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Council hears proposed animal‑code changes; staff to clarify livestock and rooster rules
Summary
The Animal Advisory Board recommended code changes for dangerous/vicious animal definitions, microchipping and impoundment procedures; council asked staff to confirm zoning impacts for livestock and whether roosters are banned citywide under recent state law changes.
Lancaster staff presented recommended amendments to Chapter 4 (Animals) on June 17 after multiple Animal Advisory Board reviews. The proposed changes would revise definitions related to dangerous and vicious animals, clarify impoundment and redemption procedures, address microchipping and adjust the number of required empowerment steps before prosecution in certain circumstances.
Council members raised substantive questions about how the draft interacts with zoning and state law on backyard poultry. Staff referenced recent state legislation discussed in the meeting (Senate Bill 86) that permits up to six backyard chickens on single‑family residential lots while allowing municipalities to impose reasonable regulations on roosters and other specifics. Council requested follow‑up to determine whether a citywide rooster prohibition exists or whether restrictions should vary by zoning/agrarian property.
Staff said the animal ordinance changes and the companion impoundment/redeem item will return after follow‑up on zoning classifications, roosters, and related enforcement issues; the Animal Advisory Board’s redlines will be included with the returned packet for council consideration.
