1987-12-07 Workshop Meeting and Called Regular Meeting

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" e . .....- - -y 10 JO/V'-'U ~ KNOX W. ASKINS, J. D., P. C. ATTORNEY AT LAW 702 W, !'"AIRMONT PARKWAY P. O. BOX 1218 JOHN D. ARMSTRONG. J.D. ASSOCIATt LA PORTE. TEXAS 77571-1218 TtLtPHONt 713 471-IB8e November 3, 1987 Mr. Robert T. Herrera City Manager City of La Porte City Hall La Porte, Texas Dear Bob: As we discussed, I enclose a preliminary draft of a proposed resolution, establishing the policy of City Council on enforcement of the recent amendments to the animal ordinance, Ordinance No. 1559. I feel that mat<ters which I have addressed in the resolution, will address the principle concerns of the citizens who appeared before City Council at the workshop on November 2nd. In reviewing the ordinance, I really do not feel that we should further amend, or withdraw the enforcement of Section 5-27, on annual licensing, and vaccination and registration with the City. This is a very typical clause, and its main thrust is rabies control, which requires annual vaccination and re-vaccination of the animal. The problem with having the veterinarian issue the City of La Porte Registration, is that the owner of the pet may use veterinarians who do not office in the City of La Porte. In other words,'it would not be practical for the City to attempt to set up a licensing arrangement with every veterinarian in the La Porte area. Also, having veterinarians accept license fees for the City, and remit to the City, presents cash control and audit problems, which I really do not think are worth the effort. Further, I really did not see the point on reduced license fees for spayed or neutered animals, as the thrust of license fees is to enforce the rabies vaccination and re-vaccination. You will note I have put in the resolution that the grandfather clause would start on the effective date of the ordinance, which is a date that has already passed. If you allow a further period of time to pass before the effective date of the grandfather clause, you give a further opportunity for the accumulation of excess dogs and cats. Hopefully, this draft resolution will be a starting point in resolving this matter. I would be hope~ul that it could be circulated among appropriate City staff, City Cou'ncii, and then perhaps with the leaders of the animal owners group fot their comments, so that it could be quickly passed and this matter put to res t . Yours very truly, K~kins City At torney City of La Porte KVJ'A: st