Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending Sections 3-1-26 and 3-1-27 of City Code to amend notification requirements for spaying animals that exhibit visible signs of pregnancy and to amend reporting criteria related to spays of pregnant animals, the live release rate, and court-ordered euthanasia. Funding: This action is projected to result in savings that will be utilized to provide shelter services.
De
Lead Department
Animal Services.
Fiscal Note
This action is projected to result in savings that will be utilized to provide shelter services.
Prior Council Action:
August 13, 2025 – Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to prepare a City Code amendment that allows the City's veterinary staff to spay or neuter all animals owned by the City without delay or notification; and restores all decision-making authority as to whether an individual animal should be spayed or neutered to the City’s veterinary professionals.
For More Information:
Rolando Fernandez Jr, Interim Director of Animal Services; Sadie Spalding, Agenda Coordinator.
Additional Backup Information:
If approved, this item will allow the City’s veterinarians to spay animals owned by the City without delay or notification and remove the reporting criteria for spays of visibly pregnant animals. These changes are consistent with Resolution No. 20250813-019.
If approved, this item will also amend the live release rate provisions that are included in the reporting requirements. As proposed, court-ordered euthanasia would be removed from the live release rate calculations because the City does not own those animals and cannot disregard court orders. This change also aligns with extending the City’s interlocal agreement with Travis County to provide animal services. This proposal also reorganizes the live release rate provision so that it is easier to understand and follow.