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Council clarifies impoundment rules, makes animals available for adoption after five-day hold
Summary
Council amended animal impoundment code to state animals will be made available for adoption after a five-day hold and removed language that could be read to allow automatic euthanasia after five days; exceptions for sick or injured animals remain governed by policy.
Moore City Council approved an amendment to the city's animal impoundment code to clarify post-hold disposition. The ordinance removes language that could be interpreted to allow automatic destruction of animals after a five-day hold and states animals "shall be made available for adoption after the lapse of 5 days."
City counsel explained the change clarifies that euthanasia or destruction after the five-day period requires a separate, documented reason. Council and staff discussed that injured or terminally ill animals remain subject to existing policy and that euthanasia in those situations is handled under policy rather than the revised ordinance. The mayor noted policy updates are underway but that policies typically do not come before council.
The council moved and approved the ordinance by roll call. Staff said they are updating related policies and implementation procedures to align with the ordinance change.
