Title
Receive a report from the Animal Services Advisory Committee regarding recommended changes to the division’s operations and Chapter 18 of the Farmers Branch Code of Ordinances.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Because the City of Farmers Branch operates an animal shelter, City Council must appoint an advisory committee to assist in complying with the requirements of Title 10. Health and Safety of Animals, Chapter 823. Animal Shelters. The statute requires the committee be composed of at least one licensed veterinarian, on county or municipal official, one person whose duties include the daily operation of an animal shelter, and one representative from an animal welfare organization. The committee must meet at least three times per year to comply with the statute.
As part of their mission the committee reviews shelter operations and animal welfare and makes recommendations to Council on both. As an example this past year the committee provided guidance on the backyard chicken regulations. After a lengthy review of current ordinances the committee is now making recommendations for a major revision of Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances. This revision cleans up the ordinance in terms of formatting and informational grouping.
The major recommendations from the Committee are:
• Make microchipping of all dogs and cats mandatory in Farmers Branch
• Spay/Neuter all impounded dogs and cats
• Create a lower grade animal cruelty charge at the municipal level
• All dangerous animal determinations will be determined by judge, not City Manager’s designee
• Add graphics to Animal Services field vehicles to distinguish vehicles similar to Code Enforcement, Police, or Citizens on Patrol
• Add lighting to vehicles for added employee safety
• Sign an interlocal agreement for disaster recovery
Attachment:
Committee Presentation