Council holds first readings of two animal-control ordinances raising fines for improperly restrained pets and adding nuisance rule

The Glen Arden City Council presented two ordinances for first reading Sept. 15 that would amend Chapter 43 (Animals) of the city code: one would raise fines for improperly secured dogs, and another would add a nuisance section prohibiting pets from relieving themselves on private property.

The first ordinance would make violations municipal infractions punishable by a $200 fine for the first violation and $250 for subsequent violations; the draft states an effective date of October 2025 and instructs the city manager to ensure public awareness of the change. The clerk said this is a first reading and the city will advertise the proposed ordinance to solicit public comment before adopting a final version.

The second ordinance would add a new section to prohibit pet owners from allowing pets to relieve themselves on private property belonging to others, with identical fine levels ($200 first violation, $250 subsequent). In the text read into the record, an effective date was stated as "02/2025." The council said both measures would be advertised so citizens may comment at future hearings.

Council members did not vote on the ordinances at first reading; the action recorded was the first reading and direction to publish notices and hold the public-comment process required before final adoption.

Staff said the proposed changes reference the county animal-control ordinance as the baseline and that the city would coordinate required public notice and enforcement procedures prior to final passage.