March 6, 2019 City Council Meeting

Council members expressed significant concerns about proposed changes that would allow staff to limit owner surrender times, fearing it could lead to more animals being abandoned. Council leaned against adopting these changes as proposed.

Council generally supported the proposed tethering ordinance (banning unsupervised tethering) but requested individual debate. Guidance included implementing a 6-month lead-in time for public education and developing a clear, streamlined process for granting exemptions.

Council leaned towards adopting Option 2, which requires cats at large to be vaccinated, licensed, microchipped, or collared. However, due to mixed opinions and concerns about enforceability, individual debate was requested.

A new ordinance prohibiting certain animals at city-owned property events and requiring permits for private property events was met with mixed council opinions, leading to a request for individual debate.

Council supported the requirement for owners of large reptiles (over 40 lbs) to notify the city for public safety purposes, with assurances of confidentiality.

Council supported the proposed reduction in official stray hold time from five to three days, with clarified definitions of what constitutes a 'day' for counting purposes.

Council supported the framework for a future Return to Field program for cats, but strongly requested that a public notice provision (similar to rezoning notices) be implemented before cats are released back into neighborhoods.

Low-cost spay and neuter program funding

The city currently funds a local organization with $20,000 annually to provide low-cost spay and neuter services, targeting areas with high stray rates.

Discussion regarding proposed amendments to the animal control ordinance

Presentation and discussion of proposed amendments to the city's animal control ordinance, divided into three tiers: administrative updates, significant but non-controversial updates, and items with split opinions requiring further discussion.

Tier 3: Administrative Updates

Minor clerical updates and language clarifications, particularly regarding the roles of shelter manager and animal welfare supervisor.

Tier 1: Adequate Shelter

Adds clarification and parameters for the definition of adequate shelter, especially concerning protection from heat, cold, and wind for pets.

Tier 1: Definition of Owner

Clarifies the definition of an animal owner by date or time, addressing situations where individuals care for animals long-term without formal ownership.

Tier 1: Sale or Disposition of Animals Not Retrieved by Owners

Addresses three aspects: clarifying stray hold time (officially moving from 5 to 3 days with specific day definitions), handling animals impounded due to owner incarceration, and formalizing the process for animals whose owners are in long-term treatment or crisis.

Tier 1: Owner Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats (Section 3-206)

Proposed language to allow staff to limit the times and scope of owner surrenders to manage workload and ensure proper information gathering.

Tier 1: Clerical Updates on Section 8 (TNR/RTF framework)

Addition of language to potentially open up a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) or Return-to-Field (RTF) program in the future, providing a framework without immediate implementation.

Tier 1: Restrictions on Sale of Dogs or Cats (Section 3-407)

Extends the current prohibition of selling animals without property owner's consent to include city property, medians, or city parks.

Tier 1: Poisonous/Venomous Clarification (Section 3-305)

A technical correction to clarify the distinction between poisonous and venomous reptiles.

Tier 1: Securing and Transporting Animals

Requires animals that may pose a risk to the public to be secured in a safe container during transport and potentially requires insurance/liability for certain animals.

Tier 2: Cruelty to Animals (Section 3-301)

Adds language to prevent animals from being dyed or altered for gimmicks/promotional events and from being given away as fair prizes.

Tier 2: Reporting Found Animals

Establishes parameters requiring individuals who find an animal to report it to the animal welfare center, without necessarily requiring them to bring the animal in.

Tier 2: Tethering (Section 3-401)

Proposed ordinance to ban tethering of animals at any time, except under specific conditions or with authorization from an animal welfare or police officer.

Tier 2: Confinement of Dogs and Cats (Section 3-403)

Two options presented: Option 1 (no cats at large unless part of TNR/barn cat program) and Option 2 (cats at large must be vaccinated, licensed, microchipped, or collared).

Tier 2: Use of Animals at Carnivals, Festivals, Similar Events (Section 3-502)

A new ordinance prohibiting certain animals on city-owned property for attractions/rides, with exemptions for parades/mascots, and requiring permits for private property events.

Tier 2: Notification of Large Reptiles (Section 3-503)

Requires owners of large reptiles or tortoises (over 40 lbs adult stage) to register their animals with the city for public safety purposes, with confidentiality provisions.

Consideration of adjournment into executive session

Discussion regarding the acquisition of real property for recreational purposes and possible litigation associated with the University North Park Increment Financing District.