At the meeting, Rosenberg resident Jessie Arriaga, who gave her address as 1707 6th Street, told the City Council she is concerned about a growing problem with stray dogs and cats in Old Rosenberg and urged the council to take action.

Arriaga said the animals have created hazards for her family and pets and described specific incidents that prompted her request for more city attention. "I have children. I have 6 children. We're a family of 8. My kids see strays every day. We walk to school, I've had my children almost bit by dogs," she said. Arriaga also told the council she recently had a legally required court appearance after a neighbor dog chewed through her fence and attacked her dog; she said she then faced fines.

She told council members the city animal shelter is over capacity. "I'm told it's because of the no kill shelter. We don't have any space. And we have animals who have been there for a year, 2 years," Arriaga said, adding that long shelter stays are contributing to local public-health nuisances such as fleas, ticks and animals taking up residence in private attics. She described finding a dead dog under her deck and burying the animal.

Arriaga asked that the topic be added to a future council agenda so the issue can be discussed more fully. Council members and staff offered follow-up: a staff member invited Arriaga to meet after the meeting and one council member said he would call her to discuss next steps. The mayor noted the city's regular monthly animal-board report (the council was directed to the meeting on the 28th) and encouraged the resident to attend that report.

The council did not take formal action during the meeting on the animal-control concerns. Council members said staff would follow up and consider adding the matter to a future agenda for discussion and possible action.

Arriaga concluded by reiterating her request for further discussion and thanking the council for hearing her comments.