‘You are punishing us’: DeWitt residents bite back against proposal aimed at limiting dogs in households

DEWITT, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — If you’re living in DeWitt, the number of pets under your roof could be changing. The town board hosted a public hearing last night to hear from neighbors and they bit back.

“You’re punishing those of us who try to obey the law. You are punishing us that are trying to reduce the number of animals that don’t have homes,” said one audience member.

The town supervisor saying the plan was proposed after hearing from neighbors that they’ve witnessed more dog attacks.

“Awhile back I saw pictures of a child in a pretty terrible state,” said Ed Michalenko. “It’s children and dogs, multiple dog households that are five times more likely than anyone else to get bit.”

Pet owners that currently have four or five dogs will be able to keep them. The restrictions begin after the proposal is approved. Neighbors don’t want to be punished for taking good care of their pets.

“You are handcuffing the residents and good people that are taking dogs, helping our community, and you want it to end over issues you are claiming, that I haven’t heard a number of complaints, there are,” said an audience member.

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