Versión en español a continuación. Animal Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting Thursday, December 17, 6 p.m. Animal Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting to be held Thursday, December 17, 2020, with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Wednesday, December 16, by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the December 17 Animal Advisory Commission Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the commission liaison, Belinda Hare, at 512-978-0565 or Belinda.hare@austintexas.gov no later than Wednesday noon, December 16. Email is most efficient when communicating. The following information is required: speaker name, agenda item number(s) you wish to speak on, whether you are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same phone number that will be used to call into the meeting). • Once a request to speak has been made to the commission liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Please call in by 5:45 p.m. on December 17. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to Belinda.hare@austintexas.gov by noon, December 16, the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. • If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Animal Advisory Commission FECHA de la reunion (Thursday, December 17, 6 p.m.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Wednesday noon, December 16, antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Belinda Hare, 512-978-0565 or Belinda.Hare@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el …
History of City Ordinance Provisions relating to Vicious Dogs 1908 City Code provision In the City Code of 1908, Article 31 read in pertinent part: It shall not be lawful for any person to keep any dangerous or vicious dog within the limits of this city at any time unless same is kept at all times securely chained, . . . The gist of the ordinance as it existed in 1908 was that a vicious or dangerous dog (terms not defined in the ordinance) must be kept securely chained. At the time, non-vicious dogs were apparently allowed to run at large if they were registered and tagged. An ordinance passed on April 4, 1918 provided: 1918 Ordinance It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in control of any dangerous or vicious dog to keep or permit the same in or about any public house, public place, street or alley in the City of Austin. The essential provisions of the ordinance of 1918 remained in effect until 2002. The 1918 ordinance required that a dangerous or vicious dog be kept away from any public place. The 1918 ordinance survived for more than eight decades and several revisions and amendments to the city’s ordinance relating to animals. On August 15, 1935, a new animal control ordinance was passed which kept the 1918 provision verbatim. On July 1, 1943, a new animal control ordinance was passed which kept the 1918 provision verbatim. The City Codes issued in 1954 and 1967 kept the 1918 provision verbatim. Leash law When the 1918 language relating to vicious dogs was enacted, there was no "leash law" as we know it today. Until 1955, dogs in the City of Austin, except for unspayed female dogs in heat, were allowed to run at large so long as they had a registration tag attached to their collar. However, it seems that a vicious dog could not be allowed to run at large as other dogs could, and a vicious dog had to be kept away from any "public house, public place, street or alley" in the city. In 1955, the city enacted a new ordinance providing that a dog owner "shall keep his dog under restraint at all times and shall not permit such dog to run at large off the premises or property of the owner." By 1967, "At large" had been defined as "off the premises …
Miscellaneous current Austin City Code provisions relating to dogs and vicious dogs: § 3-1-1 DEFINITIONS. In this title: (10) OWNER means a person who owns, feeds, keeps, maintains, or harbors an animal or who knowingly allows an animal to remain on the person's property. (12) RESTRAINT used with respect to a dog or cat means: (a) kept in a secure enclosure; or (b) kept under the direct physical control of the animal's owner or handler by a leash, cord, chain, or similar direct physical control. (14) RUNNING AT LARGE means an animal not: (a) under the direct physical control of its owner or handler; or (b) physically restrained within the premises of its owner or handler. § 3-2-1 RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED. Except as specifically provided in this title, an owner or handler may not allow livestock, fowl, a dog, or other domestic or dangerous animal or reptile to run at large. § 3-4-1 UNRESTRAINED DOG PROHIBITED. (A) Except as provided in Section 3-4-4 (Public Areas Where Restraint of a Dog is Not Required), an owner or handler of a dog shall keep the dog under restraint. (B) A person holding a dog on a leash or lead shall keep the dog under control at all times. § 3-4-7 VICIOUS DOG. (A) An owner or handler shall take reasonable measures to protect the public from accidental contact with a dog that, by nature or by training, is dangerous to people or other animals. (B) An owner or handler may not keep or permit a dog to be in the city if the dog has: (1) on at least three separate occasions bitten or scratched a person in the city; Page 1 of 2 (2) on at least one occasion bitten or scratched a person to an extent that the attending physician has presented an affidavit to the health authority stating that the person’s life may have been endangered by the dog; or (3) on at least one occasion: (a) killed another dog, cat, or other domestic pet, fowl, or livestock; or (b) seriously injured another animal to an extent that an attending veterinarian has presented an affidavit to the health authority stating that the injured animal's life was seriously endangered or taken by the dog, or that the dog caused a significant permanent impairment of the injured animal’s basic bodily functions or mobility; provided, however, that when the incident occurred, …
