Canton Residents Split on New Dog Ordinance

A new dog ordinance that will allow up to five dogs per household has mixed reviews among Canton residents.

According to Supervisor Phil LaJoy, a woman came before the board last month pleading her case because she had four dogs and did not want to get rid of one. 

"She made a pretty good case," LaJoy said. "So we came up with an animal fanciers permit now, which is basically you have to pay a fee to do it."

Residents who want the animal fanciers permit will be required to pay an annual fee of $75 and submit to an inspection from the Canton Public Safety Department.

"We've got to make sure you're going to take good care of the dogs and make sure you're going to be a good neighbor," LaJoy said. 

LaJoy said the fee will go to cover the increased costs to the township for inspections. 

Many residents commented on Plymouth-Canton Patch's Facebook Page that they are happy with the change in the dog ordinance. 

Cindy Rose wrote, "I think if you should be able to have as many as you want proving you have the space for them and are able to care for them."

Kathryn Hurley commented that the ordinance will help those like her who do a lot of dog rescues. 

However, others were not sold on the idea of up to five dogs in one household. 

Jill Stewart wrote, "We are a bedroom community, things have changed since farm days. Three dogs barking, pooping, and digging in a yard seems already too many to me, especially since all these doggy behaviors effect the neighbors around you, who also have rights to enjoy the sound space we all share. Unless you're out of subdivision-land, I think three is already a generous number."

Are five dogs too many? Tell us what you think of the new ordinance in the comments.