Title
Ordinance - An Ordinance of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Amending Chapter 90 “Animal Control” of Title IX “General Regulations” of the Code of Ordinances of Mansfield, Texas to Amend Sections 90.01 through 90.03 and Sections 90.05 through 90.50 in Their Entirety, and Adding Sections 90.55 through 90.68 regarding Dangerous Dog Determinations, Appeals, Hearings, and Offenses; Providing that this Ordinance Shall be Cumulative of All Ordinances; Providing a Severability Clause; Providing a Penalty for Violations Hereof Up To $500.00 and Each Day a Violation Exists Shall Be a Separate Offense; Providing for Publication in the Official Newspaper as Required by Law; and Providing an Effective Date
Requested Action
Approval of Proposed Ordinance Amendments.
Recommendation
Approval of Proposed Ordinance Amendments.
Description/History
The Code of Ordinances Chapter 90, of the City of Mansfield, Texas, has not been revised since August 26, 2019. The proposed revision of Chapter 90 reflects needed changes to allow the Animal Care and Control Department to address animal related problems in the City of Mansfield and update parts of the Ordinance that are outdated due to State law changes and continued growth of the City of Mansfield. Additionally, in July 2021, the Animal Care and Control Department was moved from the Mansfield Police Department and re-housed under the Department of Regulatory Compliance.
Justification
The proposed ordinance revisions allow for improvements in definitions, minimum standards for operation, and providing for more detail in outlined processes. Revisions are also needed to update references from the Mansfield Police Department and Chief of Police to reflect the organization structure of the Department of Regulatory Compliance. The proposed ordinance revisions include updates to the ordinance fee language to reference the Master Fee Schedule adopted by City Council, as amended from time to time. Additionally, the revisions reflect updates to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements established during the Texas 88th Legislative Session. With these revisions, the Animal Care and Control Department will be better able to address animal related issues with ordinances that are in line with Texas State law, address other animal related problems in the City of Mansfield, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, visitors, and animals within the City of Mansfield.
Funding Source
N/A
Prepared By
Nicolette Ricciuti, Director of Regulatory Compliance
Department of Regulatory Compliance
817-276-4264