WARNER ROBINS — City leaders in Warner Robins approved a waiver allowing a disabled Navy veteran and his wife to exceed the city's six-animal limit and take in a medically needy rescue dog that had been at risk of euthanasia. The waiver permits Zachary and Tiffany Novak, who currently have six animals, to increase that number to seven by adopting Amir, a husky mix at Warner Robins Animal Control.

Under Warner Robins city code, residents are limited to six animals on a residential property unless the mayor and council approve an exception. City officials held a public hearing to review whether the Novaks met the requirements under city code to receive an animal limitation waiver. Attorney Jim Himes told the council that the request met those requirements. It was only the second animal limitation waiver application considered in 11 years, and city officials noted that no nuisance complaints had been tied to the Novaks' property.

Amir has heartworms and medical needs requiring treatment. Without the waiver, the dog could have faced euthanasia, according to city staff. The Novaks plan to pick up Amir and begin veterinary treatment.

Zachary Novak, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, told the council that his animals help him manage PTSD. "I feel everything in itself from the smallest creature to even the largest one has a right to live and at least have a chance. That's what we want to give them the opportunity," Novak said.

Novak also addressed the medical road ahead for Amir. "Even going through the process of doing the heartworm medications, it's very hard on the animal, and there's no guarantee for the survival, but without us intervening, the animal would have no chance," he said.