Council advances amended leash ordinance setting 20-foot limit, exemptions for service and working dogs under review

Councilors discussed and advanced an amended ordinance to update the city's dog-and-cat running-at-large rules, including a 20-foot maximum leash length and explicit exemptions for police and military canines while at work. Why it matters: the ordinance change aims to address resident complaints about off-leash animals and owners who do not clean up after pets; it also raises questions about enforcement, property boundaries and how service animals are treated under the new language. Councilor (sponsoring councilor) described the main changes: adding a 20-foot leash limit and excluding police and military working dogs when they are performing duties. During public comment, resident Vinny Melianza opposed the ordinance as too strict and suggested clarifying the rule’s impact on tree lawns and front yards. Melianza said the law, as written, could be difficult for routine dog-walking patterns and urged a narrower leash regulation instead. Council members asked staff to clarify whether the ordinance covers service animals and pointed out that many guide dogs are controlled by harnesses rather than a traditional leash. Director Gudetti noted the ordinance’s language requires a “physical device capable of restraining the animal,” which would cover many service-animal devices, and said staff would review comparable ordinances and consider revisions. Discussion vs. action: the ordinance was given a first reading (Ordinance 40) and council discussed amendments; staff were asked to refine language related to service animals and tree lawns. No final adoption or enforcement changes beyond the first reading were enacted at the meeting. Next steps: staff will review other municipal ordinances and propose clarified language on service animals and property boundaries; council asked the resident to submit written suggested language for staff and council consideration.