City Council will vote on new Animal Code Ordinance at October 3 meeting

(September 28, 2006) – The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the first major revision of the City’s Animal Code ordinance since 1981 at its Tuesday, October 3 meeting.  Citizens will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed ordinance during a public hearing before the Council votes.

The proposed ordinance defines and clarifies dangerous dogs laws, strengthens animal care, confinement and cruelty standards, and gives the Animal Welfare Superintendent and officers more authority to enforce the laws.

Much of the current code including the pet limit of four dogs and four cats and the “pooper scooper” law remains.  There are no fee increases.

The proposed ordinance:

• provides a non-breed specific definition of a dangerous animal
• gives Animal Welfare Officers authority to enter fenced private property while chasing an animal
• requires dogs and cats adopted from the City’s animal shelter, including those transferred to rescue groups, be spayed or neutered
• gives Animal Welfare Superintendent authority to disposition animals whose owners do not appear in court
• clarifies and expands animal cruelty definitions
• defines and strengthens the standards for care and treatment of animals
• sets out a procedure for handling lost animals after a disaster

The proposed ordinance is posted on the City’s web site, www.okc.gov.

City Council meets in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 N. Walker.  Council meetings are carried live on City Channel 20 and replayed at 6:30 p.m.