This week Ruppert will be in Countryhouse Monday 6/22-Wednesday 6/24. They will be performing their regular maintenance tasks and continuing with trimming and pruning.
–Bonnie O’Connell

Dear Community Members,

Over the past two years, there have been four dog-on-dog attacks within Countryhouse and the broader Fearrington community. These incidents have resulted in injuries to both people and pets, including the tragic loss of several dogs, as well as property damage.
Your HOA Board, in partnership with Mill House Properties and with guidance from legal counsel, would like to remind all residents of Chatham County laws and Countryhouse HOA rules regarding pet ownership. For simplicity, we refer specifically to dogs in this communication.
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Chatham County Laws and Requirements
Dogs must be leashed and under physical control at all times when outside the home or a fenced area (such as a private yard or designated dog park). Chatham County Code of Ordinances (Chapter 91 – Animal Services Division) defines an animal “at large” as:
Any animal off the real property of its owner and not under physical restraint of a competent person. “Real property” includes property owned or occupied by the owner but does not include common areas (such as sidewalks, roads, recreation spaces, or open areas) within a subdivision or multifamily development.
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Important Reminder
We recognize that some residents allow dogs off leash for exercise. While this may often occur without incident, it is not permitted.
Allowing a dog off leash:
• Violates Chatham County law
• Violates Countryhouse HOA rules and may result in fines
• Exposes the owner to personal liability, including potential legal and criminal consequences

Additionally, all dog owners and handlers are required to immediately clean up and properly dispose of pet waste.
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Incident Response and Legal Process
Under North Carolina law, dogs are considered personal property and cannot be seized without due process. Neither the HOA nor the Sheriff’s Office can immediately remove a dog following an incident.
The process typically includes:
1. The Sheriff’s Office is notified and conducts an investigation
2. Interviews are conducted with involved parties and witnesses; Residents with relevant information are encouraged to come forward
3. A determination is made regarding the dog’s status
For example, in a recent case, a dog was classified as “potentially dangerous,” requiring it to wear a muzzle when outdoors.
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Reporting Violations – Your Cooperation Matters
We strive to avoid conflict among neighbors, but enforcement depends on reporting concerns.
To report a violation:
• 📧 Email: hoa@millhouseproperties.com
• 📞 Phone: (919) 448-5150
Photographic evidence is especially helpful and encouraged by the Sheriff’s Office.
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Community Involvement – Get Involved
Residents play a vital role in maintaining our community standards. You are encouraged to:
• Attend monthly HOA meetings (in person or online)
• Volunteer for committees or Board service

Your involvement helps ensure that Countryhouse remains a safe and welcoming place to live.

We are also considering forming a Pets Committee to review and improve pet-related policies and provide guidance to owners.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Martha Martin.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions at any time.
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Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep Countryhouse a safe and respectful community for all.

With appreciation,
Countryhouse Services Group Board of Directors
Mill House Properties

Join your Countryhouse Board of Directors at our monthly Board meeting.

We meet on the third Tuesdays of each month at 9:30 am at the Gathering Place.

Agendas, financial reports, motions passed, management reports, and minutes can be found here on the General and Board Documents page.

Southern Outdoor Restoration will be on site for community for gutter cleaning and roof blowing 6/15-6/19. Stand off ladders will be used.

Please see the Vendor Notice for additional information and the Map and Direction of Work for the order in which the closes will be serviced, starting at Crossvine Close.

MHP HOA Management

Gutter Cleaning Vendor Notice

Gutter Cleaning Map and Direction of Work

Landscaping Update 6/1-6/5
This week Ruppert will be in Countryhouse Monday 6/1, Tuesday 6/2, and Wednesday 6/3. They will be performing their usual maintenance work.
We know that a few residents did not receive any, or only got partial, mulch. We ask for your patience while we work to resolve this issue.
Bonnie O’Connell

This week Ruppert will be in Countryhouse Tuesday 5/26 and Wednesday 5/27. They will be performing their regular maintenance tasks.
Bonnie O’Connell

Ruppert will be in Countryhouse Monday 5/18, Tuesday 5/19 and Friday 5/22 to do regular maintenance work. On Wednesday 5/20 the rest of the mulch is scheduled to be applied. As before, please let us know if you were scheduled for this second round and do not receive it.
Bonnie O’Connell

Please join us for the Countryhouse Community and Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:30am. Agenda, motions passed, board meeting minutes, management reports, and financial reports can be found here on the General and Board Documents page.

According to our Ruppert manager, the mulching crew will return next Tuesday 5/19 to finish up areas that were missed or not completed. As before, please contact us if you were scheduled for, but did not receive, this work. If there are any changes we will let you know.
Bonnie O’Connell

Next week Ruppert will be in Countryhouse on Tuesday 5/12, Wednesday 5/13 and Friday 5/15 to perform their regular maintenance work. Also next week CPS will be back to finish up the mulch application in areas that were missed or need more attention. I have heard from several residents already, but if anyone else has a concern about mulch please let me know immediately as I will be sending Ruppert a final list tomorrow. Mulch application is the largest part of our Landscaping budget and we want everyone to be satisfied with the results.
Bonnie O’Connell
Bocatt88@gmail.com