What’s happening?
The changes to the city code increases fines for pet owners who repeatedly allow their animals to roam freely, increases fines for dog bites, implements a pseudonym program to protect the identity of people filing dangerous dog affidavits and gives San Antonio Animal Care Services the ability to sterilize pets found free of restraint prior to being reclaimed by owners.
Updated fines for loose pets:
- $100 first offense
- $500 second offense
- $750 third offense and beyond
Updated fines for bite cases:
- $1,000 first offense
- $1,500 for second offense
- $2,000 for third offense
District 4 Council member Adriana Rocha Garcia said that using funds to create a responsible pet ownership campaign would be beneficial to residents and shine a light on the issue.
District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte said that the changes to the city code allows city officials to provide a much needed service.
“These [changes] are adding additional opportunities to provide the kind of enforcement that we need,” said Whyte.
District 9 Council member John Courage suggested giving owners a flyer with the updated city codes, so they are educated about their responsibilities and the consequences of not following city codes.
“I would almost insist that any [owner] that pulls an animal from ACS is required to get the same information about their public responsibility to fulfill our common laws and regulations, and the liability that they face,” Courage said.
By the numbers
