Commissioners approve animal ordinance

Clovis city commissioners on Thursday approved an ordinance that requires pet owners pay $165 for sterilization and vaccinations when adopting from the city’s animal shelter.

That represents a $25 reduction from an earlier plan, which called for a $10 microchipping fee and a $15 board charge.

After much discussion and dialogue, it was decided the microchipping and board costs would be absorbed by the city.

The Commission voted 8-0 in favor of the measure.

“We’re going to monitor the program and, if it’s a failure, it’s going to be a failure rather quickly,” Clovis Mayor David Lansford said. “I feel there’s enough eyes watching the program that will alert the officials to the problem and we’ll respond. That’s all we can promise at this point.”

Clovis Animal Control Task Force Chair Linda Cross made a presentation to the commission, highlighting a number of revisions from the original plan introduced in January.

“All I ask is you give this a chance to work,” she said. “Clovis is such a great place. I want the welfare of our people and our animals to be important and held to the highest esteem.”

Among the provisions of the ordinance:

• Permit requirements for animals — an attempt to eliminate hoarding, street corner sales of animals, puppy mills and backyard breeders with inhumane conditions.

• Multi-animal permit — If you live in the city, you can have a total of four dogs or cats, in any combination. If you want to have more than four dogs or cats, you will need to apply for a multi-animal permit that will allow for up to nine sterilized animals. There must be proof of sterilization for each animal and have an onsite inspection, which is required by the animal control department.

• Commercial business registration — This is for anyone who operates a kennel, pet shop, shelter or commercial breeding site. It has to be in a non-residential zone and be obtained from the Clovis Finance Department.

• Animal litter permit — This applies to a pet owner whose pet has an accidental pregnancy. The pet owner can only apply for one litter permit per female per household. The first litter permit is free. If there is a subsequent litter the pet owner will be referred to the city clerk to obtain a business registration and there will be a $150 fine.

• Home business registration — This is the home breeding of dogs and cats for resale purposes. It can only be conducted in residential single-family zones. No more than two unsterilized animals can be kept at the residence for breeding purposes. Animals sold must have a certificate from a veterinarian verifying appropriate vaccinations to the person purchasing the animal. Also obtained through the city of Clovis finance department.

Not everyone at the meeting was in favor of the ordinance.

“These animals are the ones who are going to pay — with their lives,” Lisa Tagert said. “How many animals are going to be adopted? Do you think these people are all of a sudden going to become responsible pet owners with this ordinance? Animals don’t stink. People stink. People who aren’t responsible pet owners.”

Officials said the proposed adoption policy was produced for dogs and cats to reduce the number of unsterilized animals in the community, as well as the number of euthanized animals at the animal shelter, to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce uncontrolled dog and cat reproduction and benefit the health, safety and welfare of the community.