Council adopts animal ordinance amendments; members raise enforcement and transition concerns

The Alpena City Council gave final approval on July 21 to ordinance 25-5-11, amending the citychapter on animals to clarify violations and to prohibit certain venomous animals.

During the second-reading discussion, staff and council members debated whether enhanced penalties for second or subsequent offenses require a prior conviction or adjudication before an officer can treat a new ticket as a repeat offense. The city attorney and police staff explained that, as written, enhanced penalties that apply to second or subsequent offenses would typically require the earlier offense to be adjudicated before the later one is charged as a repeat. Council members asked that staff develop enforcement guidance because criminal-history checks may not always show very recent adjudications.

Members also asked how a blanket prohibition on venomous animals would affect owners who currently keep such animals. Police staff said enforcement would focus on education initially and that the city does not plan door-to-door seizures; officers would typically raise the issue when responding to a separate incident or complaint. "I would tell you from my perspective, I believe that we would use it as education and ensure that they understand the ordinance," a staff member said during discussion.

Council member votes were recorded in favor of adoption; the motion passed. No grandfathering clause was added during the meeting.

Ending: The ordinance is adopted; staff were asked to prepare internal guidance for enforcement and to coordinate on humane disposition or housing options for animals where needed.