LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Lubbock City Council heard two agenda items proposed by the Lubbock Animal Shelter during its meeting, addressing dangerous dog classifications and pet ownership limits.
Dangerous dog ordinance proposal
The first proposal clarifies what classifies a dog as “dangerous” and outlines the process for making that determination. The Lubbock Animal Shelter proposed the ordinance to more closely follow state law and to take the burden off shelter officers.
Under the proposed law, a dog is considered dangerous when it attacks another dog or human unprovoked while unrestrained and outside of an enclosure. It can also be deemed a threat if a person has probable cause to believe the dog will cause bodily injury.
The proposed ordinance eliminates the need for a hearing to declare the dog dangerous. Due process will be done by the shelter with Lubbock Animal Shelter Director Steven Greene making the final decision on the animal’s categorization.
Owners will retain the right to appeal the ruling to the municipal court. Appeals must be filed within 15 days of the notice, and owners are given 30 days to comply.
The liability insurance requirement will also be increased from $250,000 to $1 million. The council asked the shelter to look more into this number and to do market research before the next meeting to see if the insurance number is feasible.
Pet ownership limits proposed
The second item on the agenda aims to lessen the amount of stray animals on Lubbock streets. Under this proposal, residents would be limited to four animals in their home. Anything more would require a multi-pet permit.
If the ordinance is passed, there will no longer be a required home inspection. Additionally, there will be an impound fee refund incentive. Owners who reclaim their pet from the shelter may be able to receive a refund on impound fees, but only if the animal was spayed and neutered.
Breeder permit regulations not passed
The one item not passed by council on the first read was the breeder permit regulations. Some council members said they don’t think establishing a permit would discourage out-of-town breeders from selling animals in Lubbock.
Taylor Ruggles, assistant director at the Lubbock Animal Shelter, believes the permits would be beneficial.
“I think breeder permits can help as a deterrent for people going out and just breeding animals and then selling them without knowing what kind of home they’re going to or if they’re having unwanted litters and just letting them roam the streets,” Ruggles said.
What’s next
These ordinances only went through the first reading, which means it will not go into effect until it’s reviewed and passed at the next city council meeting.
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