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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director, Department of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: March 24, 2014
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Dealing with Animals.
PURPOSE:
To provide for nuisance feeding of mammals, to include coyotes, and to provide pre-requisites for foster homes for animals in Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
There have been issues that have arisen with respect to persons running foster homes for dogs in particular which have caused staff to recommend a change to Section 9-2, dealing with animal foster homes. Additionally, there has been an increase in the daytime sightings of coyotes in certain areas of Aurora, and concerns expressed by residents because of this increase, causing staff to recommend a change in Section 9-12 to provide for nuisance feeding of all mammals, not just cats.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the increase in daytime sightings of coyotes in Aurora, staff has researched and consulted with experts with regard to proactive methods to reduce resident interaction therewith. Where coyotes are present in a neighborhood, feeding of the coyotes can take place even accidentally, by leaving out food for a family pet, even an accumulation of bird food when the coyote normal food supply is scarce can cause coyotes to enter a residential yard. For this reason, staff recommends changing Section 9-12 to include a nuisance feeding provision for all mammals, not just cats. Where an issue of coyote sightings becomes a concern in a residential neighborhood, Animal Control will advise the residents there of the potential hazards regarding outdoor feeding of animals. If Section 9-12 is revised as recommended, Animal Control can then enforce this provision involving nuisance feeding as necessary to assist the neighborhood reduce the likelihood of interaction with coyotes, or other nuisance animals. Additionally, staff recommends adding the change to Section 9-2 regarding prior complia...
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