Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts wide-ranging animal‑control rewrite after committee review
Summary
The Fremont City Council adopted ordinance 57-49 replacing Chapter 6 Articles 1 and 2 to revise animal-control rules, add CSO authority and carve out new feral‑cat provisions; council approved an amendment distinguishing 'dangerous' from 'potentially dangerous' animals.
The Fremont City Council on July 28 adopted ordinance 57-49, a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 6 (animal control and licensure) that city staff and a multi‑year committee developed to align local code with state law and to give community‑service officers (CSOs) clearer enforcement tools.
Brad (Bridal) Yerger, who described the committee’s work, said the redline before council represents ‘‘years’ worth of work,’’ noting the effort began in 2019, involved legal review and sought to balance public safety, owner responsibilities and animal welfare. ‘‘We spent about 2.5 years or so going through this,’’ Yerger said, describing multiple committee meetings and legal review.
Committee members and staff highlighted several substantive changes: expanded CSO authority for enforcement, revised definitions, new feral‑cat provisions to permit managed colonies and requirements for caretakers, and an appeals commission created during prior dangerous‑dog work. Kelly Steemer, speaking for CSOs, said the updates give officers ‘‘the tools that are necessary’’ to manage animal control more effectively.
Councilman Paul Von Barron proposed an amendment clarifying owner responsibilities by distinguishing a ‘‘dangerous animal’’ (which must be contained on owner property) from a ‘‘potentially dangerous animal’’ (which must be leashed and under control when off owner property). The council unanimously adopted the amendment and then approved final reading of ordinance 57-49, 8–0.
The ordinance repeals and replaces the identified sections of the municipal code and provides for severability and an effective date. Council members said the package was not perfect but represented major improvements over prior rules and reflected extensive committee input.
What’s next: The ordinance is in effect per the council’s action; staff will implement new licensing, enforcement and reporting procedures described in the updated code.
