Connecticut Town Looks to Remove Pet Rabbit Due to Zoning Violations

With the huge number of folks pounding the pavement seeking employment, coupled with the emphasis on "jobs, jobs, jobs”, one might think that the town of North Haven, Connecticut would have more important issues and ordinances on their minds upon which to ponder rather than making it a priority to seize a pet bunny out of the loving hands of a little girl.  

But, according to a news item on News 8 wtnh.com, seven year-old North Haven resident Kayden Lidsky is highly distraught over the thought of losing Sandy, a 20-pound Giant Flemish Rabbit who is her “best friend”. Kayden, who adores the huge rabbit, said, "I don't want the bunny to go." Sandy often keeps her company in bed.

Following an inspection at their home, the Lidsky family received a letter from the town informing them about an old ordinance prohibiting town residents from keeping rabbits or livestock, if their property doesn't meet a zoning requirement of two acres. Previously the family was issued a citation for violating a blight ordinance, for having an unfinished overhang and also for the bunny cage.

While it seems unfair to Kayden, no matter how hard her father tries to explain the zoning rules and the reasons these regulations affect what species of animals families are allowed to keep, she doesn’t care. All she wants to do is to be able to keep Sandy, the rabbit who has stolen her heart.

The family is now asking for help to keep Sandy, the beloved pet they have had for three years. They have reached out to News 8 for assistance.  Joshua Lidsky told News 8, "A bunny is not a violent animal, a bunny is not a violent dog or a violent cat or a rabid animal, it's a caged creature that all it does is give love to our family." Joshua also told News 8 that he would love to keep Sandy, and keep his family happy. He just wants to pay his taxes and go on with his life in peace.

The Lidsky family is permitted to keep Sandy at their home during the appeal process and while they are awaiting the town’s decision. However, the town attorney told News 8 that if the Lidskys lose the appeal it could possibly spark Superior Court action to remove the bunny from the premises.

As far as this writer is concerned, the ordinances which towns maintain that regulate the appropriate size of properties necessary to lawfully keep large animals (such as horses, pigs and goats) in populated areas makes sense.  But keeping a beloved Flemish rabbit as a family pet is quite another story.

Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by WC SMedia to see a Giant Flemish rabbit up close and personal.

In this case, is this town ordinance fair?  What do you think?  Tell us in a comment.