Spartanburg Passes Revised Animal Ordinance

Spartanburg City Council passed a first reading on a newly revised animal ordinance.  It will take a second reading to make it official.  The ordinance went through one more change tonight, sparked by council member Linda Dogan.  The fee for animals that have been spayed or neutered has been dropped to $6.00 an animal, down from $25.00 for those who have not been spayed or neutered. 

A toned down version of the plan requires cat owners to license their pets. Officers say many cat owners are unhappy about that part of the plan, but Animal Control officers say they are trying to find a way to reunited stray cats with their owners. Of the hundreds brought to the humane society last year, only 10 cats were claimed. Animal control officers say state law requires tags for cats, so they are just trying to bring city animal laws (which have not been updated since 1954) in line with state laws.

People who have multiple animals would also have to get a special permit. Animal control officers tell us for breeders, this law would allow officers to come into your home or property and inspect it for sanitation and safety. Officers say Great Dane breeder Joyce Lennon is planning to be at the meeting tonight to speak out against the ordinance.

Monday’s meeting begins at 5:30 pm at Spartanburg City Council Chambers on 145 West Broad Street.

Read the complete ordinance in pdf form here.

Download a free pdf reader here.