Members of the Houston City Council
discussed new regulations Monday aimed at better regulating
animals. More work and input are planned.
One bill — on definitions — was read
and two others will receive further review and deal with two and
four-legged critters: Swine and roosters are out; six chickens will
be allowed under the proposed measures.
Unless zoned agriculture or outlined
under an exception, swine, roosters, ponies, horses, mules,
jennets, bulls, cows, calves, skunks, ducks, geese, pigeons,
turkeys are out.
Other points in the original
drafts:
•It is unlawful to keep more six
chickens or other domestic fowl over the age of four months or more
than 10 rabbits or other small animals over the age of four months
within 25 feet of a dwelling of humans.
•Odors and proper care of fowl and
small animals also are highlighted.
•An except is made for ponies and
horses in the city if there are three or more contiguous acres or
to cattle on five or more contiguous acres.
•No person living in a residential
zoned area should own or harbor more than five cats and/or five
dogs. Those with more can own them until their ownership
ceases.
•Impounded cats or dogs will be kept
five days before they are disposed.
Notice will be posted at city hall
notifying the public of impounded animals or if the owner is known,
they will be contacted. The impound fee is $10 per day.
•Owners of cats or dogs running
at-large may be cited.
•No one can keep or harbor a dog or
cat that habitually barks or cries between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Damage to lawns, gardens and other property won’t be tolerated.
•No person can keep or harbor a cat or
dog that does not have a current rabies vaccination.
•The ordinance defines vicious animals
and places restrictions on where they can be kept.