Dangerous encounters with coyotes across the Las Vegas valley have caught the attention of many concerned about the safety of their families and pets. Some residents of the Green Valley community in Henderson have called the neighborhood a “haven for coyotes.” Others admit to being concerned that the animals roam the area. A local company, […]
How six local homeowners associations humanely kept 300 goose eggs from hatching (IL)
Last year, over 300 eggs were prevented from hatching in just six local homeowners associations. Robeson Meadows, Westlake, Timberline Valley North and South, Trails of Brittany and Ponds on Windsor all participated in a training workshop given by Friends of Geese (friendsofgeese.com). Residents of the HOAs were taught the egg depredation process Read the article…………………………….
Neighbor Cries ‘Fowl’ Over Chicken Ban (FL)
Q: My homeowners association inconsistently enforces its rules. Rules often overlooked include bans regarding permissible animals and owning chickens on the property – none of which have been properly enforced. The association issued a new owner a violation notice, even though other homeowners have been keeping chickens. Does this set a precedent for how these […]
Is Your Co-op Vulnerable to Unauthorized Pets? The Pet Law is a Beast (NY)
In the case of 360 E. 72nd St. Owners Inc. v. Wolkoff, a New York State Court in Manhattan handed down a decision regarding pets in cooperative buildings that co-op boards and property managers should beware. The outcome underscores the importance for co-ops to take prompt legal actions when dealing with residents who violate pet-related […]
Evicting geese with dogs, umbrellas and laser pointers
Canada geese are big, pretty birds when seen from far away, but when they get close to people they cause big problems. “Well, they poop every step they take,” said Shirely Perry, president of the Windham Lakes Homeowner’s Association. “They make a big mess and they do attack people, especially when they are nesting.” Read […]
Condo roofs are becoming nesting sites for threatened shorebirds. Here’s why. (FL)
As Florida’s wild natural beaches have become more and more scarce, beachside buildings with gravel rooftops have multiplied by the thousands. Shorebirds that nest in the sand have had to adapt. Several species, including black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers, have taken to nesting on the plentiful gravel rooftops of buildings near […]
Family fighting keep chickens as pets in Waxhaw neighborhood (NC)
A Union County family that was fined for keeping chickens as pets has scored a big win. The family was originally located in a Waxhaw neighborhood. However, neighborhood rules said they couldn’t own poultry, but they could have household pets as long as you don’t make money off of them. Read the article…………………………….
Blacksburg 4th grader starts petition to get rules changed in HOA (VA)
A little girl in Blacksburg is taking on her neighborhood HOA in a battle over backyard chickens. “There’s a farm behind my house so like why not?” said Avery Prussin. “Why am I not allowed to have chickens? Like there are horses, cows, like a bunch of things.” Read the article…………………………….
Is it safer? WPTV returns to community year after deadly alligator attack (FL)
Al Thomas and his family won’t forget what happened on the banks of a nearby retention pond on Feb. 20, 2023. Their neighbor, Gloria Serge, walked her dog when a large alligator lunged out of the pond. “He grabbed her leg, and he dragged her in, and they do that spinning,” said Thomas of the […]
Island Winds reverses ban on Florida Audubon to allow shorebird nest monitoring (FL)
The Island Winds Condominium Association has lifted their ban on Florida Audubon from using their property to monitor shorebird nesting. Dave Nusbaum, president of Island Winds Condominium Association, said the association’s ban was lifted after the settlement between the nonprofit and property owners Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood over their lagoon walkover near the Little […]
“There’s something radically wrong here:” Are birds safe in Estero subdivision? (FL)
Frank Albergo loves living at Wildcat Run Golf & Country Club in Estero. So that’s why he says he called me, Estero’s Community Correspondent, when he noticed something happening in their back yards that made him nervous. Albergo said he and his neighbors were concerned for the health of the animals that live nearby. Read […]
Cypress neighbors disturbed after HOA hires gunmen to capture unwanted ducks in Coles Crossing
A pond full of ducks is causing many ruffled feathers in Coles Crossing, an upscale Cypress neighborhood now fighting an unexpected fowl battle. The pond at the center of the Coles Crossing subdivision is, on a typical day, a tranquil amenity for dog walking, fishing, and catching up with neighbors. But last Tuesday, at about […]
