The San Antonio City Council is set to vote on the rapid expansion of the authority of Animal Care Services, potentially allowing the agency to forcefully sterilize roaming dogs they deem dangerous. The new expansion of power would also allow ACS to investigate dangerous dogs based on anonymous complaints.
These expansion efforts are the latest attempt by the City of San Antonio to curb its dangerous roaming dog problem. San Antonio has seen a recent string of dog attacks; recently, a one-year-old and an 81-year-old Air Force veteran were killed in dog mauling incidents. This prompted the city to take action to address the issue.
ACS Interim Director Mike Shannon presented a plan to the Public Safety Committee on how his agency can crack down on the dangerous dog problem in San Antonio. His plan proposes allowing the agency to conduct investigations into dangerous dogs based on anonymous reporting. The agency is also planning on conducting preliminary investigations into owners who are repeat offenders of dangerous dog laws in an attempt to get ahead of the curve.
This preliminary proposal has been approved by the Public Safety Committee; however, there are still additional measures that must be approved by the city council.
One proposal by Shannon the City Council will vote to approve is the forced sterilization of roaming dogs by ACS. The new policy would allow ACS to sterilize dogs that it picks up off the street if their owners cannot be immediately located.
Another additional measure Shannon proposed was a blanket policy of fewer warnings and more fines for violations of dangerous dog laws. Violations of these laws could also lead to stricter penalties and bigger fines for repeat offenders.
According to San Antonio Express-News, “The fine for a first offense would remain $100, but for the second and third violations, the cost would shoot up to $500 and $750, respectively, from the $200 and $300 that repeat offenders currently pay.”
The proposal to expand the power of ACS in San Antonio will be voted on by the City Council in December.
