Submitted by: Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Animal Welfare and Community Safety Act
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance amending Chapter 52 of the Hyattsville Charter and Code to include the following items:
1) Update animal welfare provisions to include prohibitions on long-term 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 implementing 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.
d) Requiring the City to develop a Standardized Response Protocol for violations.
4) Enhance public awareness and preparedness on animal control issues by:
a) Providing educational outreach and promoting community awareness 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 taken.
These amendments are further outlined in the attached "Animal Welfare and Community Safety Act Supplemental Information.
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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 expectations for preventing and responding to animal aggression in Hyattsville and creates new protectio...
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