MINUTES 04-02-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. ORDINANCE NO. 1 -18 — AN ORDINANCE amending various provisions within Chapter 505, Animals and Fowl, and Chapter 506, Dangerous and Vicious Animals, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood in order to update the code with respect to the regulation of dogs in the City. (PLEASE SUBSTITUTE —for Ordinance 1 -18 placed on 1st reading and referred to the Public Safety Committee 1/2/18, 2ND Reading & referred to Committee of the Whole 1/16/18). (Pg. 5) Motion by Mr. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Anderson to substitute. Director Butler clarified that the version being substituted is the version with the changes outlined in the Committee report as well as non - substantive typographical changes that have been made since last week's Committee of the Whole meeting. In response to a question by Ms. George, Director Butler clarified that pit bulls in the City that had been grandfathered in under the prior law would no longer be classified by breed under Ordinance 1 -18. Councilmembers sought clarification from the Law Director regarding the definitions of a nuisance dog and a potential nuisance dog. Director Butler explained the definitions and the rationale for them. He noted that the definitions have not changed since the Ordinance was originally introduced in January. It was concluded that the definition of a nuisance dog is encompassed within the potential nuisance dog classification. Ms. George expressed concerns about the Ordinance's insurance requirement mandating all dog owners to carry insurance. She expressed interest in monitoring this moving forward. On the motion to Substitute ordinance 1 -18: Yeas: Anderson, Bullock, George, Litten, O'Leary, O'Malley, Rader Nays: None Motion adopted. Ordinance 1 -18 substituted. Bradley Presutto — Mr. Presutto thanked everyone who played a role in crafting Ordinance 1 -18. He expressed concerns about the provision requiring all dog owners to carry insurance on their dogs. He stated that such a provision would be too hard for the City to enforce and monitor and would place an unfair financial burden on residents. He pointed out that some insurance companies use breed specific language. He asked Council to consider removing this requirement. He invited City officials to celebrate after the meeting at the Five O'Clock Lounge. AJ Albrecht — Ms. Albrecht is an attorney with Best Friends Animal Society. She expressed appreciation that the Ordinance has been changed to include breed - neutral language. She made remarks about why she believes breed neutral laws are superior to breed specific laws. She thanked all who played a role in advancing breed neutrality. She requested that Council amend Ordinance 1 -18 to remove the provision requiring all dog owners to carry insurance on their dogs. She pointed out that as