City council approves new animal abandonment fines of up to $2,000, despite opposition from Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones.
SAN ANTONIO — People who abandon animals could now face up to a two-thousand-dollar fine. Today, the city council passed a new ordinance increasing fines.
But Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones was the only one to vote against the new rule.
There was opposition not only from the mayor, but from community members. Those in favor of the ordinance believe this is a step in the right direction to reduce animal abandonment.
It was a push for more public input and research from the mayor.
“It could be counterproductive as some of those in our community that really should be our strongest allies on them, and their strong opposition to this ordinance,” Mayor Ortiz Jones said.
The Mayor’s vote stood alone, but her take on the matter did not.
“Because within the city limits you’ll be fined, but you come out to Leon Springs and dump them out there, it’s no big deal,” one woman said during public comment.
“ACS and 311 agents are the real cause of our current dog crisis, along with illegal dog backyard breeders,” another woman said.
But the rest of the council sees the need.
“This complements the ordinance that already exists…this change is a no-brainer,” councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito said.
“This is something that’s reflective of what San Antonio residents are demanding,” councilwoman Terri Catillo said.
It was already illegal to abandon animals in the city. Now people can be fined up to two-thousand dollars for their first offense, one to two-thousand for their second, and two-thousand or more for their third.
The Mayor sent this statement after the vote:
“Today, I voted ‘no’ on the proposed change to the Abandonment ordinance, because it lacked the required due diligence and public engagement. The Animal Care Services Director acknowledged the proposed change would have a ‘minimal impact,’ and long-time animal rights community leaders clearly stated the proposed ordinance would be counterproductive and cause public confusion. I appreciate the intent of this ordinance, and I look forward to working with my fellow Council Members and Animal Care Services to ensure: we’re prioritizing public safety, our citizens understand what this policy means in practice, and we’re caring for animals while not inadvertently decreasing the number of spay and neutered animals in our community.”
District five councilwoman Teri Castillo authorized the ordinance. She sent this statement that reads:
“District 5 residents have long called for stronger animal care services and accountability. Too many lives and limbs have been lost due to a lack of control, and families should not live in fear of walking their own neighborhoods because of loose and abandoned or stray animals.
This ordinance not only acts as an accountability and preventative measure, but it also delivers on what our community has been asking for: real action to improve safety and quality of life in District 5 and all over San Antonio.“
“There’s no such thing as ‘minimal’ when it comes to protecting our residents; every step is essential, every action counts.”
The question of surrendering animals was brought up to ACS at the meeting. ACS director Jonathan Gary stated they continue to be at capacity.
The ordinance goes into effect in 10 days.