Changes to Animal Control Ordinances
September 27, 2007
This past Tuesday, the City Council was briefed on proposed changes to our animal control ordinance. Over the past few months, citizens have made it clear that they want changes.
It’s time to get strict with loose animals that wander our neighborhoods.
Currently, the city has relied on animal shelter fees as the primary deterrent. When a loose animal is picked up by animal control and taken to our animal shelter, the owner must pay a fee to redeem the animal. These fees, while not very high, increase each time the animal is picked up.
This doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent and the Council is looking to change that.
The proposals fall within three categories: (1) microchipping; (2) increased animal shelter fees; and (3) stiff penalties for violators.
Under the first proposal, each animal brought to the animal shelter will be subject to mandatory microchipping. These chips have been used by vets for many years and allow the animal shelter to track important information about the animal and the owners. This increases owner accountability because animal control personnel have a way to identify the animal and owner.
The second category of proposed changes involve increasing animal shelter fees. While currently increasing each time an animal is brought to the shelter, the proposed fees will increase at a much greater rate. This increase will provide additional deterrent.
Perhaps the greatest deterrent to loose animals will be the new penalties for loose animals.
Under the third proposal owners could be faced with penalties ranging from $200-$500 per violation. After the third impoundment, animal control would have discretion to designate the animal a “nuisance” which would mean the animal must be removed from the city.
In upcoming weeks, the Council will be finalizing these proposals. I, and the other members of the Council, welcome your comments and suggestions.
Similar Posts
Comments
Welcome!
My name is Wade Emmert and I am a Council Member for the City of Cedar Hill. This web site is a way for me to share with you some of my thoughts about issues important to the City.
It is my sincerest goal to be a good steward of the citizens’ trust. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Wade.Emmert@cedarhilltx.com or (214) 740-3164.