Gun Barrel City councilors spent more than an hour reviewing proposed changes to the city's animal-control ordinance, including definitions, enforcement options and fee structures raised during town halls and public comment.

City staff presented the original ordinance text, the repealed version and a draft revised ordinance based on public input. A central legal point staff highlighted was the difference between assistance animals (as defined in the Fair Housing Act) and service animals; the manager reiterated those have distinct legal definitions.

On enforcement and fees, the animal-control officer recommended annual registration but proposed voluntary microchipping. "I would rather register your dog for free and charge you what I have to go get it," staff said, explaining a registration system would make returning lost animals easier while impound charges would cover city costs when animals are unvaccinated or unregistered.

Council discussed limiting backyard poultry (the draft permits up to six hens and prohibits roosters under the current city language). Staff noted ambiguity in state law and suggested council continue monitoring legislative changes on backyard fowl before changing city policy.

Several councilors raised enforcement practicality: how to define an animal "not under control" on public property, and whether dog-park situations should be treated differently than unrestrained animals on unrelated public streets. Staff proposed clarifying the enforcement language to reference a leash requirement when outside designated off-leash areas.

By the end of the item, council directed staff to prepare ordinance amendments reflecting the public feedback and enforcement clarifications and to bring the revised ordinance back for council consideration at an upcoming meeting.