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Board approves animal‑control updates: clearer 'running at large' rules, nuisance feeding limits and bite definition
Summary
Council adopted amendments to Chapter 205 clarifying 'running at large' (including public property/dog park), removing an age/weight restriction for leash handlers, adding nuisance‑based limits on feeding animals (Section 205.215), and narrowly clarifying the biting ordinance to apply to 'domesticated' animals; all ordinances passed unanimously on second reading.
Community development staff presented several changes to animal regulations in Chapter 205 after public comments and internal review.
The 'running at large' definition was revised to explicitly address private vs. public property and to ensure off‑leash allowances at the dog park are preserved. Staff also relaxed an earlier proposal that would have tied leash handler responsibility to a specific age/strength threshold, instead allowing responsibility so long as the handler is capable. The draft also added Section 205.215, prohibiting feeding that creates a nuisance (e.g., attracting pests, offensive odors or excessive noise), while noting that feeding birds or properly managed feeders is not prohibited.
A related ordinance amended language in Section 205.110 to specify animal‑biting provisions apply to other 'domesticated' animals, clarifying scope. Staff said the revisions responded to public questions and that a donation had been received for a TNR (trap‑neuter‑return) program to address cats; the board approved the presented ordinances on second reading with unanimous votes.
