COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Planning Commission discussed what should be in a possible revised animal ordinance for about 45 minutes Monday night.
The current city ordinance says no one can keep any horses, cows, hogs, sheep, rabbits, poultry, goats, or other farm or wild animals, without first obtaining a permit from the Building Commissioner.
The Building Commissioner would also have to inspect the premises.
Planning Commission member Chris Stevens, who first brought up the issue last month, felt that while something should be done about controlling large animals, small animals would be acceptable.
The City Council would ultimately enact any ordinance or amendment.
Stevens proposed that the first two violations would be civil infractions with the third violation being a misdemeanor.
Since January 2017, the city has issued 16 animal permits at 14 properties. The permits were for chickens, rabbits, goats, pigs and bees.
