has probable cause to believe you are violating the law, he can be refused admitance. If your neighbors complained you might be screwed.

JeanieK · 03-26-2009, 02:58 PM

Unfortunately our cities do have ordanences controlling the number of pets.

personally i think they should go by the pound, cause 7 yorkies don't make up one full grown Great Dane.

License one of them in a friends name at another address

If they show up and say you have too many, tell them you are dog sitting for a friend.

yorkiegirl83 · 03-26-2009, 03:00 PM

Thank you guys for all your suggestions.

I'm going to answer some of your questions. I live in a small town in NY -- not a big city. So it would be reasonable to just hire one person to maintain the dog laws in the town.

When I bought McKenzie I had never heard of a dog limit law. Once I got her, through the grapevine I heard my neighbor say the limit was 3. So, in a panic I called the city court and asked what to do and if I could get a different license, ect. We have no online presence for our city rules and regulations. The woman at the city hall didn't even know for sure the dog limit. She said it was never enforced anyhow "unless someone complained".

I am afraid though because the government here is very corrupt, IMO. Police do just break in on people w/o warrants from articles I've read in the paper and from stories I've heard from others.

I really wouldn't have worried about this at all, but I do worry now that one of my neighbors will call or tell someone that I have 4. I know the next door neighbor doesn't like my dogs even though they never step a toe on her property. I don't let them outside to bark all day -- I'm always out back with them when they are out. They are well behaved, always leashed on walks, fully vetted and groomed, and for the most part very quiet, inside dogs.

I cannot believe things like this are legal. All my dogs are fixed, so there's no way I'm a breeder. It just blows my mind and I wish I had a friend or family member that could keep McKenzie should things go bad, but I don't have anyone

.

I really appreciate you guys -- I don't know who else to turn to. I hate that I feel like a criminal when all I have done is care for my dogs. I have bad anxiety and panic disorder and Kenzie was actually bought to be a service dog for me - but she has not been able to fulfill that because she has a nervous personality. I just absolutely hate this, I am so devastated and afraid right now.

JeanieK · 03-26-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

I don't mean to bring this off topic but.....

Your tax $$ is paying for a "dog cop" to count critters that are being well cared for by their owner and on the other hand WE the tax payers are paying out the cahottie to allow an irresponsible mentally imbalanced woman keep her whole city of 14 children. Go figure.....

I agree with John, you have the right to be secure in your own home and unless the dog cop has probable cause to believe you are violating the law, he can be refused admitance. If your neighbors complained you might be screwed.

You said a mouthful. maybe ther should be a limit on how many children you can have in one home.

Mom2Lulu · 03-26-2009, 03:01 PM

Sorry, people, but this IS happening. I saw it on a news show a few nights ago...the town in NJ.

Black's Law Dictionary (which is the dictionary used by the authorities and lawyers) defines ex post facto law:

A law that applies retroactively, especially in a way that negatively affects a person's rights, as by criminalizing an action that was legal when it was committed. Ex post facto criminal laws are prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.

Need I say more?

JeanieK · 03-26-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

Thank you guys for all your suggestions.

I'm going to answer some of your questions. I live in a small town in NY -- not a big city. So it would be reasonable to just hire one person to maintain the dog laws in the town.

When I bought McKenzie I had never heard of a dog limit law. Once I got her, through the grapevine I heard my neighbor say the limit was 3. So, in a panic I called the city court and asked what to do and if I could get a different license, ect. We have no online presence for our city rules and regulations. The woman at the city hall didn't even know for sure the dog limit. She said it was never enforced anyhow "unless someone complained".

I am afraid though because the government here is very corrupt, IMO. Police do just break in on people w/o warrants from articles I've read in the paper and from stories I've heard from others.

I really wouldn't have worried about this at all, but I do worry now that one of my neighbors will call or tell someone that I have 4. I know the next door neighbor doesn't like my dogs even though they never step a toe on her property. I don't let them outside to bark all day -- I'm always out back with them when they are out. They are well behaved, always leashed on walks, fully vetted and groomed, and for the most part very quiet, inside dogs.

I cannot believe things like this are legal. All my dogs are fixed, so there's no way I'm a breeder. It just blows my mind and I wish I had a friend or family member that could keep McKenzie should things go bad, but I don't have anyone

.

