DOGS
An
ordinance revision was approved on third and final reading. It complies with current state code, requiring rabies vaccinations for dogs over six months of age.
Proof of vaccination would be needed to obtain a City dog license. Proof of spaying or neutering would be necessary if an owner is claiming that status for licensing application.
Licenses are required for all dogs residing within City limits (persons moving into the City with a dog, or obtaining a new dog that is six months of age of older are allowed a 30-day period to apply for a license.)
The proposed policy also specifies as it previously has that dogs are not to be allowed to disturb the peace or to chase persons or vehicles; to be on the property of others without permission; or to run at large in public spaces such as parks, trails and schoolgrounds. Leashes of six feet or less would be required for dogs on public property under proposed policy.
CATS
A similar policy applies to pet cats, and required a City pet license, to be applied for within six months of possession of a cat. Applications must include proof of rabies vaccination. Cats are not to be allowed to roam on others’ property without permission, to run at large, or to cause a public disturbance.
LICENSE INFORMATION
Pet Licenses not only are required on an annual basis, they are important tools to locate an owner in instances where a pet may wander away. Licenses are available at the police station, Lake Animal Hospital, or City Hall. An application form can also be accessed on the City website:
POPULATION CONTROL
A new ordinance section is proposed to allow Population Control Programs. Approval would allow for a new nonprofit organization to respond to incidents of stray or feral cats. The organization plans to have such animals spayed or neutered by a veterinarian, and returned to locations they were taken from, unless the property owner requests that the cat not be returned, or the cat is sick or injured. A public hearing was held with no comments. The council approved the change on first reading. A second reading is scheduled for Sept. 16 and a third on Oct. 7.
PIGEONS
Responding to public concerns, the City is also considering a new policy on keeping domestic pigeons within City limits. A proposed policy would allow for no more than 10 pigeons to be kept on a property (anyone currently with more than 10 pigeons would be allowed to keep them, but not to replace birds to exceed the 10 total in the future.) Hours for training or exercising domestic pigeons would be limited. A City permit would be required and birds would be banded to differentiate them from wild pigeons. Pigeons would not be allowed to interfere with the property of others. A public hearing was held, with a resident expressing concerns about impact of a neighbor's birds on her property. The council approved the ordinance change on first reading. A second is scheduled for Sept. 16 and a third on Oct. 7.
VICIOUS ANIMALS
Also, the council council approved minor changes to the Dangerous and Vicious Animals policy. The amended ordinance will create a more efficient process for declaring a dangerous or vicious animal following an incident. The change was approved on third and final reading and now takes effect.