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Advisory board reviews Chapter 10 animal ordinance; language broadened to cover animals beyond dogs and cats
Summary
The Admiral Advisory Board on Feb. 11 reviewed proposed edits to Chapter 10 of the city code that broaden references from “dogs and cats” to “animals” and update department and facility titles.
The Admiral Advisory Board on Feb. 11 reviewed proposed edits to Chapter 10 of the city code that broaden references from “dogs and cats” to “animals” and update department and facility titles.
Board members said the revisions are largely rewording and reorganization rather than a wholesale rewrite. “10‑49 was changing dog and cat to just animal because we do not just it's not just cats and dogs sometimes,” a board member said, noting the change would allow the code to cover chickens, goats, turtles and other species that have appeared at the shelter.
The board also discussed replacing the word “dead” with “deceased” in the ordinance text after a member raised the change for tone and clarity. “I changed to deceased. I think Mary was the one that kinda brought that up,” a participant said during the discussion.
Members asked about how the code would treat service or disability animals and exotic species. A board member explained the city does not certify service animals and said certification or registration of a “certified” animal is not performed by the city: “We can't obviously, we can't register as a certifying bridal, but I haven't done a city license for one that I know of.” The board noted that licensed falconers and other regulated wildlife caretakers would typically hold state licenses through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the changes as drafted and to forward the edits to city staff. There was no further discussion and members said “aye.” The board chair indicated the redlined draft with the minor edits would be sent to staff for formal processing.
Board members and staff said the revisions aim to improve clarity and administrative consistency rather than change substantive policy. They asked staff to ensure the revised language and department titles read correctly before formal adoption.
The advisory board recorded the discussion as a forward-looking editorial update and did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; staff will carry the edits forward for the formal process and inclusion in upcoming materials.
