Augusta Revamps Animal Control Ordinance

News Summary

The Augusta Commission has unanimously approved significant changes to the animal control ordinance to better manage stray cats and irresponsible pet ownership. The revised ordinance simplifies many provisions, eliminating the five-day claim period for pets and recognizing community cats, which are exempt from most regulations. Additionally, it allows for the revocation of dog ownership rights and requires microchipping for impounded pets. The changes aim to improve animal services in Augusta while neighboring North Augusta faces its own challenges with animal control policies.

Augusta has implemented significant changes to its animal control ordinance in an effort to address the challenges surrounding stray cats and irresponsible pet ownership. The Augusta Commission approved the revisions unanimously, marking a major step in improving animal services in the city.

The new ordinance replaces the previous 25-page document, revising numerous provisions to benefit both animals and the community. Notably, the earlier requirement that pet owners claim their animals within a fixed five-day period has been eliminated. Instead, the revised ordinance introduces a general deadline for the payment of any fees or fines that may apply.

One of the most significant changes in the new regulations is the formal recognition of community cats. Community cats are defined as spayed or neutered, free-roaming felines that have a distinctive half-inch tip missing from one ear. These animals are now exempt from most regulations that apply to owned pets, including those concerning identification, at-large issues, and abandonment.

In addition to addressing issues related to stray cats, the ordinance grants the Animal Services director the authority to pursue revocation of an individual’s dog ownership rights through the court system if legal grounds are established. This shift aims to enhance the department’s ability to manage irresponsible pet ownership.

Furthermore, if pets are impounded and do not have microchips for identification, the ordinance obligates Animal Services to implant a microchip at the owner’s cost. This requirement is designed to facilitate the return of lost pets to their owners and improves the chances of reuniting animals with their families.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring area of North Augusta, differing policies have emerged as the city navigates its challenges with animal control. Currently, the city has imposed a temporary moratorium on animal shelter volunteers removing animals from the shelter. New restrictions have also been placed on pet owners looking to surrender their animals, prompting increased concern from volunteers about the future of the local animal population under these policies.

North Augusta plans to conduct a comprehensive review of its animal control program this coming fall to determine its future direction. This review comes amid ongoing discussions about the adequacy of the city’s shelter, which has historically served as a short-term holding facility rather than a full-service rescue.

The city has also allocated additional funding to its animal control program, providing $10,000 for veterinary services. However, there is a growing call for a more thorough evaluation of animal control strategies and resources to ensure they adequately meet the needs of the community as it continues to grow. City officials underscore that with the ongoing increase in population, there will be a corresponding demand for sufficient animal control resources and facilities, highlighting the necessity for a proactive approach to animal welfare.

As Augusta and North Augusta confront similar challenges regarding pet ownership and stray animals, the new ordinances and policies focus on improving the care and management of animals in both cities. The outcome of these changes and forthcoming evaluations may determine the future of animal control services as the communities evolve and expand.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: New Ordinance Changes in Augusta Animal Shelter
• Augusta Chronicle: New Pet Ordinance
• WJBF: North Augusta Volunteers Speak Out
• The Augusta Press: Councilman Accused of Animal Theft
• Augusta Free Press: Regional Animal Shelter Update
• Wikipedia: Animal Control
• Google Search: Augusta Animal Shelter
• Google Scholar: Animal Control Policies
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Shelter
• Google News: Augusta Pet Ordinance