Recently, the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that allows city Animal Control Services (ACS) to spay and neuter at-large dogs and significantly increases fines for at-large dogs and dangerous dog incidents. Additionally, the ordinance protects the identity of individuals who report dangerous dog issues to local authorities.
AKC expressed concerns about several provisions of this ordinance to the San Antonio City Council dating back to May 2024. AKC appreciates the city’s efforts to protect dogs and the public by holding irresponsible dog owners accountable through increased penalties but urges San Antonio residents to contact AKC and let us know how this ordinance is being enforced or if it disparately impacts you and your dogs.
ACS Spay/Neuter Policy Change
During the council session, it was clarified San Antonio already required dogs to be spayed or neutered after a single at-large dog offense. However, before the passage of the ordinance, city policy required owners to spay or neuter an at-large dog within 30 days of recovering the dog from ACS. The policy change will result in ACS spaying and neutering dogs at the owners’ expense before returning the dog.
At-Large and Dangerous Dog Incident Fine Structure
Previously, if a dog got loose, the owner would be fined $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for any offense after.
The ordinance increases fines for pet owners whose dogs run loose. Currently, the first offense carries a $100 fine, increasing by $100 for subsequent offenses.
In the new policy:
- The second offense fine will rise to $500.
- Third and subsequent offenses will cost $750.
The new fine structure for dog bites includes:
- $1,000 for the first bite.
- $1,500 for the second.
- $2,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Dangerous Dog Affidavits
The ordinance reflects similar initiatives at the state level aimed at safeguarding the anonymity of individuals who report dangerous dogs. In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed legislation that included provisions to protect the identity of those filing dangerous dog affidavits in major cities, this bill was reintroduced for the 2025 Session. The American Kennel Club remains concerned about potential constitutional issues regarding the right of the accused to confront their accusers, as well as the possibility of this provision being misused in neighborhood disputes.
Thank you to those who contacted the city council expressing concerns about this ordinance. AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to provide updates on local policy discussions in Texas. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.