Veteran granted animal-limit waiver after public hearing; council cites service animals and medical need

Warner Robins — The city council unanimously approved a resolution granting an animal limitations waiver to Zachary Novak, who asked permission to exceed the city’s limit on dogs and cats so his household can care for a dog with heartworms.

Attorney Mize opened the public hearing by summarizing the four factors in city code (5-20) that the council must consider when deciding whether to grant a waiver, including whether the applicant demonstrates a special use for keeping additional animals and whether the waiver would injure neighborhood welfare. Mize noted Novak’s packet and that three of the Novak family’s canines are service or emotional-support animals.

Novak, who identified himself at the podium, said he is a disabled U.S. Navy veteran and that he and his wife — who has aggressive multiple sclerosis — rely on animals for emotional support. "My wife and I cannot have kids and our animals have become our kids," Novak said, describing earlier investments in training and more than $5,000 spent attempting to train a prior dog. He told the council the dog at issue has heartworms and that, if approved, he intends to get the animal immediate veterinary treatment and keep it long-term if it is a good fit.

An animal-control representative confirmed the dog was at animal control, reported that the animal was eating and energetic but required prompt heartworm treatment beyond the shelter’s routine funding, and said no neighborhood responses to the required notice sign were received.

After public comment closed, Councilman [motion recorded in the minutes] moved to adopt the resolution approving the waiver; the motion carried unanimously. The council recorded the waiver as a discretionary action subject to revocation if the dog or household creates a nuisance in the future.

What's next: The Novaks may take custody of the dog for veterinary treatment; the waiver could be revoked if animal-control or code enforcement documents injurious behavior or nuisance.