From
Lily Yap, Animal Services Manager
Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 5 "Animal Services," of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, through the amendment of Sections 5-1 "Definitions," and 5-57 "Breeding of Cats and Dogs" and the addition of Section 5-65 "Prohibited Sale of Cats or Dogs"; providing a Penalty Clause, a Savings Clause and a Severability Clause; and providing an effective date of October 1, 2020 and after publication
Presenter
Lily Yap, Animal Services Manager
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
Section 5-57 of the Animal Services Chapter currently provides an offense related to unplanned breeding, but provides no standards or expectations for planned breeding. This amendment updates some of the wording to make the offense of unplanned breeding more clear. It also establishes a threshold of planned breeding which requires the breeder to obtain a permit. Any person who breeds more than two litters or twelve cats or dogs in a twelve month period will be required to obtain a permit as such breeding poses an increased risk of nuisance and health and safety issues. In addition, each animal which will be used for breeding must obtain a registration certificate. Registration certificates will not be issued unless a vet verifies it is safe for the animal to be used for breeding. The registration certificate must be renewed every year to ensure the continued health of the animal. Microchips will be required for animals which will be used for breeding to assist with the identification of those animals. This ordinance provides for oversight of Commercial Breeders by City of Grand Prairie's Animal Services Department to reduce associated health, safety and welfare concerns. The proposed permit and registration process will not involve a fee, but will place the responsibility on the commercial breeder to ensure each animal being used for breeding is of proper health and pedigree. Section 5-1 adds definitions associated...
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