After eight months of community meetings and two surveys, residents in San Antonio, TX have made their voices heard. City council members voted on Thursday to continue with the current Animal Care Services (ACS) strategic plan and add a few new ordinances related to animal welfare.
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The biggest change in the local law addresses the common problem of using chains to tether dogs. According to the new regulation, it’s now illegal to use any kind of chain to tie a dog up outside. It’s already illegal to tether a dog without adequate access to clean water and shelter.
Former ACS director Kathy Davis calls banning chains used as dog tethers a “progressive and positive step” toward humane animal treatment not only in San Antonio, but in other cities across the country. She hopes San Antonio’s efforts toward animal advocacy will inspire other areas to adopt similar ordinances.
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In addition to no more chains, the council also voted on a number of other changes to the local law. ACS officers now have the legal authority to impound animals, including puppies and kittens, sold in illegal locations like flea markets and roadside stands. Anyone selling animals without a litter permit will be subject to legal action.
The ACS focuses on the humane treatment of the area’s pets, and a community-wide turn toward “urban farming” has pushed the council to increase the allowable number of chickens per household within city limits. Residents may now keep up to eight chickens, including one rooster, on residential properties.
The new ordinances will be put into effect immediately, and violators can expect substantial fines. A six-month outreach campaign starts this week to help inform the community of the changes and why they’re important.
