The City of El Paso's Health and Public Safety Legislative Committee will hear a new animal control ordinance at its October 12th meeting. The proposal – a complete rewrite of the city's animal code – contains a $75 litter permit and restricts breeders to only one litter per year. Additionally, owners will be required to microchip their pets. Concerned dog owners are encouraged to attend the meeting which will be held at 2 p.m. in the 9th Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 2 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso.
The American Kennel Club supports reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws to govern the ownership of dogs, and we believe that dog owners should be responsible for their animals. We further encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their dogs as a responsible means to prevent accidental breedings resulting in unwanted puppies. However, we believe that the key to solving pet population concerns lies not in creating overly-restrictive breeding regulations, but rather in educating the public about responsible dog ownership and responsible breeding practices. Strong enforcement of leash laws would also help prevent accidental breedings and lost dogs – both of which contribute to animal population concerns.
AKC also has concerns about the provision that requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be microchipped. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote responsible dog ownership, the AKC encourages dog owners to properly identify their pets. We believe, however, that the final decision about identification – whether by collar, tattoo or microchip – should be made by the owner, not the government.
What You Can Do:
AKC encourages dog owners to contact their city officials and express their opposition.
- To find out who represents you on the El Paso City Council, click here. It is extremely important that council members hear from their constituents!
- All dog owners should also contact Mayor John Cook to let him know their concerns.
919-541-4145
mayor@elpasotexas.gov
- Residents are also encouraged to contact the City Manager's Office to convey their concerns.
Citymanager@elpasotexas.gov
915-541-4145
For more information, contact:
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
Mary Beth Duerler
rpoa@texas.net
AKC's Canine Legislation department
919-816-3720
doglaw@akc.org
The City of El Paso’s Health and Public Safety Legislative Committee will hear a new animal control…