From
Danielle Tate, Animal Services Manager
Title
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter Five, "Animal Services," Section 5-17(e)(4) covering appeals for dangerous animal cases
Presenter
James R. Cummings, Environmental Services Director
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
During the 84th Legislative Session, a bill was passed that clarified the appeal process for an animal that has been declared dangerous by the city. The proposed ordinance modification will insure that the city’s animal services ordinance is compliant with state statute.
The ordinance modification was reviewed by the City Council’s Public Safety, Heath and Environment Committee on June 6, 2016.
Financial Consideration
None
Body
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER FIVE "ANIMAL SERVICES" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, BY AMENDING SECTION 5-17(e)(4) BY SPECIFYING THE APPEAL PROCESS FOR A DANGEROUS ANIMAL DETERMINATION; AND TO BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE AND APPROVAL
WHEREAS, the Code of Ordinances of the City provides for standards for the health, safety, and welfare of animals; and
WHEREAS, legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, during the 84th session, has resulted in the need to clarify the appeal process for dangerous animal cases; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That Section 5-17(e)(4) is hereby amended to read as follows:
(4) An owner or victim, not later than fifteen (15) days after the date the owner or victim is notified that an animal owned by him is a dangerous animal or notified that a determination has been made that the animal is not dangerous, may appeal the determination of the Animal Services Manager to the city municipal court. Appeal of a dangerous animal finding of an animal that caused serious bodily injury is limited to the city municipal court. If the court makes a finding that the animal is...
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