Norman to consider new animal welfare rules
NORMAN — City leaders are considering new regulations that will directly impact pet owners.
On Nov. 26, officials will hold a community meeting to review potential amendments to the animal welfare ordinances, which include authorizing shelter staff to destroy or sell impounded animals after three days instead of five.
The three-day time period would begin at 8 a.m. the day after an animal is impounded. Sundays, holidays or other days the shelter is closed to the public will not count toward the three-day period.
Impounded kittens and puppies 4 months old or younger and without a known mother or owner may be exempted from required hold times prior to their release, under the potential amendments.
Current regulations increase an animal’s impoundment by 48 hours if the animal displays a tag, microchip or markings that show its owner is a city resident, or that the animal is vaccinated against rabies.
If approved, the updated code would still allow authorized personnel to destroy an injured or disabled animal if its owner cannot be determined “within a reasonable period of time.”
Under another possible amendment, the animal welfare shelter may seek a judge’s order to take custody of an impounded animal if it is found that the owner “is experiencing a situation that prohibits him or her from reclaiming or arranging for the release of the animal in a timely and reasonable manner.”
Other proposed amendments include those related to adequate shelter requirements, the altering of cats and dogs and breeder licensing.
The ordinance updates were recommended and developed by city staff, Animal Welfare Oversight Committee members and elected officials.
At the public meeting, city staff will present the draft amendments, receive public comments and answers questions.
The meeting takes place at 6 p.m. Nov. 26 in the Norman City Council chambers, 201 W Gray St.
The proposed draft amendments may be viewed online under the Animal Welfare tab on the Norman Police Department's website.