Franklin Lakes February 1, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Borough considers limits on pets Vierheilig wins by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Council may soon introduce an ordinance placing a limit on the number of domestic animals that can be kept in any single family residence in the borough. The council is expected to consider a draft ordinance to impose a limit on domestic animals per household at its Feb. 7 work session. The ordinance was recommended by James Vieldhouse, president of the borough’s board of health, who wrote a letter to Borough Administrator Gregory Hart at the end of December. “It is the opinion of the board of health that the borough should join our neighboring towns who have proactively passed ordinances to limit pet numbers due to the detrimental effect high populations of canines, felines, etc. have on the general health and welfare of the human population, and on property values as well,” Vieldhouse wrote. “Unreasonably high numbers of any household animals adversely affect our environment,” he continued, “and thus the quality of life of the residents.” Carol Tyler, owner and senior animal control officer of Tyco Animal Control, the municipal animal control company that is contracted to control the animal population in 22 Bergen County municipalities, has been the borough’s animal control officer for the past six years. Tyler told the council at its January work session that there are a number of residential properties in the borough where numerous dogs and/or cats are housed, causing unsanitary conditions and resulting in neighbors’ complaints about excessive noise. Tyler gave as examples one house in the borough where over 40 animals were being kept, and another on Phelps Road where there are numerous animals and birds, including an emu, but no one lives there because the ownership of the house is tied up in estate litigation. She said the animals are not being cared for, and there are violations for the inhumane treatment of animals. According to Tyler, there are houses in the borough where there are several German shepherds, and stray cats are being fed by well-intentioned residents and business owners, creating colonies of unvaccinated cats that attract other animals, such as coyotes. Tyler claims there is no way to control the number of animals on a property because the borough has no ordinance to restrict the number of domestic animals in a household. She recommended an ordinance similar to the one in effect in the Borough of Montvale, which she advised has been upheld by the New Jersey Supreme Court. “We need control and an ordinance would make it easier,” Tyler told the council. Tyler suggested that an ordinance adopted by the council should pertain to domestic animals, including birds and other animals that are not considered livestock. Based on the size of the houses and properties in Franklin Lakes, she said she believes the ordinance should place a limit of a maximum of seven domestic animals or pets in a household. The Montvale ordinance claims that the keeping and maintenance of large numbers of dogs and cats on residential premises is detrimental to the good order, health, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the borough, has an impact on the value of neighboring properties, can present a serious hazard to the public health and welfare, and can (continued on page 23) Trustees Award Kim Vierheilig, AIA, right, receives award from Joyce Raspa, AIA, Esq. Kim Vierheilig of Franklin Lakes recently received the 2012 Architects League of Northern NJ Trustees Award. Vierheilig is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is director of architecture at LAN Associates in Midland Park. Past president/Awards Chairman Joyce Raspa, Esq., AIA, presented the award recognizing Vierheilig’s (continued on page 15)