SAN ANTONIO \u2014 San Antonio leaders are considering higher fees for owners of dogs the city has already classified as aggressive or dangerous as they work to close a projected $158 million budget gap.<\/p>\n
The proposal would not make a major dent in the shortfall, but supporters say it could reinforce the responsibilities that come with owning a dog with a history of aggression or violence.<\/p>\n
For Raymond Najera, whose father Ramon died in a dog attack in 2023, the issue is far more than a budget matter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a tragic incident that happened to our family,\u201d Najera said.<\/p>\n
He said other people have been killed or seriously injured in attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been numerous other attacks and people getting killed or maimed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
What the proposed fees would change<\/p>\n
Under the city\u2019s proposed budget, fees for each level of aggressive dog classification would increase by $25.<\/p>\n
The annual dangerous-dog license would increase by $50, to $150 per year. The city would also begin charging owners for required dangerous-dog home inspections for the first time.<\/p>\n
Animal Care Services Director Jon Gary said each inspection requires several hours of work, even when the owner passes the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is several hours that go into just having one inspection for that dangerous animal,\u201d Gary said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s assuming that everything goes well. If they don\u2019t pass the initial inspection and we have to go back again, then it\u2019s even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Owners would also pay a reinspection fee if ACS has to return.<\/p>\n
The proposed changes would mark the first adjustment to these fees since 2010. Dangerous-dog inspections were the only ACS inspections for which the department was not charging owners, according to Gary.<\/p>\n
“As we start examining these fees, I asked the question, like, why are we not charging for this? And our interim assistant director said, you know, we just never have. And I said, well, we charge for every other inspection that we do for these permits. We should be charging for these,” Gary explained.<\/p>\n
We asked about the mechanisms in place to ensure those fines are collected.<\/p>\n
Gary said the inspection fee would be collected before an owner can pass the inspection. <\/p>\n
Compliance inspections after a dog is registered as aggressive or dangerous are also straightforward, he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re not in compliance, you\u2019re not getting your dog back,\u201d Gary said.<\/p>\n
Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito said the goal is not solely to raise revenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to take a step back and look at the culture shift that we need to have,\u201d Gavito said. \u201cAnd sometimes you have to hit people in the pocketbook to change behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n
Najera said the increase is a positive step, but it must come with consistent enforcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a step in the right direction, I believe, to increase fines,\u201d he said. \u201cI mean, we\u2019re the sixth-largest city in the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Najera said owners must take steps to keep dangerous dogs securely contained.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to keep it from getting out of your enclosure and possibly hurting somebody,\u201d he said. \u201cKids and the elderly are the two most affected people right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
How San Antonio\u2019s fees compare with other Texas cities<\/p>\n
Even if approved, San Antonio would remain well below some other major Texas cities in the cost of owning a dangerous dog.<\/p>\n
Austin and El Paso each charge $50 per year for a dangerous-dog license.<\/p>\n
Arlington also charges $50 annually, plus $55 for each required inspection \u2014 four inspections per year.<\/p>\n
Dallas charges more than $250 to register a dangerous dog, followed by an annual fee.<\/p>\n
Fort Worth charges $500 per year, the highest annual registration cost among the cities compared.<\/p>\n
State Rep. Liz Campos, who has supported tougher dangerous-dog restrictions at the state level, called San Antonio\u2019s proposed fee increases more reasonable than some other cities\u2019 costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s excessive. That\u2019s a lot,\u201d Campos said of the $500 annual fee. \u201cBecause, I mean, you have everything else. You have the licensing, you have the registration, all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Campos said local fees can be one tool to promote responsible ownership, but they cannot replace enforcing the rules intended to protect neighbors.<\/p>\n
“I think it is good that we’re putting this out there and letting people know, take care of your dogs, make sure they’re not dangerous,” she said.<\/p>\n
City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget and revenue changes Sept. 17. If approved, the higher dog fees would take effect as part of the city\u2019s new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
You can see where the aggressive and dangerous dogs in San Antonio live here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To report an aggressive or dangerous dog in San Antonio, call 311 or submit a report through the city\u2019s 311 online system<\/a>. If a dog is actively attacking someone or poses an immediate threat, call 911. Include the location, a description of the dog and owner if known, and any photos or video that can help Animal Care Services investigate.<\/p>\n