City set to take on animal issues

A week from now, the Clovis city commission will take on what promises to be, if history is any indication, a lengthy and emotional back-and-forth about how to handle pet overpopulation in Clovis and encourage responsible ownership.

Ordinance 2658-2016, introduced by a 7-1 vote during the Jan. 15 commission meeting, is available for adoption during the 5:15 p.m. Feb. 25 meeting.

New fees: Proponents of the measure say higher fees encourage people to not purchase animals flippantly, and will motivate them to take the animals to the veterinarian for sterilization and vaccination because those fees cover introductory visits.

Critics argue higher fees will only encourage people to buy cheaper, unsterilized animals from unscrupulous breeders and result in more unwanted animals at the shelter. That was the reason District 4 Commissioner Chris Bryant voted in dissent.

The city’s current pet adoption fees are $40 for kittens and puppies and $50 for adult cats and dogs. Of that, $10 covers a rabies vaccination with a local participating veterinarian and $25 is refunded if the pet owner provides evidence that the animal was spayed or neutered within one month (six months for puppies and kittens).

Under the proposed ordinance, there are three fees — a $15 boarding fee, a $10 microchipping fee and $165 for sterilization and vaccinations. The first two are payable to the city, and the last is paid to the veterinarians.

Two current rescue groups include Shooke Unleashed and Cindy’s Precious Paws.

Shooke Unleashed, which is shutting down due to a family move, charges $150 for animal adoption and covers microchipping, vaccinations and sterilization.

Cindy Clayton of Cindy’s Precious Paws says she enters into a contract with a customer that the animal must be sterilized, and the two parties agree on a price that only covers the organization’s expenses with that animal. She said those charges typically range from $100 to $250.

The city would also pay veterinarians $75 per animal to cover oversight, documentation and correspondence with the city on the process completion. This fee, assuming 700 animals, would cost the city $52,500.

Rescue group discounts: Rescue groups, which must be registered as 501(c) nonprofits, would only be charged $15 per animal, and could take the optional $10 microchipping service.

Any animal it gets adopted must be microchipped and sterilized, with proof of vaccination within 30 days of adoption.

Registered breeder: This means a person involved in controlled breeding of dogs or cats. Registration with a nationally or internationally recognized animal organization is optional, but the breeder must have a business registration license on file with the city.

Multi-animal permit: Required to own, harbor or keep between five and nine sterilized dogs and cats, in any combination, over the age of six months. A multi-animal permit will not be issued for any animal other than sterilized dogs or cats. Sterilization proof must be submitted for all listed animals.

Commercial businesses: Permits are required for kennels, pet shops and refuges. A kennel is defined as a for-profit establishment housing dogs or cats, while a pet shop is any premises open to the public that engages in purchase, sale, exchange or hire of any animal that is not considered livestock. A refuge is a non-profit facility operated either by a municipality or nonprofit to bring aid and comfort to dogs and cats, while ensuring they do not breed.

Both kennels and pet shops must provide a list of dogs and cats sold to the animal shelter on a quarterly basis.

Animal litter sale permit: There is no fee for the first accidental impregnation of a household pet, but a second request requires a home business registration. Violations are punishable by fines of up to $125 (second offense), $250 (third offense) and $500 (fourth and subsequent.

Home businesses: No more than two unsterilized animals may be kept at a residence for breeding purposes. These breeders must be registered with the city as a home business.

With all permits: The animal control department will review the application and inspect the premises within seven business days. Denials may be appealed to the city manager’s office within five business days of the decision.

No permit is transferable, and the permit holder must notify the city of any changes that may affect the permit’s status.

Animal sales: Whether the animal is intentionally or unintentionally bred, the owner must either have or obtain a business registration. Each dog or cat offered for sale must be deemed healthy following a veterinarian examination, and have age-appropriate vaccinations. Sales can only take place from the address listed on the permit.

It will be a misdemeanor for any person to display, sell or offer to sell, barter, give away or otherwise dispose of any animal on any public or commercial property without a license to do so.

Sterilization: All dogs and cats adopted from the city shelter shall be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian at the adopting party’s expense. Exceptions to the rule are animals certified in writing by a veterinarian to be incapable of breeding, unsuited to undergo a spay/neuter procedure or with rescue groups in agreement with the city.