News Flash

Sept. 28, 2016 - City Council plans to defer two animal control items on its agenda, so there will be no vote tonight. Council members asked for more time for community input.
The city attorney's office is recommending a change that would enhance the enforcement of the current “at large” statute by removing the requirement that an owner have “permitted” a dog to run free. The current provision has been proven to hinder the ability to convict owners in court and for victims of attack to receive compensation.
The second is proposed by the city Animal Control Advisory Committee. It would amend the city’s leash law by requiring that dogs must be on a leash when off the owner’s property and not in a dog park or on a hunt; currently, voice control is considered sufficient to be “under the owner’s control.” The committee believes that requiring a leash will be safer for both the public and their pets.
Residents who wish to speak to these items during the public comment period tonight may still address the issues, but Council does not plan to vote on the items tonight. Residents also would have an opportunity to offer input before consideration of the items, and also speak when the items are brought back to council.