TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file report on future proposed fee changes and staffing support in regard to proposed dog breeding ordinance. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On November 1, 2005, the City Council requested the City Attorney to prepare amendments to Sections 6.16.080 and 6.16.190 of the Long Beach Municipal Code to allow permitted dog breeding in the city. These amendments were proposed in response to requests from City of Long Beach residents and national organizations promoting the continuation of dog breeds through responsible breeding. On December 13, 2005, following input from Animal Control Division staff, the City Attorney brought the proposed amendments to City Council for approval. At that time, concerns were expressed by individuals in both the animal rescue and dog breeding communities about the recommended revisions. The City Council directed staff to meet with both communities to discuss further revisions to the Code, and requested the City Attorney to return in 45 days with a newly proposed ordinance incorporating suggestions generated from these discussions. A public meeting was held on December 29, 2005. Recurring themes expressed by individuals at the meeting revolved around the need for enforcement and how to adequately fund these efforts. As requested, the City Attorney has brought forth the suggested amendments in a separate item for the February 21, 2006, City Council meeting.
Thorough investigation of illegal animal breeding activity and strict enforcement of ordinance restrictions are critical to the success of this program. The Animal Control Division will, therefore, need additional staff to support and enforce the amended dog breeding ordinance. To meet that need, a fee resolution will be submitted to the City Council following approval and enactment of the revised Code sections. Revenue generated by the future proposed fee resolution is expected to cover all costs associated with the administration of the amended ordinance. Specifically, the fees proposed will raise the annual dog license fee for unaltered dogs from $36 to $54 per year, substantially increasing the license fee differential between altered dogs and unaltered dogs to encourage pet sterilization. The fees will also call for substantial dog breeding and animal "transfer for sale" permits that require individuals who wish to breed dogs in the city or bring litters into the city for sale to pay $500 in permit fees. Annual reports on enforcement, education, animal impounds and animal dispositions will be provided to monitor activities.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on February 9,2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Council action on this matter is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
A public hearing is required to establish new fees, or to modify existing fees. Once the ordinance is approved, the Department of Health and Human Services will return to City Council for formal approval of a fee resolution to address the new fees and staffing and associated budget appropriation requests. Revenue generated from said fees and violations associated with the amended breeding ordinance will cover all direct and indirect program costs, including the cost of additional staff overhead, acquisition of a vehicle dedicated to ordinance enforcement, and all other equipment and materials. The Department will be requesting two additional full time equivalent staff (2.0 FTE) to support and enforce the amended dog breeding ordinance: 1.0 FTE Animal Control Officer II to ensure compliance with the ordinance and 1.0 FTE Public Health Associate II for administrative support. The Animal Control Officer and Public Health Associate will commit 100 percent of their time to the enforcement of the animal breeding ordinances and
community education on pet overpopulation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR |
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HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANGER |