Mobile committee begins rewrite of animal-control ordinances, proposes higher fines and a subsidized spay-neuter program

At a meeting of the Mobile City Public Safety Committee, staff outlined a citywide rewrite of animal-control ordinances focused on dogs and described a plan to increase penalties and expand spay-and-neuter services.

Robert Bryant, an animal-control staff member, told the committee the rewrite began in November and aims to consolidate duplicated or unclear provisions into distinct sections for animal-owner responsibilities, animal-control authority and general rules. "This is an entire rewrite of what we currently have," Bryant said, adding the administration had sent drafts to defense attorneys and judges across Alabama for legal feedback.

Bryant said the city's current penalty scheme is limited, with most violations carrying a $100 fine plus possible court costs. "We are upping that to anywhere between $300 and $500," he said, noting $500 is the maximum the city may levy at the municipal level. He also said repeat violations can lead to mandatory court appearances and possible jail time at the judge's discretion; a committee…