Staff proposes ordinance updates for dangerous/aggressive dogs and rabies quarantine

Neighborhood Services staff presented proposed changes to Chapter 6 of the municipal code that would revise the city’s approach to dangerous and aggressive dogs and update rabies-quarantine procedures.

Brian Rees, Neighborhood Services Manager, said the current code (dating to the 1960s in parts) uses a "vicious/dangerous" framework and lacks separate classifications for aggressive behavior toward other animals. The proposed code would add a distinct "aggressive dog" designation with three levels: Level 1 (nuisance/chasing/threatening at large), Level 2 (at-large causes severe injury to domestic animal or livestock) and Level 3 (at-large kills or causes death of domestic animal or livestock). By contrast, a "dangerous dog" designation would remain tied to attacks or injuries to humans and would carry permanent restrictions.

If a dog is deemed dangerous after the city’s investigation and notice process, proposed requirements would include a secure enclosure, muzzling whenever off-property, microchipping, posting warning signs, registration with the city and an annual insurance requirement (minimum $100,000). An aggressive-dog designation would carry graduated restrictions and — for Levels 1 and 2 — a potential removal of the designation after one year with no further incidents; Level 3 would have a two-year minimum before removal is considered.

Rees also proposed changes to rabies-quarantine rules. Staff recommended removing a current requirement that victims must approve a home quarantine; instead, animal control officers would determine whether an animal qualifies for home quarantine, which can reduce costs compared with shelter or vet boarding. Rees proposed aligning certain quarantine periods with state law: reducing a six-month quarantine for unvaccinated animals (in the code now) to three months and setting a 45-day quarantine for vaccinated animals exposed to a potentially rabid wildlife encounter (consistent with the suggested change).

Council asked clarifying questions about local rabies cases (Rees said fox and bat incidents are relatively frequent this year) and about appeals processes for designations (owners may appeal designations to municipal court). There was no public comment on the item. Council did not vote on ordinance language at this meeting; the presentation was informational and staff will return with a draft ordinance for consideration.