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Council advances animal‑control ordinances, discusses leash rules and community‑cat program
Summary
The council advanced three animal‑control items — return of seized animals, leash rules and a community cat program — and discussed details including that dog leash rules require leashes and that repellents and enforcement processes will be researched and clarified.
The council took up several animal control ordinances grouped under public safety and animal services.
Ordinance No. 2025‑14 (amending section 14‑2) concerns returning seized animals to owners; Ordinance No. 2025‑15 amends sections related to a community cat program; both hearings were opened, saw no public comments and moved to the main motions. Council members also discussed leash law enforcement and whether a leash requirement applies to cats or dogs in all settings.
During the discussion a councilmember observed, "I know we have a leash law for dogs. We implement that. We don't have a leash law for cats, yes." Another councilmember replied the city does have a leash rule for cats and that the ordinance had been discussed at the previous meeting. Council members clarified that for dogs the ordinance requires a leash and that city code also includes provisions such as maximum leash length and the right for officers to enforce compliance; one member noted a recent enforcement instance in City Park.
Council asked staff to identify repellents mentioned in earlier draft language and to provide sources for those products; a councilmember said, "When the resolution was made, statement was made that there are some repellents that can be obtained... I'll request that."
The community cat program item (Ordinance No. 2025‑15) advanced through its public hearing with no public comment and was moved on to the main motion as recorded in the transcript. As with other ordnance items the transcript records motions, seconds and closure of the hearings but does not include recorded vote tallies in the provided text.
Councilmembers characterized the animal measures as proactive steps to address animal issues in the community and asked that staff follow up with details where a prior or parallel ordinance already covered particular situations (for example, dog leash requirements).
