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San Antonio council approves ordinance narrowing abandonment loophole, raises enforcement questions
Summary
Council passed an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the city code to prohibit abandonment of animals and to impose city fines; rescuers and residents urged clearer language, public education and more shelter resources before enforcement.
On Sept. 11, 2025, the San Antonio City Council voted to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the city code to prohibit abandonment of animals within city limits. John Gary, director of Animal Care Services (ACS), presented background on earlier community consultations and legal work that led to the ordinance. Councilmembers said the measure is intended to address repeated incidents of animals abandoned in public spaces and to increase owner responsibility.
The ordinance, as described by ACS staff, would expand the city’s prohibition on abandonment to include domestic and non-domestic animals (excluding wild animals captured and released under authorized exceptions) and set civil fines. Gary described proposed city fines starting at a minimum of $500 and up to $2,000 depending on offense and escalating…
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