Pet owners in the city may now face civil fines in addition to possible criminal citations for violating the city’s HEART Ordinance.
The HEART Ordinance, or the “Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment,” is the city animal ordinance. The ordinance states that anyone living in the city limits may only have six animals, dogs over the age of six months and cats over the age of five months must be spayed or neutered and pets must be microchipped.
Previously, the only way for the Animal Welfare Department to enforce pet laws was criminal citations. As a result of the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance approved by the City Council, AWD now has an additional option of a civil fine.
Starting February 16, 2024, Animal Protection Services Officers will have the ability to issue civil citations for situations that violate the HEART Ordinance without having to go through the court system. These offenses may be charged as either civil or criminal violations. Animal Protection Services Officers are not required to provide a warning before issuing a citation; however, when possible, efforts are made to seek a resolution for non-violent offenses prior to issuing a fine.
When a civil violation is issued, the person will need to pay the fine, or appeal the matter, within 15 days. Fines for civil violations are $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. The violation must be addressed, by payment or appeal, within 15 days.
“It is time for AWD to stress to the community that pet laws are as important as human laws and to hold pet owners accountable when these laws are broken,” said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department.