New Dog Ownership Policies on the Horizon in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO — Big changes could be coming for dog owners in our city as new, stricter policies are set to be discussed at the city council meeting in December. Our beloved furry friends are often a source of joy, but with the number of incidents involving loose dogs increasing, officials are now taking a closer look at how we can make the community safer for everyone.
District seven councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito has been a strong advocate for these proposed changes. After receiving reports from residents about encounters with roaming dogs, she decided it was time to take action. “We got a call from one of our residents on Palm,” Alderete Gavito shared. “She, over the weekend, had been chased twice by a pack of dogs. That’s unacceptable, and we hear these complaints constantly.” It’s stories like these that have prompted a closer examination of how dog ownership is managed in our city.
What’s at Stake?
Some of the proposed changes could include increased fines for dog owners whose pets repeatedly escape their yards or, even worse, bite someone. Michael Shannon, the interim director of Animal Care Services (ACS), mentioned, “We have looked at our data. We have several that are just doing it over and over again. Those irresponsible pet owners are causing some danger in our community.”
The fine structure is still being discussed, but Alderete Gavito emphasizes that the consequences of inaction would be even worse. “You know, I think that people can tell me all they want that, ‘oh, these penalties are too harsh,’” she said. “To me, the consequences of doing nothing are even harsher, so I’m not letting up.”
Spaying and Neutering Initiatives
Another significant proposed change involves the ability of ACS to spay and neuter dogs that are picked up wandering the streets before they are returned to their owners. As Shannon explained, “If we pick up your dog and bring it to our facility, the state law says we can do it, we just need to change our local code to do it.” This measure aims to control the dog population and reduce the number of strays that might roam the neighborhoods.
Anonymous Complaints for Safety
To make reporting loose dogs a little easier, there will also be an option for people to submit complaints anonymously—no council approval is needed for this change. Shannon noted that many feel apprehensive about reporting incidents, which can deter them from coming forward. “I think there’s some fear out there,” he said, adding, “We’re trying to eliminate any obstacle so that you don’t have to be fearful to have us at least start that investigation.”
The Ripple Effect of Negligence
One resident, Raymond Najera, shared a deeply personal story about the loss of his father, Ramon Najera, who tragically died due to a dog attack earlier this year. He expressed that such policies could prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Changes need to be made for dog ownership and the responsibility of keeping them in your yard,” Najera said. He believes that while having policies is essential, the true challenge is in executing them effectively.
Community Responsibility
During discussions, Shannon highlighted the importance of community responsibility in ensuring pet safety. “We have to do a better job to make our city safe, but it’s really up to our residents. They have to be responsible pet owners,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed by city officials, who noted that owners need to be held accountable for their pet’s actions.
As the city council prepares for this important conversation, it’s clear that the responsibility for safe and happy neighborhoods falls not just on local authorities, but on our community as a whole. Together, we can make a difference for both our two-legged and four-legged friends.
