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ORDINANCE: 0-2006-14
SUBJECT: Amending Title 6 of the Lakewood Municipal Code pertaining to animals.
ADDRESS: N/A
RECOMMENDATION: Mayor and City Council approve the proposed ordinance.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The proposed ordinance amends Title 6 pertaining to animals by imposing greater
restrictions and sanctions on irresponsible pet owners whose animals are dangerous,
aggressive, or habitually at large. The proposed ordinance imposes stringent
mandatory sentencing restrictions on owners convicted of possession of a dangerous
animal which include such restrictions as enclosure and fencing requirements,
leash length restrictions, muzzles, posted warning signs, implementation of
a microchip, and sterilization. The provisions of recently passed Senate Bill
06-025, which require that prior to a dangerous dog receiving any service or
treatment by such persons as a veterinary health care worker, a dog groomer,
a humane agency staff person, a pet animal care facility staff person, a professional
dog handler, or a dog trainer that written disclosure be made of the fact that
the animal has been the subject of a dangerous animal conviction, have been
included in the proposed ordinance.
A new classification of aggressive animal has been created to address problem animals that have not yet reached the level of being dangerous. Mandatory sentencing restrictions on owners convicted of possession of an aggressive animal include such requirements as the implementation of a microchip and leashing restrictions. Discretionary sentencing authority includes fencing requirements, sterilization of the animal, community service work at an animal shelter, and/or successful completion of an obedience training or pet behavior modification class.
The owners of animals that have been habitually at large will now be required
as a condition of sentencing to provide proof of sufficient confinement measures
which will secure the animal to avoid future at large violations. Animal control
officers have been given greater authority to impound and hold any owner's animals
that have been found at large three times within a three-year period. Animal
owners whose animals are impounded for being habitually at large, aggressive,
or dangerous will be required to post a financial bond with the municipal court
to provide for the animal's care and keeping including reasonable veterinary
care and treatment at the animal shelter for a period of thirty days. Any animal
whose owner fails to post such a bond may be disposed of by sale, adoption,
donation, or destruction at the sole discretion of the animal shelter. The proposed
ordinance sets forth a due process hearing for owners of animals impounded for
said violations.
The proposed ordinance does not include a dog licensing requirement. Subsequent to the April 17, 2006 Study Session at which the countywide dog licensing program was discussed, it was learned that the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department does not have the internal mechanisms currently in place to support a countywide licensing program which includes the municipalities. When the Sheriff's Department is ready with its operational procedures to administer a countywide program, a dog licensing ordinance will be presented to city council.
DATE OF FIRST READING: May 22. 2006
DATE OF SECOND READING: June 12, 2006
ORIGINATED BY: Police Department
STAFF PERSON RESPONSIBLE: Janet Young, Deputy City Attorney, 303-987-7102
Holly Gilbertson, Animal Control Supervisor, 303-987-7182
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED: Ordinance
O-2006-14
Memorandum of April 11, 2006
Summarizing Proposed Revisions to Title 6 of the Lakewood Municipal Code
Redline Version
SUBMITTED BY:
Ronald R. Burns, Chief of Police
REVIEWED BY:
Joni Inman, Director Mayor and City Manager's Office
Michael J. Rock, City Manager
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