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Council adopts animal control ordinance updates after debate over pet limits
Summary
Garner council adopted amendments to the town’s animal control ordinance to align with Wake County standards and add clearer definitions, leash and penalty language. Council debated a two‑pet limit for smaller lots; the ordinance passed 4–1.
Garner — The Town Council voted 4–1 on April 21 to adopt updates to the town'9s animal control ordinance intended to provide clearer definitions for officers, structured penalties for repeat offenders and a county‑aligned appeals process.
The ordinance (proposed as Ordinance 2026‑5382) was presented by Captain Castellano of the Garner Police Department, who said staff reviewed definitions, prohibited actions, leash and restraint language, and the process for appeals. Captain Castellano said the revisions give officers clearer guidance in the field and create tiered penalties for repeat violations. "We had 902 animal service calls last year," Captain Castellano said, noting the changes will help officers make professional decisions and improve public safety.
The most contested portion of the hearing revolved around an existing limit on the number of pets allowed on lots of 20,000 square feet or less. Several council members recalled intense debate two decades ago over a similar provision and said they remain sensitive to residents who keep multiple small dogs. Councilmember Singleton said he planned to vote against the update because the limit could force residents to give up pets; others said enforcement would be complaint‑driven, not proactive enforcement at homes.
Town Attorney Terry Jones told council that they had three options: continue the public hearing for more input, close the hearing and direct staff to draft changes, or close the hearing and adopt the ordinance as written. Councilmember Vance moved to adopt Ordinance 2026‑5382; Mayor Pro Tem Tim Dellinger seconded. After a roll call vote the ordinance passed 4–1 (No: Councilmember Singleton).
Attorney Jones commended a legal intern who worked on the amendments and noted the council may revisit portions of the ordinance in the future if the body wants tweaks. The council also directed staff to accept additional public input if citizens request amendments to the pet limit.
The ordinance adoption places the updated language into the town code; the council emphasized the amendments are intended to provide clarity and a consistent countywide approach while leaving the door open for future adjustments.
The council closed the public hearing and moved on to other agenda business.
