Panel plans for law on cats

Thursday, August 24, 2006 Loud noise and farm animals also were discussed by the safety committee. By TIM YOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF NILES — City council's safety committee will prepare legislation requiring cat owners to register them. Councilman Thomas Scarnecchia, D-at large, committee chairman, said he realizes the owners will converge on council meetings to fight any proposal to regulate cats. Mark Morrall, part-time city animal control officer, recommended to the committee Wednesday that cats should be registered just as the state requires dog licenses for identification. A penalty was not discussed. Morrall said he has urged people who complain about cats' using their flower beds as a litter box to trap them and call him. Morrall said traps can be purchased or rented from the Animal Welfare League; tame cats and kittens can be adopted, but wild cats must be destroyed. He also recommended that cats be required to be spayed and neutered, not permitted to run loose, and there should be a limit on the number of cats per household. Scarnecchia said the committee is in favor of cat licensing, but warned committee members that they must "stand the firestorm" of protests. The committee also will amend legislation dealing with loud noise and farm animals. Noise complaints Scarnecchia attempted but failed during the meeting to mediate a difference of opinion of what constitutes loud music between McMenamy's, a U.S. Route 422 nightspot, and Weathersfield Township residents. Dave Anderson, a spokesman for the residents, complained to the committee that the noise is too loud when bands play outdoors at McMenamy's. Police Chief Bruce Simeone told the committee the current restriction of 60 decibels is "extremely low" and is similar to "classroom talk." Anderson said the music from McMenamy's is too loud and is played into the early morning. McMenamy's owner Bob Leonard countered that he has had only three band concerts this summer, one being for charity. He noted that there are no plans for another concert this summer. Leonard said the city has other events such as fireworks, festivals, baseball games and graduation parties at homes with disc jockeys and bands. McMenamy's can't take bands inside the building because there are other events going on such as wedding receptions, the owner added. Councilman Ted Papas, D-2nd, a committee member, warned that there will be new legislation dealing with noise that may include reducing the decibel rating and a limit on the time of day when events must end. Another concern The committee also has received complaints that farm animals, such as pigs, are being kept in the city. Morrall explained that city law says owners cannot keep farm animals within 100 feet of a structure. He suggested the distance be increased and concrete pads be required to maintain proper sanitation. At the suggestion of Scarnecchia, Morrall will discuss amending the ordinance with Law Director J. Terrence Dull. yovich@vindy.com