While the city is working to revamp its overall winter weather plan, another effort is underway to address animal treatment during extreme temperatures — both hot and cold.
Aaron Mudd with CivicLex explains what's included in the proposed ordinance changes.
"The proposed language would more clearly define unsafe weather conditions and would make it illegal to leave certain animals confined and unattended in those conditions," he says. "It would also expand existing rules around the cost of caring for animals that have been taken in to protective custody."
Under the new regulation, violators would either have to pay for the animal's care while in custody or forfeit ownership. Mudd says the goal is to expedite the adoption process and prevent animals from landing in legal limbo.
The draft ordinance reforms would exclude cattle, equine, and fowl from the portions dealing with unsafe weather.
A discussion of the policy proposal will take place in the Social Services and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday at 1.