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Those in Newton wishing to open up their hearts and their homes to animals in need now will find it easier to do so.
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Newton City Commission approved an ordinance that will allow foster- care providers to temporarily house an extra animal, even if it exceeds the legal limit.
According to the ordinance, the foster homes must be licensed by the state of Kansas, and the presence of the foster animals cannot cause the total number of dogs and cats at the residence to exceed the currently allowed number by more than one dog and by more than one cat.
Caring Hands Humane Society
representatives had previously given a presentation at a city work session, stating the foster program provides a key temporary housing service, giving the organization more time to find good homes for animals. It also provides a nurturing environment for pets to gain social skills that increase their potential for adoption.
The organization screens potential foster homes to make sure animals are placed in the best environments.
“We visit each home before we determine it will be a proper placement,” said Caring Hands Executive Director Kevin Stubbs.
Commissioner Jim Nickel said he was impressed with Caring Hands’ presentation and has confidence the organization will make sure problems do not result from having too many animals in a home.
“Through your program ... you’ll probably police that better than we do through the city,” he said.
The ordinance will take effect after publication in The Newton Kansan and will be effective for one year. If the ordinance is successful, commissioners said they would look into extending it for more time.
“I am hoping that we can get it on to a more permanent status after we evaluate it,” Stubbs said.
If you are interested in becoming a foster home, contact Caring Hands at 283-0839 or visit their Web site at www.caringhandshs.org.
Those in Newton wishing to open up their hearts and their homes to animals in need now will find it easier to do so.
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Newton City Commission approved an ordinance that will allow foster- care providers to temporarily house an extra animal, even if it exceeds the legal limit.
According to the ordinance, the foster homes must be licensed by the state of Kansas, and the presence of the foster animals cannot cause the total number of dogs and cats at the residence to exceed the currently allowed number by more than one dog and by more than one cat.
Caring Hands Humane Society
representatives had previously given a presentation at a city work session, stating the foster program provides a key temporary housing service, giving the organization more time to find good homes for animals. It also provides a nurturing environment for pets to gain social skills that increase their potential for adoption.
The organization screens potential foster homes to make sure animals are placed in the best environments.
“We visit each home before we determine it will be a proper placement,” said Caring Hands Executive Director Kevin Stubbs.
Commissioner Jim Nickel said he was impressed with Caring Hands’ presentation and has confidence the organization will make sure problems do not result from having too many animals in a home.
“Through your program ... you’ll probably police that better than we do through the city,” he said.
The ordinance will take effect after publication in The Newton Kansan and will be effective for one year. If the ordinance is successful, commissioners said they would look into extending it for more time.
“I am hoping that we can get it on to a more permanent status after we evaluate it,” Stubbs said.
If you are interested in becoming a foster home, contact Caring Hands at 283-0839 or visit their Web site at www.caringhandshs.org.
