CC_Minutes_2007_0917 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Study Session Monday, September 17, 2007 Page 16 Mayor Klausing recessed the meeting at 8:05 p.m. and reconvened at 8:14 p.m. Mayor Klausing advised that Agenda Items S.g and h would be considered at this time, respectively entitled, "Discussion an Ordinance Regarding Lifetime Pet Li- censes;" and "Discuss an Ordinance Adding 503.10, Use of Bow and Arrow." g. Discuss an Ordinance Regarding Lifetime Pet Licenses Carol Kough, speaking at the request of Councilmember Kough, asked that the City Council consider a change in pet licensing in the City. Ms. Kough provided numerous bench handouts providing vari- ous demographical statistics, and provided rationale for lifetime li- censes; pricing differentials; and microchip readers for identifying lost and/or stray animals. Discussion included reduced license fees for spayed/neutered dogs and cats; possible senior citizen discount; higher fees and impound rates for unaltered pets; and options for encouraging responsible pet ownership, and reducing pet overpopulation and safety concerns. Additional discussion included mandatory sterilization of pets; breed- ing exceptions and additional fees for breeding provisions; advantages of lifetime licenses for pet owners; number of dogs licensed compared to the actual number in the City; need to educate and inform the pub- lic on what the law is, and their licensing and vaccination responsibili- ties as responsible pet owners; size of pet litters; and a review of how Animal Control Officers respond, the process, cost of citation to pet owners; and potential ramifications for their pets. Police Captain Rick Mathwig provided additional research informa- tion and staff rationale for drafting ordinance language additions to Sections 501.06 (License Required), and 301.06 (License and Fees), along with recommendations to strike language in Section 501.06 (Li- cense Required). Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of lifetime and differential li- censing, with additional fees for breeders, less expensive fees for spaying/neutering, and an additional fee for non-altered pets. Further discussion included current and future on-line licensing.