CB-097-2025 

Expanded Leash Requirements:

• All animals must be leashed (maximum 10 feet).

• Electronic collars and retractable leashes no longer qualify.

Clear Definition of “Animal at Large”:

• Clarifies that shared areas (apartment or HOA common spaces) are not considered an owner’s premises.

• Increases owner responsibility for securing animals.

Strict Liability for Owners:

• Owners are held directly responsible for damage or injury caused by their animals.

Strengthened Dangerous Animal Provisions:

• Recognizes prior dangerous classifications from other jurisdictions.

• Empowers Animal Control to impound and investigate animals posing threats to the public.

• Creates defined timelines and hearing procedures for complaints and impoundments.

Improved Interagency Coordination:

• Expands authority of Animal Control and law enforcement to act quickly when public health or safety is endangered.

Higher Penalties to Deter Violations:

• Civil fines increased up to $3,000 for repeated serious violations.

• Graduated fine structure ensures fair but firm enforcement.

Potential Revenue Growth:

• Increased fines and permit fees expected to raise revenues over time.

Neutral Near-Term Fiscal Impact:

• Minimal immediate cost to the County.

Efficiency Measures:

• Online training and digital reporting can reduce staff and travel costs.

• Data collection and performance reporting required bimonthly to ensure transparency.

Indirect Financial Benefits:

• Stronger compliance reduces legal liability and the cost of responding to dangerous incidents.

Creates a limited, county-supervised pilot to allow adoption or fostering of certain dogs through the Animal Services Division (ASD).

Requires permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and a signed responsibility agreement from every participant.

Mandates pet parenting and safety training prior to adoption.

Requires owners to report escapes, bites, or ownership changes within strict timelines.

Allows ASD to inspect homes and revoke permits for violations.

Bimonthly reporting ensures public transparency and safety monitoring.

Promotes responsible pet ownership through education and accountability.

Provides free education for pet fosters and adopters. 

Enhances public safety via structured enforcement, not stigma.

Reduces shelter overcrowding and unnecessary euthanasia.

Builds trust between residents and Animal Services through transparency and data-based results.

Reflects a modern, compassionate approach to animal management — balancing safety, fairness, and fiscal responsibility.