Unleashing the Truth: The Impact of Canine Waste on Community Health
Is your community grappling with a dog poop predicament? Are unsightly piles of uncollected dog waste tarnishing your development’s appeal? It’s an unfortunate reality that many pet owners overlook or neglect their responsibility to clean up after their furry companions. Regrettably, pet waste is one of the most common challenges faced by communities everywhere. Read […]
Rentals and condos would be required to allow pets under proposed bylaw in Arlington (MA)
A new bylaw proposed by Arlington animal would require rental and condominium agreements to allow common household pets. “An animal is like a family member. I would be heartbroken if I had to separate from my cat,” said Paul Schlichtman, who’s behind the legislation. He said the bylaw would allow residents to own common household […]
HOA president: Neighbors ‘very afraid’ German Shepherds at center of legal fight will hurt someone (VA)
In a phone interview, David Rusk, president of the BrookAnnLeigh Homeowners Association — the neighborhood where Smith lives, said he has personally witnessed the dogs “tormenting” cattle in the neighborhood and behaving in what he described as a threatening manner. According Rusk, there has been a pattern of multiple German Shepherds escaping from Smith’s property […]
Miami Herald Column on Addressing the Presence of Crocodiles in Community (FL)
he article, which is titled “Crocodile in Community Generates Effective Response Chronicled in TV Newscasts,” focuses on a couple of recent news reports on 7 News Miami (www.wsvn.com) that illustrated how potentially dangerous wildlife incursions can impact local communities. It reads: . . . The first report chronicled how residents at the Bay Colony Club […]
HOA Homefront: Reader wants to know, ‘Is my dog allowed?’ (CA)
Q: I am hoping you could help me with my HOA that’s trying to remove my daughter’s support dog because of its weight and breed. They are threatening to come and have her removed because she got too big. Can they do this? It would devastate my daughter if they took her dog Read the Q&A………………………………..
HOA board learns dog parks are expensive (NV)
Q: I am the vice president of a homeowners association in Las Vegas, which is considering establishing dog parks. I would like to talk to a HOA that has dog parks but have not been able to find any. Read the Q&A………………………………..
14 Condo Assn’s. Fined for Sea Turtle Violations (FL)
Under Marco’s Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance, “after one warning in a calendar year, excluding an irreparable event (a sea turtle dies) the following shall apply:” Read the article………………………………
Pet ownership and homeowner’s associations in Connecticut
Homeowner’s associations play a crucial role in managing community living. This often includes setting guidelines for pet ownership. Establishing transparent and fair pet policies is essential for maintaining harmony and ensuring the well-being of residents and pets within the HOA community. Read the article…………………………
The Code and the CAT: Old habits die hard and old dogs don’t learn new tricks (ON)
Toronto often ranks amongst the dog-friendliest cities in the world. Sadly, this sentiment does not necessarily apply to condos in the city. Through its governing docs, condos can impose an outright prohibition on dogs from entering the premises; it can also impose weight, size or breed-related prohibitions. However, these prohibitions do not take precedence over […]
What Every Condo or HOA Needs To Know About Emotional Support Animals (MI)
Over the last several years, emotional support animals have been a continuous source of speculation and confusion for many Michigan condo and HOA boards. We all have seen the news stories of individuals attempting to bring animals such as squirrels and even alligators into places of public accommodation under the claim that they are emotional […]
Condo Living with Pets: Tips for a Happy Home
Condo living doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy of having a furry companion. With the right knowledge and preparation, condo living can be a harmonious experience for both you and your pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore valuable tips and insights to create a happy home for your pets within a condo […]
Tenants at Harlem condo find solution to bird collision concerns (NY)
Bright glass buildings in New York City have become death traps for birds that are killed by the impact of flying straight into the windows. As a result, residents at a condo building in Harlem are stepping up to make their building safer for birds. Read the article…………………………….
