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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Anna Payton, Animal Care & Control Director
DATE: March 25, 2022
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval to revise Chapter 9 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances addressing animals.
PURPOSE:
Chapter 9 has been revised to reflect current state law and the needs of the current population of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 9 has not been amended since 2000.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Aurora has changed greatly over the past 22 years. The significant revisions include, but not limited to:
Section 9-2: Increases the maximum number of cats and dogs by 1 from 4 to 5, not to exceed 3 of any one species.
Section 9-4: Requires that all pet shop operators, dog dealers, kennels, animal welfare organizations, etc. comply with the City's Business Registration Ordinance; and prohibits the sale of dogs or cats unless they are obtained from an animal control facility or animal shelter, in accordance with the new state law.
Section 9-11: Includes language on "Animals as a Public Nuisance," requiring owners to exercise proper care and control of his or her animals to prevent them from becoming a nuisance; also makes it unlawful to allow an animal to make excessive noise which is defined as more than 15 consecutive minutes during the day, and more than 10 consecutive minutes overnight; includes complaint requirements that must be met for a violation of this Section to be prosecuted. (Changes reflect similar ordinances in neighboring communities.)
Section 9-13(b): Adds language on "potentially dangerous dogs" which are defined as a dog found running at large and unsupervised with three or more other dogs...must be microchipped within 14 days at the cost of the owner, designation lasts for 12 months. (This mirrors state law.)
Section 9-19: Provides more detail and clarity for providing humane care to animals including food, water, tethering, shelter, and veterinary care. (This language is from state law and other communities similar to Aurora.)...
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