Council hears committee draft to tighten dog-control rules; leash ordinance introduced (Ord. 2025‑94)

Councilors on Nov. 17 reviewed committee discussion and introduced ordinance 2025‑94 to revise the city's animals‑at‑large rules and clarify what constitutes reasonable control.

Mayor Lee Wilkinson and police leadership told the committee that the prior language — which required owners to keep animals under "reasonable control" — made consistent enforcement difficult. The proposed amendment would require dogs to be on a leash, cord or tether not more than eight feet and controlled by a person capable of preventing menacing approaches by the dog; it preserves designated off‑leash fenced dog‑park areas where dogs that obey voice commands and are not classified as dangerous may be off leash.

Committee materials described penalties: a first offense as a minor misdemeanor, and subsequent offenses rising to a fourth‑degree misdemeanor. Council members asked staff to provide public notice explaining the changes before the ordinance takes effect.

Why it matters: The change narrows enforcement discretion by providing specific leash length and control language and clarifies expectations for owners and officers.

What’s next: Ord. 2025‑94 was introduced on first reading; council asked the city to notify the public of upcoming changes.