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Council gives first reading to updated animal ordinance after public concern about removed nuisance language
Summary
Council advanced first reading of a revised animal ordinance (Chapter 4) after a public speaker urged restoration of language addressing nuisance noise (barking) and other protections; the city attorney will review the speaker's detailed concerns.
Council moved a proposed update to Chapter 4 (animals) of the City Code to first reading July 21, after hearing public comment asking the city to restore parts of the nuisance‑animal language.
Wade Fulmer, who said he has followed the animal code changes closely, told council that a subsection addressing excessive barking and related noise had been removed and that examples helpful for enforcement were stricken. He urged the council to restore the language to avoid harm to neighborhoods and to emphasize prevention of harm to persons and neighborhoods.
Mayor Rickerman asked the city attorney to review the points raised and staff agreed to take Fulmer's written concerns under advisement. Council approved the ordinance on first reading by recorded roll call. The ordinance was introduced by the Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee and staff thanked animal services personnel for their work on the code updates.
The city attorney will review the specific nuisance language and staff will return with any suggested edits or clarifications before subsequent readings.
