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I recently moved to Dutchers Crossing in the City of Jenks with my three dogs from Mid-town Tulsa.  Before moving, we spoke to the realtor about the covenants and asked specifics about rules pertaining to our dogs.  We were told that our three dogs shouldn't be a problem as long as they were contained in a fenced yard.  Ok a no brainer.  I then asked if I could get a copy of the covenants, in which the builder provided a reduced version which basically stated the dogs must be kept on a leash while outside of their yard.  Ok again a no brainer.  I went out to the website and found a list or "outline" of the covenants and yet again there was no mention of specifics regarding dogs.

 

We've been in our house about one month and one of my dogs is having a little bit of difficulty adjusting to the new environment, so admittedly he is barking more than usual.  This last week, we were notified by the homeowner's association that we were only allowed to have two domestic animals.

 

I have attempted to negotiate with Chairman of

West River Partners LLC but basically I was told that I better get a good lawyer, that they would pursue legal means if we didn't comply.  He also stated that he would bring it up to the board but he was the Chairman.  While speaking to him I stated that they really hadn't given me any options and he informed me that "it was pretty clear" what needed to take place according to his letter.  When I stated that he hadn't given me any other option, he stated, that "Lady it's not my job to provide options just to interpret the rules."  Later in the conversation, I asked was he saying that I should dispose of my pet; his reply was "No, I'm not saying that."

 

Well dispose can mean a lot of things but he clearly missed it when I told him that our dogs were part of our family.  I am very frustrated with this homeowner association.  We have never lived in one before and I find that I am already at odds over rules that should have been explained or disclosed to us from the beginning.  Suggestions.  Thinking about a demonstration in front of the development during Parade of Homes…

 

I am absolutely horrified by the unwillingness of the homeowners association to negotiate with us.  We tried to compromise by stating that we will only have two animals once one of our dogs dies but that wasn't good enough for them. 

Well I'm very sorry to hear about this problem. Pets are definitely family!

BTW I sent the link to this post to our Problem Solvers. PLEASE UNDERSTAND that's in no way a promise that they'll do the story, because they're totally swamped.

Perhaps one might have a suggestion for you though...

Good luck!

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Russell Mills
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Thanks, it's been a frustrationing week dealing with them.  Any help that we can get would be great.

I hope by now you have found a solution.  If not, Tulsa County does allow for three dogs out of five pets allowed.  I am not good at links.  Type in google "Tulsa Animal Shelter" and when that site comes up, over the side it will show a link for the ordinances that govern.  Your HOA, will even supersede this.  Good Luck!

Hang on a minute.  Tulsa County rules apply if you are not in any city limits, but in Jenks, three or more dogs over six months old qualifies as a kennel and requires a specific use permit from the city council.  Sorry, but even if the HOA covenants allowed it, city ordinances prevail. 

Yes, I checked with Jenks City ordances prior to the last two posting.  Unfornately, the City Planner has taken a very strict point on this subject.  Ironically, to my knowledge it is the only city that is a suberb of Tulsa that has a lower limit than the county rules.  When speaking to the City Engineer, who was very nice, he said, that they only investigate complaints.  We have a neighbor, who likes to complain about everything.  My grandmother has agreed to keep our third dog until we can afford to sell our house and move to another area such as Broken Arrow which allows 5 animals.  I really wish we were in Bixby City limits, I don't think it would be a problem then.  We have Bixby everything else, even an address but we are still considered Jenks.  Doesn't seem fair somehow.

I've seen others with 3 dogs in this area and I'm pretty sure that they don't have a kennel license.  Be warned if moving to an area that claims they are in Jenks City limits.  You are at risk of having to eliminate one of your pets if you have 3 (doesn't matter if it's cats/dogs combined) 2 is the limit.  We learned the hard way.