HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10167 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10167
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 26, 2018
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*a SUBJECT: ADDITIONAL REVIEW OF PROPOSED ANIMAL ORDINANCE
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On March 20, 2018, Code Compliance briefed City Council on proposed amendments to the
City's Animal Ordinances. While a number of public meetings had already taken place, staff
recommended an additional public review period of at least 30 days to make sure that nothing
was missed. Additional time was required to meet with some residents and formulate workable
changes to the draft ordinance.
By and far, most communications involved answering questions, listening to citizen concerns, and
explaining process and history. In particular, this included explaining that citizens must have dogs
under immediate control (through voice or other commands) outside of residential areas and how
the pooper scooper law would be enforced once the new ordinance is in place.
Of the changes being recommended, microchipping received the most attention. Staff spoke
with, held meetings, and exchanged communications with residents who were concerned
about the use of microchipping. Opposition centered around two main themes:
1. Microchipping causes cancer (no medical evidence of this claim)
2. Microchipping is a mark of the beast (religious belief)
While microchipping is the most effective method for identifying a stray dog or cat and returning
them to their owner, staff believes that there is enough room to recommend a hybrid system:
1. Microchipping shall be the primary/recommended method for identification (no annualcost
to the pet owner). Animals adopted or otherwise microchipped by the Cityare registered
in a national database at no cost to the owner.
2. Pet owners who object to a microchip can get a collar-attached City license and pay a
3 year ($100), 5 year ($150) or life of pet fee ($200). The Fee schedule is set to keep
City expenses to minimum (fewer renewals) while maximizing the savings to the
resident through a life of pet option.
The final ordinance recommendation is on the June 26th, 2018 Council Agenda. When approved,
staff will initiate a 90 day public education campaign before any enforcement action is taken. For
more information, please contact Brandon Bennett, Code Compliance Director, at (817) 392-
6322.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS