When it comes to pets, one thing is
clear: People are passionate.
That was evident Monday night inside the Snyder council chambers as 10 people attended the city council meeting to voice concerns about a proposed ordinance that could limit the number of cats and dogs that may be kept at a residence.
"I don't see why we need a new ordinance to enforce those that we already have," said Snyder resident Bill Clingenpeel.
He said the city already has ordinances addressing pet licenses, noise, health and safety issues, and he feared the proposed ordinance would lead to frivolous complaints.
"It's not there to punish anyone and it's not there to make money," said Snyder Mayor Terry Martin.
The ordinance -- which passed unanimously on the first reading -- would limit households to four cats and/or dogs unless a multi-pet permit is obtained from the city.
Those permits would cost $50, as proposed in the ordinance, to cover expenses incurred from inspections and paperwork.
Blaine Dortch, who said he breeds Pekingnese dogs, asked if the permit fees would apply to each animal, how often permits would have to be renewed and if the fee would be paid with each renewal.
Snyder Police Chief Terry Luecke said that he proposed a one-time fee, with the permit having to be renewed on a regular basis. But that the decision ultimately rested with the council.
The council passed the first reading with the one-time $50 multi-pet permit fee and a 2-year permit renewal window.
It did not take action on any fines for violations, meaning if someone violated the pet ordinance, it would be a Class C misdemeanor and carry a fine of up to $500.
The city already has a livestock ordinance in place, which sets space and care requirements for owners of larger animals within the city limits.
Luecke said that violations of the new pet ordinance could lead to multi-pet permits being pulled.
Currently, the city does not inspect homes unless there is a complaint about noise or public health conditions.
That was evident Monday night inside the Snyder council chambers as 10 people attended the city council meeting to voice concerns about a proposed ordinance that could limit the number of cats and dogs that may be kept at a residence.
"I don't see why we need a new ordinance to enforce those that we already have," said Snyder resident Bill Clingenpeel.
He said the city already has ordinances addressing pet licenses, noise, health and safety issues, and he feared the proposed ordinance would lead to frivolous complaints.
"It's not there to punish anyone and it's not there to make money," said Snyder Mayor Terry Martin.
The ordinance -- which passed unanimously on the first reading -- would limit households to four cats and/or dogs unless a multi-pet permit is obtained from the city.
Those permits would cost $50, as proposed in the ordinance, to cover expenses incurred from inspections and paperwork.
Blaine Dortch, who said he breeds Pekingnese dogs, asked if the permit fees would apply to each animal, how often permits would have to be renewed and if the fee would be paid with each renewal.
Snyder Police Chief Terry Luecke said that he proposed a one-time fee, with the permit having to be renewed on a regular basis. But that the decision ultimately rested with the council.
The council passed the first reading with the one-time $50 multi-pet permit fee and a 2-year permit renewal window.
It did not take action on any fines for violations, meaning if someone violated the pet ordinance, it would be a Class C misdemeanor and carry a fine of up to $500.
The city already has a livestock ordinance in place, which sets space and care requirements for owners of larger animals within the city limits.
Luecke said that violations of the new pet ordinance could lead to multi-pet permits being pulled.
Currently, the city does not inspect homes unless there is a complaint about noise or public health conditions.
Comments
Question...will a person that is a State of Texas licensed cat or dog breeder also be required to pay this additional municipal fee. For those not familiar with this new law, it may be viewed on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website. The new law is Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation Adopts Rules to Implement HB 1451 -
Standards in place that have never existed in Texas
Rules will be effective on May 1, 2012 - licensing of dog and cat breeders will be required by September 1, 2012
Lonnie S.
April 4, 2012 at 9:38 am