Draft proposed revision to Section 3-4-7 3-4-7 VICIOUS DOG. (A) An owner or handler shall take reasonable measures to protect the public from accidental contact with a dog that, by nature or by training, is dangerous to people or other animals. (B) [ An owner or handler may not keep or permit a dog to be in the city if the dog has] For purposes of this section, a vicious dog is a dog that, while running at large, has: [(1) on at least three separate occasions bitten or scratched a person in the city; (2) on at least one occasion bitten or scratched a person to an extent that the attending physician has presented an affidavit to the health authority stating that the person’s life may have been endangered by the dog; or (3) on at least one occasion:] [(a)] (1) killed another dog, cat, or other domestic pet, fowl, or livestock, provided, however, that when the incident occurred, the killed animal was not in violation of a provision of this title relating to the confinement or physical control of animals in the City; or [(b)] (2) seriously injured another animal to an extent that an attending veterinarian has presented an affidavit to the health authority stating that the injured animal's life was seriously endangered or taken by the dog, or that the dog caused a significant permanent impairment of the injured animal’s basic bodily functions or mobility; provided, however, that when the incident occurred, the injured animal was not in violation of a provision of this title relating to the confinement or physical control of animals in the City. (C) If the Health Authority determines that a dog is a vicious dog as defined in subsection (B), the owner of the dog shall, not later than the 30th day after a person has been provided notice that the dog has been determined by the Health Authority to be a vicious dog, comply with the following conditions: (1) restrain the dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure; and (2) comply with other applicable requirements as established by the Health Authority. (D) The Health Authority may enforce a violation of Subsection (C) by issuance of a citation. Page 1 of 1
By: ____________________ __.B. No. _____ A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the management of wildlife and wildlife habitat by a municipality; authorizing a fee. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Title 10, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Chapter 830 to read as follows: CHAPTER 830. WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT WITHIN MUNICIPALITIES Sec. 830.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Animal control officer" has the meaning assigned by Section 829.001. organization that: (2) "Animal rescue nonprofit organization" means an (A) is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code; and (B) is primarily engaged in the rehabilitation of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife located in the area served by (3) "Animal shelter" has the meaning assigned by Section the organization. 823.001. Page - 1 - (4) "Development project" means a project to develop a site, or improve a developed site, for profit. Sec. 830.002. DEDICATED WILDLIFE OFFICER. (a) A municipality may establish the position of dedicated wildlife officer. located. (b) A dedicated wildlife officer must be an animal control officer employed at an animal shelter in the municipality that provides services in the municipality and the unincorporated areas of the county in which the municipality is wholly or primarily (c) A dedicated wildlife officer shall perform the duties determined by the municipality, which must include: (1) resolving conflicts between humans and wildlife in a humane and scientifically based manner; (2) responding to inquiries regarding wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (3) educating the public on issues related to interactions between humans and wildlife. Sec. 830.003. IMPOSITION OF MITIGATION FEE. (a) A home-rule municipality may impose on the developer of a development project located within the corporate boundaries of the municipality or the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality a fee not to exceed $100 for each acre or portion of an acre on which natural Page -2 - vegetation is removed as part of the project. (b) Chapter 395, Local Government Code, does not apply to a fee imposed under this section. Sec. 830.004. EXPENDITURE OF MONEY FROM FEE. A municipality may spend money collected from a fee authorized by Section 830.003 (1) support the rehabilitation of wildlife by an animal rescue nonprofit organization located in the municipality; (2) fund the position of dedicated wildlife officer …
§ 3-2-3 - COMMERCE IN LIVE ANIMALS. SHARE LINK TO SECTIONPRINT SECTIONDOWNLOAD (DOCX) OF SECTIONSEMAIL SECTIONCOMPARE VERSIONS (A) A pet trader commits an offense if the pet trader conducts a retail sale in violation of Subsections (E) through (G) of this section. (B) A pet trader commits an offense if the pet trader conducts an off-site retail sale. (C) A person commits an offense if the person sells, trades, barters, leases, rents, gives away, or displays for a commercial purpose a live animal on a roadside, public right-of-way, or commercial parking lot, or at an outdoor special sale, swap meet, flea market, parking lot sale, or similar event.
