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Windcrest council discusses nonlethal animal‑control methods after reported mauling incidents
Summary
Council discussed adding nonlethal options to Chapter 6 of the code—such as nets, CO2 dispensers, brush‑truck water sprays, and bean‑bag or rubber projectiles—after members cited incidents where officers had to shoot dogs because no alternatives were available; staff, the chief and animal services committee will research options and report back.
The Windcrest City Council discussed proposed amendments to Chapter 6 of the municipal code to incorporate nonlethal animal‑capture and response options, following testimony that officers in recent incidents lacked alternatives and had to shoot dogs.
A councilmember with law‑enforcement experience described a recent incident (outside Windcrest) where officers had no secondary means to separate attacking dogs and "the only option was they shot the dogs." He urged the city to consider options such as nets, bean‑bag projectiles, CO2 dispensers and using fire department brush‑truck water spray to disperse aggressive animals. "I never mentioned the chemical solution because that's too hard to keep up with... but nets... we used to have the supervisors used to carry nets in their cars," he said.
The fire chief and other staff said they are researching nonlethal possibilities, including CO2 cartridges and consulting veterinarians about safety and effectiveness. Staff noted that some nonlethal methods—like tranquilizer guns—require council authorization due to regulatory constraints, while others could be adopted administratively through standard operating procedures. "He can come up with certain nonlethal means without the direction of council," a legal or administrative staff member said of the police chief, noting some methods still need council approval.
Councilmembers asked the animal‑services committee to consider nonlethal options at its October meeting and requested staff follow up with the police chief and provide recommendations. No ordinance change or formal vote was taken; staff committed to continuing research and to report back to council.
