SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio council members will decide if they want stricter policies to address dog attacks in the city.
The policy’s goals are for pet owners to be more responsible for their dogs and reduce stray animals in the community.
If these new policies are approved, irresponsible pet owners could face significantly higher penalties for failing to control their dogs.
The proposal increases fines for pet owners whose dogs run loose. Currently, the first offense carries a $100 fine, increasing by $100 for subsequent offenses.
If the policy is approved:
- The second offense fine would rise to $500.
- Third and subsequent offenses would cost $750.
A new fine structure for dog bites is also being proposed:
- $1,000 for the first bite.
- $1,500 for the second.
- $2,000 for the third.
“We have several [cases] that are just doing it over and over again. We have to have residents that keep our neighborhood safe by how they handle their pets,” Michael Shannon of San Antonio Animal Care Services said.
Another key policy involves spay and neuter requirements. Currently, Animal Care Services (ACS) can return loose dogs to their owners, mandating sterilization within 30 days. This year alone, over 1,800 sterilization orders have been issued. If the policy changes are approved, ACS could spay or neuter the dog before returning it to the owner.
The proposal also includes an anonymous program to protect individuals filing dangerous dog affidavits.
City Council is set to meet at 9 a.m. Thursday morning to vote on these changes. KENS 5 will continue to update you as this develops.