Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges stronger enforcement and a pamphlet on animal-cage standards
Summary
A resident at citizens forum urged the city to publish and distribute guidance about legal requirements for keeping animals in cages (shade, potable water, heated bowls in freezing weather and concrete floors) and called for stronger enforcement by animal control. The police chief said a pamphlet is being printed.
At the citizens forum the commission heard from a resident, Mr. Myers, who urged clearer public information and stronger enforcement of local and state rules regarding animals kept in cages.
Myers said the public needs clear guidance about protections from the elements and asserted it is "abuse to put an animal in a 100 degree temperature without being exposed to shade." He urged that in winter months animals should not be exposed to extreme cold and proposed requiring heated water bowls when outdoor temperatures cause water to freeze. He also suggested that cages should have concrete floors rather than bare dirt to avoid unsanitary conditions.
Myers said he had discussed the issue with the police chief previously; the chief told him a pamphlet explaining animal-cage requirements was in production and "brought to the printers". Myers asked that the brochure be distributed in utility/water bills and shared with humane-society partners. He also requested stronger enforcement authority for animal-control officers to investigate and inspect properties where concerns are reported.
Commissioners thanked the speaker. No formal action was taken during the meeting on enforcement changes; the chief indicated educational materials would be printed and mailed.