There’s a Dangerous Dog in My Building. What Can I Do About It?
Laws about dangerous dogs are designed to protect you, but before you involve the authorities, your condo has a duty to protect its unit owners. Read the Q&A……………………………..
Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership in HOA Communities
Are your pets like family members? If, like many pet owners, you consider Rover or Fluffy to be a vital part of your life, it may not occur to you that your animal’s behavior could be impacting your neighbors. In any HOA community, it’s important to be considerate of those living around you. Fortunately, even […]
Daybreak neighbors fear plan afoot to relocate ducks from Oquirrh Lake (UT)
Long-time duck-watchers at Daybreak’s Oquirrh Lake said Friday they’ve noticed a section of the population disappear recently and they fear the community’s association has plans to remove and rehome more ducks in the months to come. Read the article………………………..
HOA Residents Feeding Stray Cats? What Should The HOA Board Do?
Are your HOA residents feeding stray cats? While the intention behind it may be good, feeding strays can have bad repercussions. If your board encounters this problem, there are some recommended courses of action to take. Read the article………………………..
‘Heartbreak’ after Las Vegas favourite Pete the peacock killed with arrow (NV)
A beloved Las Vegas peacock named Pete has been killed with a hunter’s bow and arrow, sparking heartbreak in the local community. Animal Protection Services officers are investigating the death of the peacock, which belonged to a resident in a small gated community in the Nevada city, but had come to be accepted as the […]
Chickens and Your HOA (TX)
It’s no secret that owning chickens remains a hot topic within HOAs across the country, but many people have a lot of fear around the idea. Whether it be noise, smell, property value, or other concerns, homeowners and board members alike want to know, is having chickens in your community worth it? Read the article………………………..
Fred the tortoise to celebrate Ross Bridge eviction reprieve Sunday with community party
There will be smiles of joy instead of tearful goodbyes when the owner of the Fred the tortoise, who was threatened with eviction from Ross Bridge, holds a party for the reptile and concerned community members on Sunday. Read the article………………………..
Feral Pigs Are Increasingly Running Wild In Some Oahu Neighborhoods (HI)
As roving herds of feral pigs get bigger and more intimidating, grunting and rooting in backyards island-wide, many people living in Oahu’s forested valleys are starting to feel the menace. Read the article………………………..
Breed-Specific Dog Bans (FL)
In 1989, in the wake of a series of serious injuries caused by pit bulls, most notably the mauling of a 7-year-old girl and her mother, Miami-Dade County adopted an ordinance making it illegal for residents to own or keep an American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any other dog whose […]
Philippines: Residents of a BGC Condo Alarmed After Management Releases Memo to Remove Community Cats
Volunteers and supporters of a group dedicated to caring for community cats of their condominium residence in Bonifacio Global City are voicing out their concern regarding the condo’s management and property developers have reportedly been taking action to remove these cats from its premises. Read the article………………………..
Florida Lifts Pit Bull Ban – A New Era for Pet Owners
On October 1, 2023, a groundbreaking legislative decision will take effect, ending the ban on pit bulls and other prohibitions in Florida that restrict dogs based upon breed, weight or size. With this new development, many community associations that previously relied on local ordinances to restrict ownership of specific dog breeds such as pit bulls […]
Cherokee County community at odds over feral cat problem (GA)
Residents in a Cherokee County community are at odds over the feral cats in their neighborhood. Kris Baker said the cats have been around for years. “We’ll just put some food out for the cats that are hungry and that’s all we were doing,” she said. “We’re not claiming the cats, they’re not our cats.” […]
To Feed or Not to Feed…Feral Cats (TX)
Amidst the recent drama involving Governor Abbott and the Texas Senate following the conclusion of the 88th Texas Legislative Session, a largely unknown bill was able to slip through the legislative process mostly unopposed that could have drastic implications on our communities. This bill involves Trap, Neuter & Release (“TNR”) programs and feral cats. Read […]
Invasive rabbits released by homeowner has a Florida suburb searching for answers
When Alicia Griggs steps outside her suburban Fort Lauderdale home, Florida’s latest invasive species comes a-hoppin’ down the street: lionhead rabbits. Read the article………………………..