November 2020 November 2020 Animal Services Report ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News • A total of 369 animals were adopted (200 dogs, 169 cats) • A total of 91dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs). • A total of 646 animals were brought to the shelter (412 stray, 189 owner surrender, 15 abandoned, 30 public assist). Animal Protection month of November. impounded 96 injured animals. Eight bats tested positive for rabies. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 70 animals to their owners in the field during the • Officers handed out 36 fencing assistance applications, implanted 2 microchips and • Officers entered 255 rabies exposure reports and submitted 44 specimens for rabies testing. • APO’s report having responded to an increased number of severe dog bites during November, in part due to incidents located in camps where people experiencing homelessness are congregating. • 58 total coyote related activities o 27 sightings o 15 wild injured o 8 wild sick reports of mange o 3 wild speaks o 2 observations o 1 incident involving a pet o 1 encounter involving a pet encounter, and incident). Incidents: Pets were a factor in the activity • unfenced front yard. • Encounters: Pets were a factor in the activity • Out of 58 coyote related activities, 29 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, o 1 incident involved two coyotes injuring an off-leash, unsupervised dog, located in an o 1 encounter involved a coyote following a resident and their dog Volunteer, Foster and Rescue Programs November 2020 Animal Services Report • A total of 87 volunteers donated 1,823 hours during November to cat kennel cleaning, socialization, dog walking, recovery, ringworm treatment, bed and toy making and fostering. • A total of 325 families provided foster care and a total of 131 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • There are 2279 approved fosters in GivePulse, and 127 new foster applications were processed. • There are currently 463 animals in foster homes. • 152 live outcomes were attributed to 23 AAC partners: 13 to Spay-Neuter-Return program with Austin Humane Society (AHS) 36 to Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), approximately 9 of which are neonatal kittens 2 to small partners o 51 cats o 99 dogs 49 to APA! 13 to AHS 37 to Small partners o 2 Other Species 1 rabbit for housing and medical …
November 2020 November 2020 Animal Services Report ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News • A total of 369 animals were adopted (200 dogs, 169 cats) • A total of 91dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs). • A total of 646 animals were brought to the shelter (412 stray, 189 owner surrender, 15 abandoned, 30 public assist). Animal Protection month of November. impounded 96 injured animals. Eight bats tested positive for rabies. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 70 animals to their owners in the field during the • Officers handed out 36 fencing assistance applications, implanted 2 microchips and • Officers entered 255 rabies exposure reports and submitted 44 specimens for rabies testing. • APO’s report having responded to an increased number of severe dog bites during November, in part due to incidents located in camps where people experiencing homelessness are congregating. • 58 total coyote related activities o 27 sightings o 15 wild injured o 8 wild sick reports of mange o 3 wild speaks o 2 observations o 1 incident involving a pet o 1 encounter involving a pet encounter, and incident). Incidents: Pets were a factor in the activity • unfenced front yard. • Encounters: Pets were a factor in the activity • Out of 58 coyote related activities, 29 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, o 1 incident involved two coyotes injuring an off-leash, unsupervised dog, located in an o 1 encounter involved a coyote following a resident and their dog Volunteer, Foster and Rescue Programs November 2020 Animal Services Report • A total of 87 volunteers donated 1,823 hours during November to cat kennel cleaning, socialization, dog walking, recovery, ringworm treatment, bed and toy making and fostering. • A total of 325 families provided foster care and a total of 131 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • There are 2279 approved fosters in GivePulse, and 127 new foster applications were processed. • There are currently 463 animals in foster homes. • 152 live outcomes were attributed to 23 AAC partners: 13 to Spay-Neuter-Return program with Austin Humane Society (AHS) 36 to Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), approximately 9 of which are neonatal kittens 2 to small partners o 51 cats o 99 dogs 49 to APA! 13 to AHS 37 to Small partners o 2 Other Species 1 rabbit for housing and medical …
October 2020 October 2020 Animal Services Report ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News Animal Protection month of October. • A total of 437 animals were adopted (208 dogs, 219 cats, two birds and eight small pets). • A total of 123 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs). • A total of 895 animals were brought to the shelter (542 stray, 238 owner surrender, 34 abandoned, 41 public assist and 40 wildlife). • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 89 animals to their owners in the field during the • Officers handed out 43 fencing assistance applications, implanted 11 microchips and • Officers entered 222 rabies exposure reports and submitted 32 specimens for rabies testing. impounded 165 injured animals. Ten bats tested positive for rabies. • 89 total coyote related activities o 43 sightings o 26 wild sick reports of mange o 9 wild injured o 4 wild speaks o 3 incidents involving a pet o 2 encounters involving pets o 2 observations • Out of 89 coyote related activities, 48 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, and incident). Incidents: Pets were a factor in all activities • o 1 incident involved an outside cat being injured by a coyote o 1 incident involved an unattended dog being injured by a coyote o 1 incident involved a coyote taking an outside cat • Encounters: Pets were a factor in all activities o 1 encounter involved a woman running away from a coyote and causing the coyote to run after resident and her pet o 1 encounter involved a resident being followed by a coyote with a pet Volunteer, Foster and Rescue Programs • A total of 79 volunteers donated 1,480 hours during October to cat kennel cleaning, socialization, dog walking, recovery, ringworm treatment, bed and toy making and fostering. October 2020 Animal Services Report • Fourteen volunteers donated 58 hours to helping ensure our Sunrise Adoption events are successful. The volunteer program was able to open afternoon and evening time slots for volunteers to walk dogs and care for and socialize cats. • A select group of skilled cat behavior volunteers began helping our highest need shy/timid cats to build trust with humans through Cat Pawsitive training techniques. • A total of 340 families provided foster care and a total of 180 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • There are 2236 approved fosters in GivePulse, …
PO Box Austin Wildlife Rescue PO Box 302695 Austin, TX 78703 (512)472-9453 December 17, 2020 City of Austin Animal Advisory Commission David Lundstedt, Chair Dear Commission, I have read the bill that would provide funding for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation that is being discussed tonight at the December 17, 2020 meeting. Austin Wildlife Rescue supports the approval of this bill. We appreciate the support from the Commission so we can continue to help wildlife in the Austin area. Additional funding such as this would offset the cost of care for the growing number of animals brought to our facility by Austin Animal Protection. Sincerely, Hayley Hudnall, Executive Director Austin Wildlife Rescue Austin Wildlife Rescue A Central Texas 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
