Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved an update to the animal ordinance. At Monday’s meeting, City Manager Darwin Watson explained the ordinance amendment was intended to establish that certain kinds of farm animals aren’t allowed in city limits if they’re not being used for agriculture. However, he told commissioners this doesn’t mean the city would be going around checking homes to see what animals people have. The amendment is intended to make enforcement possible when someone complains about a disturbance.
“This specific ordinance is saying ones you can’t have, and then we’re saying if there are other animals that then become a nuisance, then they would be dealt with by the proper authorities,” Watson said.
Watson said at the commission’s previous meeting there have been complaints about roosters. Commissioner Juanita Henry was the lone no vote, saying the update could result in someone losing a loved pet.
