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Riverton adopts updated animal control ordinance to tighten enforcement on dogs at large and nuisances
Summary
On June 16 the Riverton City Council approved Ordinance 26‑004 amending Title 6 (Animals) to clarify definitions, impoundment, running-at-large and nuisance provisions; staff confirmed the code uses the city’s standard fine structure (max $750) and Animal Control provided call statistics showing recurring problems.
The Riverton City Council on June 16 adopted Ordinance 26‑004, a third‑reading amendment to Title 6 of the Riverton Municipal Code intended to clarify definitions and strengthen enforcement tools related to animals running at large, nuisance animals and impoundment.
Police Chief Frederick described the ordinance as a targeted update to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce strain on police and the local animal shelter. He said staff removed a prior reference to “PAWS” from the draft language and limited further substantive additions to future, separate ordinances.
Animal Control Officer Sanderson provided enforcement statistics to give council context: during calendar 2025 the department reported 237 calls for dogs at large and 67 barking-dog complaints; January 2026 totals included 88 calls for dogs at large and 22 barking-dog calls. Sanderson said multiple incidents are concentrated among a small number of repeat individuals.
Penalty structure: staff confirmed the ordinance does not add a jail component and that penalties default to the city’s general maximum fine provision (a civil/municipal fine up to $750 as provided in the municipal code).
Council discussion focused on clarifying enforcement frequency, repeat offenders and the intent to return with any larger changes in a separate ordinance. The council adopted Ordinance 26‑004 on third reading after a roll-call confirmation.
