At Tuesday’s city council meeting, members discussed changes to animal services. The ordinance amendment passed 7-0. Councilors will look at the amendment again before the regulations go into effect. The Wichita Police Department recommended the following amendments: Increased fines for dog bite convictions with a first-time bite increasing from a $250 mandatory fine to a $500 fine, a second offense from a $500 fine to a $1,000 fine, and a third offense from a $1,000 fine to a $2,500 fine;
Removal of mandatory dog pen requirement for dangerous dogs, leaving the determination to the discretion of Animal Services;
Require microchips on all dogs and cats at the age of five months unless a veterinarian advises that it is not in the best interest of the animal;
Simplify pet licensing prices to $15 for spayed/neutered and $50 for those that are not. This is not an increase for spayed or neutered pets but is a $15 increase for those that are not;
Simplify veterinarian requirements regarding vaccination and license information that is transferred to City Licensing;
Allow licenses to be purchased for the length of a rabies vaccine, up to three years;
Allow three dogs/three cats per household. An animal maintenance permit will be required for four;
Allow a dangerous dog to be cared for by an animal professional for evaluation; and
Licensing provisions will take effect January 1, 2025, due to necessary computer upgrades.
Source: KSN-TV
