DEPARTMENT: Animal Care Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Heber Lefgren
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
A briefing on a proposed recommended revision to Chapter 5 of the City Code related to Animal Care Services.
SUMMARY:
A briefing on a proposed recommended revision to Chapter 5 of the City Code related to Animal Care Services.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City's Animal Care Services Department mission is to encourage responsible pet ownership by promoting and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and pets of San Antonio through education, enforcement, and community partnership. Since 2006, the City of San Antonio has taken progressive steps to ensure the public safety of San Antonio residents while implementing more humane practices for the care and treatment of all animals.
To ensure and promote the humane treatment of animals in San Antonio, the City is governed by Chapter 5 of the City code which is a framework of humane laws and policies to ensure the protection of both pets and people. Chapter 5 of the City code establishes a minimum Standard of Care to safeguard humane care and treatment of pets.
In October 2017, City Council unanimously approved revisions to Chapter 5 of the City Code. These changes were based on input from City residents, stakeholders, and the ACS Advisory Board Subcommittee. Key revisions to Chapter of the City Code included increased/improved:
(1) Spay/neuter requirements for pets found in violation of City code.
(2) Tethering regulations for dogs
(3) Impoundment authority for pets being sold at unauthorized locations
(4) Animal limits for domesticated fowl
(5) Dangerous dog designation requirements
(6) Enforcement of animal related noise complaints
The current Standard of Care requires pet owners to provide owned pets: (1) Access to an adequate supply of fresh air; (2) Species-specific food; (3) Fresh water; (4) Exercise; (5) Shelter; and (6) Veterinary care when needed to prevent ...
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