The changes would impact not only cat and dog owners but the management of feral cats, backyard beekeeping and the sale of animals in the city.
City Council voted after several members of the public spoke in favor of the amendment.
The proposed ordinance changes include:
- Microchipping: All pets in the city of Round Rock over the age of four months would be required to be microchipped within 30 days of moving to Round Rock. Pet owners will also be responsible for updating microchip data.
- Animals in vehicles: Leaving pets unattended in vehicles for any amount of time would be banned.
- Metal chains: The use of metal chains as tethers would be banned.
- Sale of animals: Animals would only be sold under the age of 8 weeks with their mothers. The sale of animals in Round Rock would also be restricted to animals from Williamson and Travis counties.
- Feral cats: The amendment would put in place ordinances to guide trap, neuter and return programs within the city.
- Collars: Collars would be defined as nylon, leather or similar material that is properly fitted and specifically designed to be used for a dog.
The ordinance amendments were initially addressed Oct. 25. With input from council members and the public further changes to the proposed amendment were made and the presented to council again Dec. 6.
The proposed ordinance with changes can be viewed in full below:
