Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-355 Modifications to Chapter 6, Animal Code
Recommended Action
I move that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-355; and ask staff to assure that it is published in summary form.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-355 as presented.
Body
In 2018, residents of the County raised questions about the structure and model of County's Animal Shelter and operations, and questioned whether it met the high standards for the humane treatment of the animals and a high level of service to our citizens. On July 18, 2018, the County Council approved the adoption of the Animal Shelter Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, and on June 25, 2019, the Committee presented its report with recommendations to Council. One of the Committee's recommendations included a review and revision of the Animal Code Ordinance to reflect current practices of animal welfare, surrender, seizure, quarantine, and adoption.
On November 13, 2023, a Town Hall was conducted regarding amendments to the Chapter 6 Animal Code. At the Town Hall, residents were informed of the content of changes and how citizens could provide feedback on the proposed changes. A website was established for written comments on the ordinance which remained active through December 7th and the Ordinances were scheduled for discussion at the December 12th Council meeting. At the December 12, 2023 County Council meeting, Council rejected Ordinance No. 02-306. In addition, Council asked staff to provide a substantive response to the public comments that were received.
On March 19, 2024, at the Council meeting, staff presented their substantive responses to the public comments, and Council provided feedback on the proposed changes to the ordinance.
Staff has incorporated Council’s feedback in Ordinance No. 02-355 and made revisions necessary to a...
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