What residents need to know
The new ordinance establishes distinctions between dangerous dogs and aggressive animals, defines requirements for owning such animals, and establishes fees for owners, according to a May 8 news release.
New fees for registering dangerous dogs and aggressive animals include:
- Initial fee: $250
- Annual renewal fee: $50
What else?
The approval also officially establishes a community cat program, aimed at managing city cat health and overpopulation. The program will provide spay and neutering services, vaccinations and ear-tipping for community cats within registered colonies, according to the release.
"Several areas of the city with community cat colonies could benefit from this program," Director of Special Projects Jennifer Brown said in the release. "We're excited to expand this program to better meet the needs of animals in our community and help address crowding challenges facing shelters across our region."
The program was tested after a yearlong trial of the program at the First Colony Mall.
In case you missed it
The ordinance changes were first brought to City Council on March 19, when it was tabled after discussions led to the need for finalized language to be added to the ordinance. The Animal Advisory Board made clarifications to the ordinance March 22, and the first reading of the ordinance was approved by Sugar Land City Council at an April 16 meeting.
Looking ahead
The ordinance is now effective for Sugar Land residents, Communications Director Doug Adolph said.
