West U City Council adopts ordinance that allows pets at approved events, parks

For all approved recreational and educational events at West University Place, animals will soon be allowed throughout parks, playgrounds and facilities after City Council adopted the ordinance amendment at an April 28 meeting.

The details

Events like dog obedience classes, puppy yoga at the recreation center, bird sanctuary visits or therapy animal events will follow safety standards with city staff in coordination with the city’s animal control officer and police department, according to agenda documents.

The item was on the consent agenda April 28 and was approved unanimously. Ordinance amendments require two readings with City Council, among other requirements, before an ordinance can take effect, according to Texas’ local government code.

How we got here

Members of the Parks and Recreation Board as well as city staff have discussed allowing animals in the parks for programming since December and brought the recommendation to council in April. City Council members approved the motion unanimously on its first reading April 14.

During the April 14 meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Susan White said the library has been using community facilities to bring in animals for magic shows and demonstrations. The Senior Services department has also hosted rescue animals and owl displays, White said.