Vicki
Administrator
Wolf-dog ban passes first vote in Holland Township
by John Monteith/Hunterdon County Democrat
Wednesday September 02, 2009, 12:00 PM
HOLLAND TWP. — A proposed ordinance “states clearly that the dogs have got to go,†said Committeeman Robert Peabody at a packed-house meeting of the Township Committee last night. The escape and recapture of five hybrid wolf-dogs from a fenced Spring Gardens Road property on Thursday represented a very grave situation that needs swift attention, said Deputy Mayor John DiSarro, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Ed Burdzy.
The ordinance, which was introduced last night, says no one can keep a dog that cannot be licensed. Because it has not been proven that rabies vaccine works on wolf-dogs, they cannot be licensed.
Fourteen canines live on the property, about 10 of them wolf-dogs. The proportion of wolf in them varies, with the most wolfish being 70%. They are owned by Cliff Zager, who was not at the meeting. He moved into the township with the dogs more than three years ago.
The audience seemed predominantly in favor of banning the animals, with many residents rising to voice their concerns about them. Neighbors said they feared for their own safety and that of their children and pets.
Considering the committee’s level support, the proposed ordinance is likely to be adopted after public comment at the next committee meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Zager would then have 30 days to comply.
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2009/09/wolfdog_ban_passes_first_vote.html
by John Monteith/Hunterdon County Democrat
Wednesday September 02, 2009, 12:00 PM
HOLLAND TWP. — A proposed ordinance “states clearly that the dogs have got to go,†said Committeeman Robert Peabody at a packed-house meeting of the Township Committee last night. The escape and recapture of five hybrid wolf-dogs from a fenced Spring Gardens Road property on Thursday represented a very grave situation that needs swift attention, said Deputy Mayor John DiSarro, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Ed Burdzy.
The ordinance, which was introduced last night, says no one can keep a dog that cannot be licensed. Because it has not been proven that rabies vaccine works on wolf-dogs, they cannot be licensed.
Fourteen canines live on the property, about 10 of them wolf-dogs. The proportion of wolf in them varies, with the most wolfish being 70%. They are owned by Cliff Zager, who was not at the meeting. He moved into the township with the dogs more than three years ago.
The audience seemed predominantly in favor of banning the animals, with many residents rising to voice their concerns about them. Neighbors said they feared for their own safety and that of their children and pets.
Considering the committee’s level support, the proposed ordinance is likely to be adopted after public comment at the next committee meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Zager would then have 30 days to comply.
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2009/09/wolfdog_ban_passes_first_vote.html