What You Need to Know About Dogs Restrictions and Condo Associations
Dog lovers and those who would prefer not to have dogs around must often cooperate in communal living environments like condos. Most dog owners are unwilling to give up their pet, who they may view as a member of their family. However, there are limits to what a condo association must legally accept when it […]
Spring Creek COA’s new deer rule clamps down on feeding wildlife (NV)
Spring Creek Association residents who feed mule deer could be cited with a nuisance violation after the Committee of Architecture passes a new rule that prohibits leaving food out for wildlife. Read the article………………………..
Skunks take over Point Loma condo complex (CA)
Residents at a Point Loma condominium complex said skunks are taking over their property. One resident at the Sea Colony complex told ABC 10News, “We have had a lot of skunks this past year. A lot of families. I have seen a mom walking around with her four babies.” Read the article………………………..
Alligators in the garden and a community living in fear of the next fatal attack (SC)
Having lived in Spanish Wells, a 400-acre private community on the peninsula of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for about 30 years, “savvy” Mrs Jenkins, 69, knew she was sharing her little corner of paradise with the island’s native alligators. So when her body was found in the clutches of a 10ft alligator in a […]
Ross Bridge family fights to save beloved pet from eviction (AL)
A young man in Ross Bridge is fighting to save his beloved pet after he says the homeowner’s association told him it was not allowed. “Fred” lives in an enclosed backyard in the neighborhood. He weighs about 130 pounds and is kind of a cross between a pet and a landscaper. Read the article………………………..
Optimizing Your Community for Maximum Pet Waste Pickup
For many pet-friendly communities, dog waste left along walking paths and across open recreation areas is a common problem. In fact, pet waste is one of the single most talked about issues in homeowner association and community manager board meetings across the country. If not addressed, unattended dog waste in a community can quickly become […]
Woman with disabilities can’t get rid of raccoons in condo, management company silent (VA)
After three months of noises in her attic, a Reston renter has reached her wits end. Melissa Barrickman has been dealing with “uninvited house guests” since March 28, and despite calls to police and pleas to her condo management company, a mama raccoon and her kits remain in her apartment at Parc Reston. Read the […]
Residents at Plantation Acres demand more safety protocols for horses due to increased traffic and congestion (FL)
Horse lovers in Plantation Acres are concerned that increased traffic and congestion are making their equestrian community unsafe. Read the article………………………..
Palliative dog permitted to live final days in condo with family after being threatened with eviction (ON)
It is not a decision meant to set condo precedent, but all the matters is Nikita will be allowed to spend her final days — however long that may be — at home, with her family. Read the article………………………..
Geese not part of your lease? How to control geese populations on your property (GA)
It’s about that time of the year when many start seeing more and more geese. Here’s how you can help stop overpopulation. Officials say that most geese have babies anywhere from April to June. And that the middle of June is often times when they molt or lose their flight feathers to grow new ones. […]
Canadian Geese creating a flock of issues in Southside Jacksonville community (FL)
Residents of Ironwood Village in Jacksonville are facing various challenges from feathered foes. Some neighbors have voiced their concerns about geese that are damaging their lawns and creating a mess in the area. Read the article………………………..
HOA reverses itself on hummingbird feeder ban (AZ)
Rancho Resort residents Jim Gyovai and Sandra Hartman can be found every day sitting on his porch, watching hummingbirds perch on their feeders. But when HOA management company Associa Arizona banned all bird feeders in the Rancho Resort retirement community in early May, Gyovai and Hartman weren’t happy. And they weren’t alone. Read the article………………………..