I really appreciate you guys -- I don't know who else to turn to. I hate that I feel like a criminal when all I have done is care for my dogs. I have bad anxiety and panic disorder and Kenzie was actually bought to be a service dog for me - but she has not been able to fulfill that because she has a nervous personality. I just absolutely hate this, I am so devastated and afraid right now.

I totally understand your fear and agony. The key is to have one licensed in someone elses name at another address.

yorkiegirl83 · 03-26-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

I don't mean to bring this off topic but.....

Your tax $$ is paying for a "dog cop" to count critters that are being well cared for by their owner and on the other hand WE the tax payers are paying out the cahottie to allow an irresponsible mentally imbalanced woman keep her whole city of 14 children. Go figure.....

I agree with John, you have the right to be secure in your own home and unless the dog cop has probable cause to believe you are violating the law, he can be refused admitance. If your neighbors complained you might be screwed.

That is basically what I'm worried about. If she complained, then they can just come in my home basically which I personally feel is a total violation of my rights - but it seems as if they can do just that.

I just have no idea what to do. To "wait and see" what happens here or to find a loved family member, taken perfect care of -- a new home. It's just a heart wrenching decision.

Mom2Lulu · 03-26-2009, 03:08 PM

"If your neighbors complained you might be screwed."

They still need a warrant to come into your house. Make sure when you answer the door the dogs cannot be seen. They still cannot go into your house without your permission. Just because someone calls with a complaint doesn't mean it is a legitimate complaint. I could call and say my neighbor has 15 dogs. Still doesn't make it okay for them to walk into his house.

03-26-2009, 02:43 PM	#17
dogbert Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southern, MN,USA Posts: 3,271 Blog Entries: 1	I found out our limit by looking online for dog license rules etc. __________________ Mammadoodle to my Yorkiedoodle Barney and our crazy cat Ms. Sassy Pants. RIP Audrey-Belle Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved

03-26-2009, 02:47 PM	#19
JesBred YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 350	We also have one pet "over limit". We live on a military base so rules are real strict. I went to my landlord (its actually a company) and told them I had found a dog (when actually I had bought another) and was going to keep it until I found it a home. They said that's fine as long as its not permanent. Of course it really is permanent but they don't know that. You could try saying something like that.. That you either found one and are trying to find it a home or maybe you can say you "dog sit" for a friend during the day or she/he on vacation and your watching their dog?? __________________ Jess Mitzy

03-26-2009, 02:51 PM	#22
Mom2Lulu Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 74	Don't answer their questions! "I said 'Yes, I got three dogs.' Well he says, 'You got to get rid of one because the ordinance says you can only have two,'" Ruppert said. BIG MISTAKE!!! Once again, if they do not have a warrant, DO NOT answer any of their questions. You don't have to. You have the right NOT TO incriminate yourself. It's called the 5th Amendment. If a police officer knocks on your door, and starts interrogating you about ANYTHING without probable cause (a warrant), tell him to leave your property or you will file criminal trespass charges against him. After you tell him to leave, he has to, unless he has a warrant. Always remember when dealing with a police officer is for you to keep your calm. Never provoke one; they are just looking for a reason to take you down or taze you bro. Next, if by some crazy reason, you do get a ticket...march your butt down to the courthouse and ask for a jury trial. Don't waiver on this. Most of the time they will dismiss the ticket, because they don't want the expense. Additionally, they are going to look really stupid for wasting a jury's time for this type of charge, and a jury most likely would acquit. (How many jurors do you think would not own pets?) DA's can be reall ss oles, so don't be intimidated. I've had 3 tickets dismissed by asking for a jury trial. I fight everyone I get, because they are nothing more than a way to raise revenue and have little or nothing to do with keeping us safe. Think about it. __________________ Live, Laugh, Love!

03-26-2009, 02:57 PM	#23
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I don't mean to bring this off topic but..... Your tax $$ is paying for a "dog cop" to count critters that are being well cared for by their owner and on the other hand WE the tax payers are paying out the cahottie to allow an irresponsible mentally imbalanced woman keep her whole city of 14 children. Go figure..... I agree with John, you have the right to be secure in your own home and unless the dog cop has probable cause to believe you are violating the law, he can be refused admitance. If your neighbors complained you might be screwed. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

03-26-2009, 03:01 PM	#27
Mom2Lulu Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 74	Sorry, people, but this IS happening. I saw it on a news show a few nights ago...the town in NJ. Black's Law Dictionary (which is the dictionary used by the authorities and lawyers) defines ex post facto law: A law that applies retroactively, especially in a way that negatively affects a person's rights, as by criminalizing an action that was legal when it was committed. Ex post facto criminal laws are prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. Need I say more? __________________ Live, Laugh, Love!

