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Jun 25, 2008 6:18 pm US/Central
Dallas City Council Approves New Pet Ordinance
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
After a grueling three hours of discussion, debate and citizen input, the Dallas City Council overwhelmingly approved a stricter animal ordinance designed to reduce the number of strays on the streets.
Some city council members say the city has been overrun by dogs and cats for too long and it was time for the humans to do something about it.
Animal advocates decked city hall with 512 red balloons before the meeting. "[The balloons are] representing the number of dogs and cats we kill in an average week at the city shelter," explained animal advocate Susan Oakey. "This has to stop [and] spay/neuter is the only way that it will."
A stricter spay and neutering policy was part of the new ordinance that many dog breeders were against. Breeder Olivia Powell spoke before the council saying, "I urge you do not pass this ordinance. You're going to wipe out lines of dogs and people that love them."
The city estimates there are at least 340,000 dogs and cats running loose around Dallas.
Some people are concerned about another part of the ordinance that limits the number of pets a resident can own. "How will you ask me to decide who I love the least? My 10-year-old blind dog; who's gonna adopt him?" asked breeder Sandy Bell.
Though dog owners will pay more fees the city council voted in favor, 10 to three, of passing the stricter ordinance. "I think this is the opportunity to save the lives of thousands of animals," Oakey said. "Everyone in the rescue community is just overjoyed. We've wanted this for so long."
Animal owners in the city of Dallas will have to register their pet every year. The cost is $7 for spayed or neutered dogs and cats or $30 for animals that are not spayed or neutered. Breeder's permits will cost $70.
There is a limit of six dogs or cats total per household and the animals must have at least 150 square feet of outdoor space. Dogs confined to the out-of-doors must also have a dog house.
While the new ordinance may not take care of the animal population problem, one councilmember said 'it's a start'.
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