COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR ORDINANCE NO. 110809, AS AMENDED
Dedicating
revenue from the fees collected related to the licensing of pets as required by
Chapter 14, Animals, to animal control and animal shelter operations; and
directing the City Manager to develop a strategy for pet license compliance.
WHEREAS, over $2
million is currently spent per year on administering provisions of Chapter 14,
Animals; and
WHEREAS, there
are an estimated 247,000 dogs and cats in Kansas City that should be licensed
in accordance with Chapter 14, but only about 10% are currently licensed; and
WHEREAS, the
lack of revenue caused by the noncompliance with licensing requirements
negatively impacts the ability to protect animals from abuse and neglect, to
protect the public from stray and dangerous dogs and to operate a humane animal
shelter; and
WHEREAS, it is
believed more pets will be licensed if pet owners and veterinarians are assured
the revenue from license fees will be dedicated to animal control and animal
shelter operations; and
WHEREAS, the
Council intends to dedicate the revenues received from pet license fees to the
City’s administration of Chapter 14, Animals in general and the operation of an
animal shelter specifically; and
WHEREAS, there
is a need for the development of specific plans for increasing compliance with
pet licensing requirements; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED
BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That
revenue from pet license fees shall be accounted for separately and dedicated
to and used only for expenses related to administration of Chapter 14, Animals,
which includes the operation of the animal shelter. The City Manager shall
furnish the Finance, Governance and Ethics Committee with a quarterly report
showing revenues and expenditures.
Section 2. That the
City Manager shall work with local animal welfare organizations to develop a
strategy for increasing compliance with pet licensing requirements and present
that strategy to the City Council within 90 days from the passage of this
ordinance.
___________________________________________
Approved as to
form and legality:
________________________________
Dorothy L.
Campbell
Assistant City Attorney