Midwest City may rein in large animal rules

MIDWEST CITY — The Midwest City Council on Tuesday will discuss a proposal that would impose a fee to keep large animals on private property, increase the acreage size needed and expand the distance the animals must be kept from businesses, churches, schools and other residences.

“I think the concern is, in Midwest City, we’re landlocked and there’s not a lot of acreages left,” Police Chief Brandon Clabes told The Oklahoman. “You’re getting a lot of animals on small parcels of land. We want to ensure the humane treatment of animals, that they have shelters and are protected.”

Under the proposed amendment to the city code, an owner of large animals would need to buy a $100 permit per calendar year and keep the animals on a net area of at least three acres, or two acres more than what is currently permissible.

No more than two large animals may be kept per full acre, up to three net acres, according to the proposed amendment. An additional large animal may be kept for each additional one-quarter acre above three acres.

The amendment also calls for a minimum of 5,000 square feet of enclosure for each large animal, with the enclosure boundaries at least 100 feet from the exteriors of businesses, churches, schools and other residential structures not belonging to the animal owner.

The minimum boundary is currently set at 75 feet.

The ordinance applies to horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, cattle and other similar-sized large animals, except swine.

If approved, the updated code would require owners to provide shelter with three sides, a roof and enough room for large animals on the property to escape the elements.

Clabes said the permits are to cover the administrative costs of inspections.

A similar proposal impacts fowl and small animals, except dogs and cats.

Any combination of six or more such animals — which include ducks, geese and chickens — would need to be kept on at least one acre. The current code provides for a combination of 12 or more of the animals on at least 2,000 square feet of land.

A $100 permit per calendar year would also be required.

Ward 4 Councilman Sean Reed, who floated the idea to the council, said he favored applying the amendment to those animals acquired after the new rule is approved.

“I’m advocating that,” he said. “That’s an easy one.”

The council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 100 N Midwest Blvd.