HomeMy WebLinkAboutA007 - Memo from Police Chief to City Manager with concerns about animal control legislation Memo
Police Department
Caring People
Quality Programs
Exceptional Service
TO: Steve Schainker
FROM: Chief Ballantine
DATE: July 31, 1998
SUBJECT: Concerns About Animal Control Legislation
At the July 28th City Council meeting, a few citizens presented their concerns should the newly
proposed animal ordinance be put into effect. The primary purpose of these ordinances is to allow for
proactive education of those choosing to have large numbers of animals and to allow for a quicker, more
effective response to neighborhoods experiencing ongoing problems with a particular neighbor. It is felt
that a combination of these two ordinances will, over a period of time, reduce the Shelter staff workload
as well as increase responsible pet ownership.
Below are the responses to concerns expressed by citizens attending the Council meeting.
1. What is an"outside" dog and how would that be determined?
The determination of five or more dogs being "outdoor/back yard" dogs is similar to whether or not
dogs are barking and"unreasonably disturbing the peace and quiet of the vicinity." A routine
Animal Control investigation procedure handled by talking with the owners, complainant,
neighbors, and officers' observations will give us the answer. In essence, the dog must spend the
majority of the day residing outside.
2. How will be}Lple be handled who are unaware of the ordinance requirements?
If it is determined (in many cases, owners will tell us) that five or more dogs are living outside,they
will not be punished for the fact. They will be asked to report them and receive a permit. They may
also at any time choose to make one or all of the dogs indoor/outdoor pets and not be affected by the
ordinance (up to ten mammals the size of ferrets or larger).
2
3. Will owners be punished for failure to comply with the registration requirements?
It is not the Shelter's intent to create a negative atmosphere. If five or more dogs are living outside
or a resident owns more than ten mammals the size of an average ferret or larger, they simply will be
required to register. In practice, Animal Control officers gain compliance so that problems are
resolved. Our record is clear: Only in extreme cases of danger to animals or people have we seized
animals for protective custody. It is simply the pet owner's job to change irresponsible conditions
so that further enforcement is not required. If owner husbandry skills are not improved, then the
irresponsible owner would have a reasonable amount of time to "re-home"their pets. However, the
focus is on improving conditions, not on punishment.
4. What will the permit questionnaire include?
The permit will be designed as stated in the CQ&listing the existing care and nuisance reduction
sections that already work well. Additionally, there will be educational recommendations to help
the pet owner comply.
5. Will this be too time-consuming for Shelter staff?
At this time staff feels that less than 40 residents will be affected by these new ordinances.
Approximately 30 to 45 minutes of staff time (including drive time, etc.) is anticipated; ten minutes
of which would be animal-owner time. The educational efforts that would be involved with the
registration of large numbers of animals along with the proposed section dealing with the fourth
conviction of animal code violations would significantly free-up staff time on repeat offenses. If the
numbers become unmanageable,we would reassess the feasibility of these ordinances and/or timing
of inspections.
Staff believes the numbers presented by speakers at the Council meeting concerning the potential pet
owners who would be affected by the permits was overstated. This is probably due to a
misunderstanding of what groupings of animals (e.g., indoor/outdoor/size, etc.)would be needed before
permits are required.
The proposed ordinances are another tool for Animal Control officers to serve the community. They
should not be dismissed due to fears, but rather,judged on their merit to resolve problems and prevent
abusive and nuisance situations from occurring.
DB/dry