Agenda - Council - 03/26/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Musgrove stated that she appreciates the information that was provided in the case and tends to favor eliminating the need for licensing animals. She asked for input on revamping the policy. Police Chief Katers replied that there are two specific ordinances that would need amendment or elimination if the process is eliminated. He stated that elimination of the licensing/registration would not impact the regulation of dangerous dogs. Councilmember Riley stated that he would favor eliminating the need to license dogs. He explained that if there is a rule, it should be enforced and if it is not enforced, it should be eliminated. He stated that perhaps the licensing/registration process could be eliminated but the pet clinic option could remain, as it appears many residents take advantage of that service. Councilmember Shryock asked when the pet clinics are typically held and suggested that perhaps that be combined with another City event. Police Chief Katers replied that the clinics are typically held in the spring, March and April. He agreed that the clinic could be combined with another event, but noted that it would have to fit with the other type of event since people would bring dogs. Councilmember Heinrich agreed that perhaps it is not worth doing the licensing/registration process anymore as there are other methods of pet identification available. She also agreed that perhaps the pet clinic could still be held and reduced from two events to one event, because of the high number of residents participating. Police Chief Katers noted that the pet clinics have been held at a variety of locations but most recently the clinics have been held in parks and that has been a good fit. He stated that he could speak with other City staff members to determine other options for the clinic to streamline the process. Councilmember Kuzma agreed that he would eliminate the need to make registration of animals mandatory. He suggested that perhaps a better option would be to use the City newsletter to educate residents on the options available for animal identification including the use of chip technology. Councilmember Shryock referenced the chip technology and stated that she had her cat chipped but then received a renewal notice, so perhaps not all the chips are active if that membership expires. Police Chief Katers replied that the department scanner is able to read a variety of manufacturer's chips and agreed that each manufacturer has its own type of service that it offers. He stated that most people will return a pet to its owner if there is identification on the animal, which does not involve City staff. City Council Work Session / March 12, 2019 Page 2 of 9