HomeMy WebLinkAbout6 - City Code Amendment - Dogs & Cats
CONSENT AGENDA:
REQUESTED BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CENSUS '90
.
6
DICK POWELL, CHIEF OF POLICE
CONSIDER FIRST DRAFT OF ORDINANCE 90-02 AMENDING
TITLE 10, CHAPTER 2 - DOG AND CAT ORDINANCE
MARCH 13, 1990
Over the past several years problems with the
current dog and cat ordinance have emerged as
a result of an increase in complaints due to
unruly or loud dogs. The current ordinance
has been amended to assist in addressing the
problems.
The problem of loose dogs and cats has always
been a concern in the City, especially in the
spring when yards are being cleaned up and new
plants started. Durin~ the last several years
dog barking com~la1nts have increased,
creating a real pol~ce department problem.
The police and the City Attorneys have found
the present ordinance difficult to enforce and
prosecute in court. The police currently have
no provisions allowing them to impound an
animal, even when the owners are gone on
vacation and someone is taking care of the
animal. These dogs are often in an outside
kennel and bark habitually. A citation may be
given, but this allows no relief to neighbors
until the owner is located. Another ~roblem
that is developing are dogs hab1tually
disturbin9 the peace during the daytime. This
causes ne~ghbors who are home to become very
irritated, and also prevents shift workers
from sleeping.
The proposed ordinance would allow the police
and the poundmaster broader authority by:
1) Not allowing dogs to bark between the
hours of between 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.
Our current ordinance is more liberal and
the first contact is usually a warning
followed by a citation if the barking
continues. In the past, if the owner is
not home the police and/or poundmaster is
not empowered to impound a barking dog.
The proposed ordinance will allow
impoundment.
4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
ALTERNATIVES:
ACTION REQUIRED:
2) Setting guidelines for dogs that are
barking during the daytime. If they are
barking for over an hour the police
and/or poundmaster may take action. The
current ordinance does not address this
problem.
The City Council can take the
action:
following
1. Den~ the amendments to the current
ord~nance and discontinue discussion of
the Dog and Cat ordinance.
Confirm the
direct staff
for approval
meeting.
3. Modify the proposed amendments and direct
staff to schedule approval of Ordinance
90-02, with modifications, for the April
2, 1990 Council meeting.
2.
proposed amendments and
to schedule Ordinance 90-02
at the April 2, 1990 Council
The Police Department and City Attorney
recommend approval of Alternative 2, amending
the current ordinance so the police,
poundmaster and prosecutors can do a more
effective job in controlling and resolving
animal complaints.
Motion to approve Ordinance 90-02.