SUBJECT An ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Dallas City Code to require a person who takes possession of a stray dog to attempt to locate the dog's owner - Financing: No cost consideration to the City BACKGROUND The proposed ordinance would add Section 7-4.12 to the Dallas City Code to create an offense if a person takes possession of a stray dog in the city and knowingly fails to make, within 72 hours after taking possession, a reasonable effort to locate the dog's owner by: (1) calling the telephone number listed on the dog's tags; (2) taking the dog to a licensed veterinarian for a microchip, tattoo, or other identification screening and calling the owner identified through the screening; (3) calling 311 to request that animal services pick up the dog for identification screening and impoundment; or (4) delivering the dog to the city's animal shelter for identification screening and impoundment. A violation of the proposed ordinance would be punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions) This item has no prior action. FISCAL INFORMATION No cost consideration to the City.
4/22/2010
ORDINANCE NO.
An ordinance adding Section 7-4.12 to CHAPTER 7, “ANIMALS,” of the Dallas City Code, as amended; requiring a person who takes possession of a stray dog to attempt to locate the dog’s owner; providing a penalty not to exceed $500; providing a saving clause; providing a severability clause; and providing an effective date. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DALLAS: SECTION 1. That Article IV, “Specific Requirements for Dogs and Cats,” of
CHAPTER 7, “ANIMALS,” of the Dallas City Code, as amended, is amended by adding Section 7-4.12, entitled “Duty to Locate Owners of Stray Dogs,” to read as follows: “SEC. 7-4.12. DUTY TO LOCATE OWNERS OF STRAY DOGS.
A person commits an offense if he takes possession of a stray dog in the city and knowingly fails to make, within 72 hours after taking possession, a reasonable effort to locate the dog’s owner by: (1) calling the telephone number listed on the dog’s tags;
(2) taking the dog to a licensed veterinarian for a microchip, tattoo, or other identification screening and calling the owner identified through the screening; (3) calling 311 to request that animal services pick up the dog for identification screening and impoundment; or (4) and impoundment.” delivering the dog to the city’s animal shelter for identification screening
SECTION 2. That a person violating a provision of this ordinance, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
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SECTION 3. That CHAPTER 7 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, will remain in full force and effect, save and except as amended by this ordinance. SECTION 4. That the terms and provisions of this ordinance are severable and are governed by Section 1-4 of CHAPTER 1 of the Dallas City Code, as amended. SECTION 5. That this ordinance will take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dallas, and it is accordingly so ordained.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: THOMAS P. PERKINS, JR., City Attorney By Assistant City Attorney Passed
LC/DCC/00483A