Council allows three dogs per home

by Richard Riosa

Windsor dog owners are now permitted to own up to three dogs per household.

On Feb. 19, city council unanimously voted to increase the number of dogs permitted from two to three.

Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor Essex County Humane Society, has been leading the campaign for the increase.

“What this will do is help us to save more dogs from other areas,” said Coulter.

She said the Humane Society often rescues dogs from other counties if they have enough homes available for the dogs.

Local resident Phil Taylor said he would like to see the by law distinguish between apartments and houses. Taylor lives in the “notorious” 920 Ouellette Ave. apartment building where more than 150 dead cats were recently found. He said the quality of life of all those living in an apartment building are affected when one person neglects their pets.

“For animal companionship in a one bedroom apartment,” said Taylor, “two cats or one dog would be sufficient.”

However, city clerk Valerie Critchley said distinguishing between houses and apartments would violate human rights laws.

Coulter said she doesn’t expect to see barking complaints increase due to the decision because dogs living in groups are less likely to bark. She said dogs are social creatures and often bark because they are lonely.