02/25/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 25, 2008 TOPIC: Ordinance No. 03 -08, Approving City Code Chapter 503, Animal Control Regulations VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 Vote Required BACKGROUND: Staff has identified a need for a revision to the city's animal regulations in order to improve animal control within the city. Currently, animal regulations are scattered throughout various chapters of the city code. This makes it difficult for the public to find and comply with restrictions and for staff to enforce proper controls. In addition, current regulations are in need of updates and revisions. Staff has drafted a revised Chapter 503, Animal Control Regulations, that combines and improves on existing Chapters 502 (Dogs), 503 (Farm Animals), 506 (Non- Domesticated Animals) and 607 (Kennels). The amended chapter contains language from Minnesota State Statutes, the League of MN Cities Model Animal Ordinance, as well as various neighboring city ordinances to ensure that the revised regulations are thorough and up to date. Staff has worked together in an attempt to address all aspects of concern for citizens regarding animals through these updated regulations. The final draft of Chapter 503 has been reviewed by the Public Safety Department Personnel, and any changes per their request have been made. The following revisions have been incorporated into this revised chapter in an attempt to improve animal control in the city. 1. The city's existing regulations allow for the restraint of an animal by voice command. The police department has requested to remove this allowance as many animals do not follow voice command and it is in the city's best interest to be proactive to prevent bites and injuries that could be avoided. The revised ordinance will require an animal to be restrained or confined while on the owner's property, and to be controlled by a leash or in a motor vehicle while off the owner's property. This amendment can be found in Section 503.12, Prohibitions, referring to the definition of "at large." 2. Staff is aware that a number of residents currently own more than two dogs but have not been issued a kennel license. These residents are in violation of city ordinance and have unlicensed dogs. The City has received requests from property owners to make a private kennel license more attainable. Currently, a private kennel, allowing three or four dogs on a property, is allowed only on a parcel of land five (5) acres or more and