Agenda Item Wording:
title
Overview of Visalia Animal Services and the Municipal Code Title 6 changes - Review of proposed changes to the Municipal Code relating to the regulation of animals, consider potential updates, and direct staff to return with a proposed ordinance to enact such updates, and direction to explore options for feral cats.
body
Deadline for Action: 2/20/2024
Submitting Department: Community Services
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Candace Harrington, Animal Services Manager 713-4682
Department Recommendation:
That Council receive this overview of Visalia Animal Services and the Municipal Code Title 6 concerning the regulation of animals, consider potential updates, and direct staff to return with a proposed ordinance to enact such updates, as well as direction to pursue options for feral cats in the community.
Background Discussion:
City staff has continued to review the City's ordinance relating to animals and have identified several new revisions based on evolving conditions, demands, and state law modifications. City staff are also proposing a revision to the process for animal intake and are asking for authorization to explore feral cat colony management policies.
Proposed Code Changes:
City staff is seeking input from City Council on whether to move forward with a proposal to modify the current ordinance.
A summary of these changes is described as follows:
* Current code refers to the person in charge of the animal shelter as "Poundmaster" which is an older term and does not reflect the current practice of Animals Services to have one person managing the entire Animal Services department, including the shelter. Staff recommends changing the reference throughout Title 6 to "Manager" as a more appropriate and modern term in reference to the management of animal control operations and the animal care facility.
* Current ordinance states that animals owner surrendered can be euthanized at any time. Updated state law says they ...
Click here for full text