Title
Approval of Ordinance Amending OMC 6.04.050, Regulations and Violations Relating to Pet Animals
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading the ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 6.04.050, relating to pet animals.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an ordinance amending OMC 6.04.050, relating to pet animals.
Staff Contact:
Darren Nienaber, Deputy City Attorney, 360.753.8044.
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 6.04.050 regulates pet animals, which are defined by OMC 6.04.030 as ". . . any animal sold or retained for the purpose of being kept for pleasure, companionship, or utilitarian purposes and not kept as a food source." However, the first part of OMC 6.04.050 uses the word "dog" rather than pet animal for one of the regulations:
Any person who harbors, keeps, possesses, maintains, or has temporary custody of a pet animal shall be responsible for the behavior of such animal whether the owner knowingly permits the behavior or not. Such person shall violate the terms of this chapter if:
A. Pet animal at large. Such person's dog is at large as defined in Section 6.04.030(D); provided, however, this section shall not prohibit the owner and pet animal from participating in an organized show or training, exercise, or hunting session in locations designated and authorized for that purpose. . . .
[Emphasis added]
This amendment would clarify that animals at large includes other pets as well, except cats which are obviously common pets that are difficult to contain. The amendment would thus make it a violation, for example, under this proposed code amendment to have a free-running ferret or chicken.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This clarification has been sought by Animal Services. It has r...
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