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Council introduces ordinance to allow correctable animal-control citations; public questioning on timing
Summary
Council introduced (first reading) Ordinance 2026-786 to allow correctable citations for certain animal-control violations, permitting owners 30 days to fix issues and avoid court. Resident questioned whether the change was related to recent press about the Miranda facility; staff said it was not.
The Fortuna City Council on June 15 introduced for first reading an amendment to the Fortuna Municipal Code to permit "correctable citations" for certain animal-control violations, a change staff said is intended to encourage voluntary compliance and reduce unnecessary court appearances.
Under the proposed amendment (Ordinance 2026-786), officers would have discretion to issue a citation that allows up to 30 days for the owner to correct the violation and provide proof of compliance; if corrected, the citation could be signed off by animal-control or sworn officers without requiring a court appearance. Staff emphasized the ordinance would not eliminate citations or court proceedings for more serious matters.
During public comment, resident Orville Garrison asked whether the amendment was connected to recent high-profile press coverage about the Miranda facility. The Police Chief told the council the timing might prompt that question but the amendment has been in development for some time and is not connected to that matter.
Council approved introduction of the ordinance and continued the public hearing to July 20, 2026 for second reading and possible adoption, with unanimous roll-call votes recorded.
