CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to pet licensing; adjusting and simplifying cat and dog license fees; and amending Section 9.26.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, the Seattle Animal Shelter is responsible for caring for thousands of stray, orphaned, sick, or abused animals every year; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with Seattle's population growth, the level of animal care and enforcement needs have grown significantly over the years; and
WHEREAS, pet license fees are a vital means of support for the life-saving work, ongoing operations, and public safety enforcement performed by the Seattle Animal Shelter; and the contracted veterinary services now operating out of the shelter; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Animal Shelter receives donation funds for certain extraordinary activities that benefit the animals in its care; those funds cannot be used to cover General Fund operations; and
WHEREAS, an increase in pet license fees will bolster the Seattle Animal Shelter's ability to provide the high levels of quality care the public has come to expect and the animals entrusted to the Shelter deserve; and
WHEREAS, the City's current pet license fee structure is overly complicated and needs to be simplified; and
WHEREAS, unaltered pets can create a burden on municipal resources and, as reflected in the difference in cost between altered and unaltered licenses, the City strongly encourages pet owners and guardians to alter their animals: cats, dogs, and rabbits, in particular; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Animal Shelter provides low-cost spay and neuter services to ensure access by pet owners and guardians who wish to alter their animals; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Seattle Municipal Code, pet license fees will not exceed the costs incurred by the City in providing services related to the Seattle Animal Shelter; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
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