‘Dogs, Cats and Pigeons’ – Storm Lake City Council looking to update local pet ordinances

STORM LAKE, Iowa (KTIV) – Storm Lake City officials have proposed new policy changes regarding your furry or feathered friend.

According to the City of Storm Lake’s Facebook page, the revisions to the city’s pet policy come after the second reading of three proposed changes.

Dogs

City officials say the revision goes along with a current state code that requires rabies vaccinations for dogs that are over the age of six months.

Officials also say proof of vaccination is needed for dog owners to obtain a city dog license.

Storm Lake officials say licenses are required for all dogs that reside within the city limits, however, people who move into the city with a dog or get a new dog six months of age or older are allowed a 30-day grace period to apply for a license.

City officials said, “The proposed policy also adds specifics to a previously stated policy. These specifics regarding dog ownership.

Dogs are not allowed to:

• Disturb the peace
• Allowed to chase people or vehicles.
• Be on the property of others without permission
• Run at large in public spaces including parks, trails, and schoolgrounds.

Leashes, six feet or less would be required, under the proposed changes, on public property, according to the City of Storm Lake.

Cats

Alongside the proposed policy for dogs, there is also a proposed revision regarding cats in Storm Lake.

Under the proposed revision, Cats are not allowed to:

• Roam on other’s property without permission
• Run at large in public spaces
• Cause a public disturbance

City officials say a proposed cat policy will also require cat owners to obtain a city pet license within six months of getting a cat. The proposed policy will require proof of vaccination.

City officials say a third reading of the proposed policy to both cat and dog ordinances will be held during a city council meeting on Sept. 3.

Proposed policy for stray cat population in Storm Lake

If approved, officials say a new ordinance will allow a new non-profit to respond to incidents involving stray and feral cats in the area.

The City of Storm Lake said, “The organization plans to have such animals spayed and neutered by a veterinarian and returned to their original locations unless the property owner requests for the cat to not return or if the animal falls sick.

Pet Licenses within the City Limits

Storm Lake City officials say pet licenses are not only required on an annual basis but are important tools for locating an owner in situations where a pet may wander away.

Applications for pet licenses are available online and in person at the following locations:

• Storm Lake Police Department
• Lake Animal Hospital
• City Hall

Pigeons

As a way to respond to public concerns, Storm Lake officials say they are considering a new policy involving domesticated pigeons in the area. The proposed policy would keep domestic pigeons within the city limits.

According to Storm Lake officials, the proposed policy would allow no more than ten pigeons to be kept on a property. City employees say anyone who currently has more than ten pigeons would be allowed to keep them, but not replace the birds to exceed the total in the future.

Officials say the hours for bird training and exercise would be limited and pigeons would not be allowed to interfere with other property owners.

If the new changes are approved by the Storm Lake City Council, pigeon owners will be required to apply for a city permit and domesticated pigeons will be banded to differentiate them from feral pigeons.

A public hearing and a third reading of the proposed pet policy will take place on Sept. 3.

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