Council amends proposed leash ordinance after extended public comment; amendment adds exceptions for parks and public-safety activities
After a long public-comment period with many residents urging a strict leash law, council adopted an amendment broadening the draft ordinance’s exceptions (bona-fide hunts, designated off-leash park areas, and law-enforcement/search-and-rescue activity). A motion to defer for broader public comment was considered but a subsequent amendment to the draft passed on the floor.
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Dozens of residents and subject-matter speakers addressed the council during public comment about a proposed change to the city’s animal-control code defining when dogs are considered “at large.” Multiple speakers — including trainer Chuck Jackson, animal-behavior professionals and Buckroe neighborhood representatives — urged a strict leash law to protect seniors, children and those fearful of dogs. Others asked that limited off-leash access be preserved in designated areas and for flexibility to support pet owners without backyards.
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