Submitted by: Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
Animal Welfare and Community Safety Act
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council authorize the City Attorney to draft legislation to edit Chapter 52 of the City Code for the purposes of achieving the following goals as described in the supplemental documentation.
Goals:
1) Update animal welfare provisions to reflect modern standards and to be consistent with Prince George's County legislation, such as restrictions on tethering and exposure to severe weather;
2) Categorize animal control violations as a Public Nuisance violation (less severe) or a Public Threat violation (more severe);
3) Clarify enforcement procedures by:
a. Requiring the City to designate persons responsible for responding to Chapter 52 municipal infractions;
b. Specifying when municipal infractions require a citation and/or coordination with the Prince George's County Animal Services Division;
c. Requiring the City to review and adapt Police General Orders to the requirements of Chapter 52 and applicable Prince George's County laws;
d. Requiring the City to develop a Standardized Response Protocol for violations;
4) Enhance public awareness and preparedness on animal control issues by:
a. Ensuring residents are informed of incidents that may present a threat to public safety;
b. Requiring the City to collect and maintain data on animal control complaints and on actions taken in response to complaints and violations;
c. Requiring the City to prepare an annual report on Chapter 52 complaints and actions to present to the Mayor and City Council, and to be made available to the public.
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Summary Background:
Current regulations and enforcement of animal control issues in Hyattsville are unclear, haphazard, and have contributed to tragic outcomes for Hyattsville residents and companion animals. This amendment to Hyattsville Code Chapter 52 creates clear expectation...
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