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Borger council introduces animal control ordinance requiring microchipping for reclaimed impounded pets and restricting unattended outdoor feeding
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance 001725 to align animal regulations with state law, require microchipping of impounded animals at reclaiming (free for city residents), and limit unattended outdoor feeding with an exception for approved trap‑spay‑neuter programs; the measure passed introduction on first reading.
Speaker 1 outlined a package of changes to the city’s animal-control code, saying some edits are required to comply with recent state law and that the ordinance includes both housekeeping updates and local policy changes.
“We would require you to microchip it at that point to reclaim your animal,” Speaker 1 said, describing a rule that would obligate owners to microchip and register an impounded pet before reclaiming it. The speaker said the city will supply the equipment and will not charge a fee for microchipping, and that the free service is for city residents who can prove residency with a driver’s license or utility bill.
The proposal also targets unattended outdoor feeding. Speaker 1 said the change responds to two citizen complaints and aims to stop people from leaving large quantities of pet food on vacant lots or in alleys, which he said attracts wildlife and increases public‑health risks. “It’s attracting wildlife, skunks, which is a pretty good carrier of rabies,” Speaker 1 said as part of the public‑safety rationale.
The draft ordinance includes an exception for approved trap‑spay‑neuter‑release (TNR) programs. Speaker 1 said the city will clarify language and intends that such programs be approved by council resolution rather than codified in the ordinance, so that nonprofit or community groups may run TNR efforts if they meet program requirements.
Councilmember action: Speaker 5 moved to introduce Ordinance 001725 amending Chapter 2 of the city code. Speaker 3 called for the vote and announced the motion to introduce passed at the meeting.
What happens next: The ordinance was introduced on first reading; staff will return revised ordinance language at the next meeting for approval or further amendment. Speaker 1 emphasized the city expects to give verbal warnings and education before issuing citations for violations, and said the measures are intended to improve public safety and pet reunification, not to create a mandatory citywide registration system.
