Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 City Council recommends favorable action on animal breeding regulation; left in Subcommittee to discuss fi nes, enforcement By Tara Vocino he City Council recommended favorable action and keeping animal breeding regulation in committee to discuss fi nes for violation during Monday’s Legislative Aff airs and Elections Subcommittee meeting at City Hall. Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith asked who is going to enforce the regulations. Smith wants to make sure that Animal Control Offi cer Stacia Gorgone T is protected. “Why aren’t breeders being taxed, like everyone else?” Gorgone asked. “This is the animals’ lives we’re talking about.” Gorgone said other animal welfare organizations, such as kennels, rescues and dog daycares, need to have them. She knows of approximately five breeders in the city, but only one is reputable. The others just breed out of their apartments, which she said is not a good idea for many reasons. She said some of these breeders sell their dogs for bait or raffl e kittens off to feed their snakes. Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon said he wasn’t aware that people are selling their dogs for bait. He asked if the ordinance would apply to a non-neutered or non-spayed animal who has a litter of young. Gorgone said that it wouldn’t. “Most of the residents, for the most part, are good with animals,” Gorgone said. “This will help me with residents who aren’t doing the right thing, and it will give me an extra layer of protection.” Smith suggested mailing breeders a certified letter to make sure everyone is on the same page. Gorgone will also provide breeders with informational literature. Ward 3 Councillor Darren Costa asked how many licenses do they anticipate. Gorgone replied, approximately five that she knows of. Providing basic veterinary care would be included in the conditions. Ward 5 Councillor Vivian Nguyen, who sponsored the ordinance, suggested updating the annual license fee from $100 to $200 for 11 or more dogs. Enforcement is up to $1,000 per animal with prior warnings, especially for fi rst-time unregistered off enders. Breeders are subject to inspection at any time. Gorgone has the authority to During Monday’s Legislative Affairs and Elections Subcommittee meeting at City Hall, Everett Animal Control Offi cer Stacia Gorgone and Ward 5 Councillor Vivian Nguyen asked the City Council to regulate animal breeding. The Subcommittee recommended favorable action, but left it in committee to further discuss fines for nonregistered breeders. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) seize animals who aren’t receiving humane treatment. “You shouldn’t have 26 dogs living in a three- or four-family house,” Gorgone said. “These aren’t toys — these are little lives.” Smith recommended favorable action and to leave it in committee and return with a schedule of penalties. City Clerk Sergio Cornelio suggested a phased approach by educating people by increasing the fees for repeat off enders. Gorgone said there are some people who are overbreeding animals, putting animal mothers in jeopardy, where this ordinance would be helpful. SENIOR EVENTS | FROM PAGE 8 miss out on our monthly raffl e and delicious birthday cake. Tickets are available for purchase at the Connolly Center beginning April 3 with the last date of sales April 14. Please see Dale or Cathi for additional information or call 617-394-2270. Line Dancing for seniors every Monday at Connolly Center Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the Council on Aging are happy to announce the continuance of Line Dancing for seniors at the Connolly Center. Every Monday at 11 a.m., we off er Country Western Line Dancing with Julie. This class is designed for beginners as well as experienced participants. Line dancing continues on Thursdays at noon with Julie. She will teach you modern and Latin steps for beginners and advanced students. These classes are free to our older adults — sponsored by the Everett Foundation for Aged Persons. For additional information, please contact Dale or Cathy at the Connolly Center or dial 617-394-2270 to be connected to the Connolly Center.
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