The Oklahoma City Council is considering proposed ordinance amendments that would create new requirements for dogs impounded by Animal Welfare, and dogs deemed to be menacing.
Under the proposed amendments:
- Before any dog that is impounded by Animal Welfare is released to its owners:
- The dog will be registered and the owner will pay a $12 registration fee.
- The dog will be microchipped and spayed or neutered. An exception applies to dogs whose owners can prove the dog’s purebred status.
- Dog owners must prove they have an adequate enclosure for the dog at home. All dogs impounded by Animal Welfare will be registered, and owners will pay a $12 registration fee before the dog is released.
- Dogs can be deemed menacing if they destroy property (like a fence) in an effort to get to a person or domesticated animal.
- Menacing dogs must be registered with Animal Welfare every year.
- Violators of the ordinances related to menacing or dangerous dogs can be fined up to $500 plus court costs for a first offense, and be sentenced to up to six months in jail and fined up to $1,200 plus court costs for subsequent offenses.
The ordinance amendments are set for a public hearing June 20 and adoption July 5.
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Media Contact
Jon Gary
(405) 297-3116
jonathan.gary@okc.gov
