Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 25-09, an Ordinance to Amend Title IX, General Regulations, Chapter 92, Animals, of Code of Ordinances of the City of Port St. Lucie
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Submitted By: Leo Niemczyk, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to provide exceptional services.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie desires to update Chapter 92, Animals, of the Port St. Lucie Code of Ordinances (“Code”) for the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of residents and animals within the jurisdiction of the City of Port St. Lucie through the promotion of responsible pet ownership and the adoption of industry best practices, while considering the specific goals and needs of the City.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the recommended changes to Chapter 92 Ordinance, Animals of the City Code.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the revisions to Chapter 92, Animals, of the City Code.
2. Move that the Council not approve the recommended changes and provide staff feedback.
Background: The Port St. Lucie Police Department’s (“PSLPD”) Animal Control Division, in conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office, is recommending several changes to the Chapter 92, Animals, of the City Code, to amend ambiguities that currently exist and to further protect the rights of animals within our City.
Issues/Analysis: The PSLPD Animal Control Division revised specific sections in Chapter 92, Animals, of the City Code, such as including subsections explaining the process for declaring dogs dangerous; narrowing the scope for the times of day and length of time permitted for noisy animals; changing the holding periods to three (3) days for unclaimed impounded animals; and adding a section of indoor standards specific to garages and sheds. This change to the ordinance also provides new definitions for community cats and caregivers to community cats, related to the City’s Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release program, and provides guidelines as to the pet owner’s responsibility for their animals’ actions. Finally, this ordinance provides processes related to the impact of animals during evictions, incarcerations, and hospitalizations, and provides for a licensing fee that eliminates a one-time animal registration fee for certified seeing eye dogs and hearing impaired certified dogs.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Citywide
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 25-09, Chapter 92, Animals
2. Chapter 92, Animals, Changes Clean Copy
3. Executive Summary of Changes
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 23284-06
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Carly Fabien, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.