REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ANNALISA PEREA, Council President
District 1
BY: LAURA RIOS, Chief of Staff to District 1
City Council Department
SUBJECT
Title
***Resolution - To provide a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses. (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to address the overpopulation crisis at the City of Fresno Animal Center by imposing a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno is currently facing a severe overpopulation crisis in its Animal Center, with the dog population exceeding the kennel capacity. This situation is detrimental to the well-being of the animals, increases the costs associated with animal care and control, and poses significant public health and safety risks.
BACKGROUND
According to Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 10-328, all dogs over the age of five months must be spayed or neutered unless their owners purchase an appropriate license to maintain the animals unaltered. The proposed resolution aims to implement a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses to alleviate the overpopulation at the Animal Center. The moratorium will remain in effect until the three-month moving average of the daily inventory count of all dogs at the Animal Center is reduced to or below 75% of the Animal Center’s total dog kennel capacity.
o If, after lifting the initial moratorium, the average dog inventory exceeds 75% of capacity again, the moratorium will be reimposed.
o The intermittent moratorium will follow the same conditions for lifting as the initial moratorium.
o Individuals selling or transferring dogs must disclose licensing requirements to the new owners.
o Advertisements for dogs bred for sale or transfer must prominently display the breeding license.
o Violation of unaltered dog licensing requirements will result in administrative fines: $500 for the first violation, $750 for the second, and $1,000 for subsequent violations.
Implementing this moratorium is crucial for managing the dog population in the City’s Animal Center, ensuring better care for the animals, reducing costs, and protecting public health and safety. By controlling the number of unaltered dogs, the City can mitigate overpopulation issues and promote responsible pet ownership.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Not Applicable.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Not Applicable.
Attachment: Dog Breeding License Moratorium Resolution