PRESENTER: Presenter
Bryan V. Ruiz, Neighborhood Services Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending the City’s Code of Ordinances, Sec. 6-109, relating to home quarantine of animals.
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DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood & Community Planning
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As noted in a summary email to City Council Members on November 12, 2025, currently Chapter 6-109 (b) (6) of the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances requires an animal in home quarantine (typically the result of a bite incident) to be observed on the first and last day by a licensed veterinarian. The State of Texas, however, allows the local rabies control authority (the City) or a veterinarian to observe the animal in home quarantine on the first and last day. Staff is recommending amending our local code to be consistent with state statute and surrounding animal control agencies, affording the pet owner the option for municipal observation on the first and last days.
ISSUE:
When a resident is granted home quarantine by our local Animal Welfare Officers, they are required under our local ordinance to have a vet visit for a first and last day check. This can pose a financial concern especially if the pet owner is on a fixed income or does not have consistent transportation. These concerns may have the person question the need to keep the pet, or release to the shelter which then increases the burden on the shelter to house another animal that already had a home.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Benefits of this proposed amendment include:
§ Consistency with State Statute: Aligns our ordinance with Texas Health and Safety Code and our benchmark cities.
§ Reduced Financial Burden: Eliminates the need for two veterinary visits, easing costs for residents on fixed incomes or without reliable transportation.
§ Shelter Impact: Helps prevent owner surrenders due to quarantine-related expenses, reducing intake pressure on our shelter.
§ Animal Welfare: Minimizes stress for pets by allowing observation in their home environment.
Therefore, staff recommends approval.
The Animal Services Advisory Board recommended approval at their August 2025 meeting.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Chapter 6 Animals, Section 109: <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH6AN_ARTVRACO_S6-109QUMETE>