HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 2/5/2013 (8)Fort of
Planning, Development & Transportation
Community Development & Neighborhood
Services
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.224.6046
970.224.6050- Fax
/cgov.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers,
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager ' — .
Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
Karen Cumbo, PDT Director
Laurie Kadrich, CDNS DirectorL�
FROM: Beth Sowder, Neighborhood Services Manager
RE: Read Before Memo Re: Item #32 Animal Control Ordinance
DATE: February 5, 2013
#32 Animal Control Ordinance/Beth Sowder—staff is asked to clarify the statement "Police will
still respond to animal calls after hours." What hours and days will Code Enforcement be working
these issues; what hours and days will Police cover (re "after ltours'D. Also, can staff please provide a
bit more information regarding what the ordinance change will yield —in other words, the AIS states
that the changes are likely to result in approximately 50 added citations; based on some of the
community's concerns and comments about how widespread the issue of barking dogs is, the
estimated increase of 50 citations doesn't seem like nearly enough compared with the perceived
extent of the problem. Staff is asked to comment. Please send your response to Sarah Kane for
inclusion in the "Read Before" folder.
Animal Control Officers will continue to be the primary enforcement agency to respond to
animal calls. Their hours of operation are: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.,
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a m. — 6:00 p.m., and dispatcher service everyday 7:00 a.m. —
9:00 p.m. They also provide emergency services after hours regarding injured or aggressive
animals, police/fire assist, or to pick up stray animals in custody when necessary. Police
assist Animal Control when a situation becomes threatening or dangerous in any way.
Additionally, Police will respond to barking dog complaints when Animal Control Officers
are not working.
While it is difficult to estimate the increased number of citations that will be issued, staff is
certain that the ability to enforce the barking dog ordinance will be greater with
decriminalization. The issue is that under the criminal or current mode of enforcement, the
ability for enforcement becomes much more complicated as it relates to identification of the
dog barking, determination of who owns the dog or is responsible, and determination of the
location of the violation. If Council chooses to decriminalize the code, then enforcement is
more actionable. The estimate of 50 additional citations for barking dogs is based on past
calls for service and enforcement experience. Actual numbers may be higher, and staff will
monitor it closely to determine whether expectations are being met or if any problems arise.