03-26-2009, 02:40 PM	#16
DanicaBraggs Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Decatur Illinois USA Posts: 134	Ok I don't know where in NY you live but I watch Animal Planet all the time and there is one Rescue NY,you know animal control I don't know the exact name of the show but it is NY.They said numerous times the limit on pets were four.These Animal cops were going in and rescueing animals from Apartment living and they let them keep four and took the rest.Numerous times I watched this program and numerous times they said four.I know in Illinois depending on the size of your home and your land you can have as many as you want.Just depends on the size of the property the animals are in.Just call your animal shelter (from a pay phone) and ask what the limit is.I would bet you would be suprised on the limit.Also keep in mind they might say the limit is only three for larger size dogs.You have small pets.heck combine them all and you would get a large size dog I wouldn't worry too much as other said if someone does come a knocking ask to see a search warrant.Then go from there.Good luck!

03-26-2009, 02:47 PM	#18
roxies_mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: central illinois Posts: 1,396 Blog Entries: 1	I found this article. Not sure if this applies to you but maybe it will be informative. Piscataway adjusts limit on dogs per household - Breaking News From New Jersey - NJ.com

03-26-2009, 02:48 PM	#20
YorkieOwned5 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chattanooga,TN & Tampa,FL Posts: 247	I don't agree one bit in removing a 'family member' from home.. I hope all they will be looking for are these animal hoarders that have 10+ animals and are living in filth with them. The animals are disease ridden and not current on shots or any other kind of vet care. These are the people that don't have it all together and think they are doing a good thing by keeping them out of shelters. I feel sorry for them because most are mentally ill. But that is NO reason to remove healthy animals from people that can and want to love and really care for them.. I hope this is just an April fools joke. God Bless

03-26-2009, 02:58 PM	#24
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	Unfortunately our cities do have ordanences controlling the number of pets. personally i think they should go by the pound, cause 7 yorkies don't make up one full grown Great Dane. License one of them in a friends name at another address If they show up and say you have too many, tell them you are dog sitting for a friend.

03-26-2009, 03:00 PM	#25
yorkiegirl83 Love My Furbabies! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: somewhere Posts: 4,427	Thank you guys for all your suggestions. I'm going to answer some of your questions. I live in a small town in NY -- not a big city. So it would be reasonable to just hire one person to maintain the dog laws in the town. When I bought McKenzie I had never heard of a dog limit law. Once I got her, through the grapevine I heard my neighbor say the limit was 3. So, in a panic I called the city court and asked what to do and if I could get a different license, ect. We have no online presence for our city rules and regulations. The woman at the city hall didn't even know for sure the dog limit. She said it was never enforced anyhow "unless someone complained". I am afraid though because the government here is very corrupt, IMO. Police do just break in on people w/o warrants from articles I've read in the paper and from stories I've heard from others. I really wouldn't have worried about this at all, but I do worry now that one of my neighbors will call or tell someone that I have 4. I know the next door neighbor doesn't like my dogs even though they never step a toe on her property. I don't let them outside to bark all day -- I'm always out back with them when they are out. They are well behaved, always leashed on walks, fully vetted and groomed, and for the most part very quiet, inside dogs. I cannot believe things like this are legal. All my dogs are fixed, so there's no way I'm a breeder. It just blows my mind and I wish I had a friend or family member that could keep McKenzie should things go bad, but I don't have anyone . I really appreciate you guys -- I don't know who else to turn to. I hate that I feel like a criminal when all I have done is care for my dogs. I have bad anxiety and panic disorder and Kenzie was actually bought to be a service dog for me - but she has not been able to fulfill that because she has a nervous personality. I just absolutely hate this, I am so devastated and afraid right now.

03-26-2009, 03:08 PM	#30
Mom2Lulu Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 74	*"If your neighbors complained you might be screwed."* They still need a warrant to come into your house. Make sure when you answer the door the dogs cannot be seen. They still cannot go into your house without your permission. Just because someone calls with a complaint doesn't mean it is a legitimate complaint. I could call and say my neighbor has 15 dogs. Still doesn't make it okay for them to walk into his house. __________________ Live, Laugh, Love!