Boulder City introduces leash-law, animal-control and breeders-permit ordinances; business-impact statement approved

Boulder City Council introduced two animal-related ordinances and a separate police-department ordinance on Oct. 28 and scheduled them for public hearing on Nov. 10.

Bill 2089 would amend the municipal code to remove the supervision exception to prohibitions on animals at large and add civil penalties; Bill 2090 would create a breeders permit and set regulations and fees for the breeding of dogs and cats. City Attorney Brittney Walker presented a business-impact statement prepared under NRS chapter 237; the Chamber of Commerce told staff it did not anticipate business impacts, and staff received public comments both opposing general regulation of breeding and urging stronger controls.

Public commenters urged the council to tighten proposed language. "I was hoping that the pet-breeding ordinance could be banned," Brin de Larmie said, while also thanking council for adding the items and urging stricter permit terms and removal of an "under voice command" leash exception, citing concerns about animals not hearing owners during loud events. On the phone, Fred Volts urged stricter numeric limits and reporting requirements: "First, reduce the number of dogs or cats possessed at any one household for breeding purposes to one, not three. Second, allow only one litter every five years, not every two years. Third, require annual reporting from the breeder to animal-shelter personnel... Fourth, state statute requires disclosure of a breeder license number in any advertising" — a disclosure he said was omitted from the current proposed wording.

After Walker presented the business-impact statement and summarized comments, Council member Walton moved to approve the statement and Councilwoman Booth seconded; the council approved it by voice vote (the transcript records aye/oppose but does not include a roll-call tally). Walker told the council the city followed NRS chapter 237 procedures for notifying potentially affected businesses and incorporating comments into the statement.

Why it matters: the ordinances would change how animals are regulated in public spaces and create a permitting regime for breeders, potentially affecting residents who keep animals, commercial breeders and the city’s animal-shelter operations.

All three introduced ordinances — Bill 2088 (police-department changes including a voluntary mounted police unit), Bill 2089 (animal-control amendments) and Bill 2090 (breeders permit) — were set for the Nov. 10 council meeting for further consideration and public hearing.