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Martin council adopts four ordinances tightening rules on dogs and cats
Summary
The Martin City Council on May 14 adopted Ordinances 263 266, which revise definitions and enforcement for "vicious" animals, notice and reclamation procedures, registration on apprehension, and a list of behaviors that constitute public nuisance for dogs and cats. All ordinances were approved on second reading and set to go into effect after publication.
The Martin City Council adopted four related ordinances May 14 that amend Title Two, Chapter Three of the city code to clarify how dogs and cats are regulated and when they may be euthanized.
Ordinance No. 263 expands the city's authority to declare an animal "vicious" and sets a 12-hour removal window after written or verbal notice; if the animal is not removed the designated official may remove and euthanize it. Ordinance No. 264 clarifies notice and reclamation procedures for apprehended animals, sets a 48-hour removal deadline for nuisances, and authorizes euthanasia under specified violations; the ordinance cites SDCL 21-10-6, SDCL 9-29-12 and SDCL 9-29-13. Ordinance No. 265 requires the designated official to create a registry when an animal is apprehended (breed, color, sex, owner information) and repeats that unlicensed animals may be euthanized per code section 2-3-6(1)(iii). Ordinance No. 266 defines "public nuisance" for dogs and cats (excessive barking, running in packs, being on public property and creating a safety threat, digging or tearing garbage on others' property, offensive odor, unlicensed animals, more than three animals on private property, and lack of vaccinations) and restates enforcement pathways.
Council member Larry Gauer moved to approve the second reading and publication of Ordinance No. 263; the motion carried with unanimous approval. Similar motions were made to adopt Ordinances 264, 265 and 266 on second reading and to publish them; each motion passed with "all voting aye." The ordinances are dated May 14, 2025, and list an effective date following publication (effective June 17, 2025, as published).
