During an Oct. 15 Public Safety Committee meeting, Michael Shannon, San Antonio interim Animal Care Services director, recommended changes to the city code to create additional safety measures regarding loose and roaming animals throughout the city that may pose a danger to the public.

Long story short

A series of measures were proposed during the meeting, such as increasing fines for repeat offenders, sterilization of pets found free of restraint, and implementation of a pseudonym program to protect the identity of people filing dangerous dog affidavits.

According to a study conducted by ACS in 2019, the city has nearly 34,000 loose and roaming dogs in the streets at any given time. Of those dogs, 87.2% and 96.5% have owners. Additionally, the San Antonio Animal Care Services 2023 Strategic Plan noted that only 30% of owned animals in San Antonio are sterilized.

Shannon said ACS does not have the ability to seize an animal from an owner, and that the increased fines will act as a deterrent.

Current fines for loose pets:

• $100 first offense
• $200 second offense
• $300 third offense

Proposed fine changes for loose pets:

• $100 first offense
• $500 second offense
• $750 third offense and beyond

ACS’ process currently includes issuing a sterilization order if a pet is free of restraint or for bite cases within 30 days. Sterilization is not required before an owner can pick up their pet. If an owner does not comply with the sterilization order then ACS can issue civil and criminal citations.

Shannon said due to the volume of cases it is hard for ACS to properly follow up on these sterilization orders.

To combat these issues, Shannon proposed that ACS increase its enforcement for repeat offenders, including proactive inspections of repeat bite offenders, as well as changes to city code to allow ACS to sterilize pets prior to being reclaimed by the owner.

Shannon also proposed separate fines for bite cases.

Proposed fines for bite cases:

• $1,000 first offense
• $1,500 for second offense
• $2,000 for third offense

Members of the Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the proposed changes.

Quote of note

“This is a people problem, not a dog problem, that we've let persist in the city for too long. I understand that fines are harsh, but so are the consequences of not doing anything,” said Marina Alderete Gavito, San Antonio District 7 council member.

By the numbersStay tuned

The proposed changes will be reviewed and discussed by the San Antonio Animal Care Advisory Board during its November meeting, and if approved, will be brought to the San Antonio City Council for full adoption in December.