County officials toughen code on feral cats, exotic animals

By Megan Messerly

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 | 4:45 p.m.

Following three hours of impassioned public comment today by more than 75 animal owners, pet store operators, animal rights advocates and other community members, the Clark County Commission voted to tighten the county’s animal code, adding regulations on feral cat colonies, requirements for exotic animal ownership and definitions of different kinds of animals.

Proposed changes to the code generally increase regulation on certain kinds of animal ownership within the county — adding extra definitions, policies and registration fees for owners of most kinds of animals. Changes to the code were first presented to the commission at its Aug. 22 meeting, and a final version of the proposed changes was introduced at the commission’s last meeting.

Public comment during the meeting revealed a divided community, some who called the changes “draconian” and “de facto bans” on certain kinds of animal ownership while others called them a “common sense approach” and important “for the sake of public safety.”

Although some supported the county passing the ordinance as-is, the majority of the public asked the commissioners to change one portion or another of the proposed ordinance, including the sections addressing exotic animals, feral cats, purebred dog breeders and businesses selling animals. Some had criticized the bill as “overreaching” and “vague,” saying that it would be better addressed in portions rather than as one “animal omnibus” ordinance.

“You all love animals, but even among those in the room there was disagreement. A myriad of comments were made. I’m ready to hear the motion,” said Commissioner Larry Brown after four hours of discussion.

Updates to the code generally enhance provisions relating to feral cat colonies — now called “community” cat colonies — by strengthening the “trap, neuter and return” program, which allows cats to live outdoors so long as they are sterilized, vaccinated and otherwise healthy. Current feral cat caretakers — those who check in on the cats and ensure their general well-being — were generally supportive of the changes.

“I truly believe that returning sterilized cats to their caregivers helps control the outdoor cat population over the long term,” said Cheryl Collins, a registered community cat caregiver. “It says a lot about us as a community that we can come up with a compassionate solution to a long-term problem. “

In response to some concerns raised during public comment that the cats threaten local wildlife, the commission agreed to prohibit feral cat colonies within half a mile of any wetland.

Many public commenters also raised concerns about the changes to exotic animal ownership in the county under the new code. Exotic animal owners are now required to obtain a permit from county animal control for their animals in addition to holding a special-use permit — a zoning measure — from the county to keep exotic animals on their property.

After several reptile owners raised concerns that any snakes longer than 6 feet are considered exotic animals, the commissioners agreed to change the length to 12 feet. “A lot of the people in this room probably own them,” said Jason Allswang, the county’s chief of code enforcement, to laughter in the crowd.

There were a few issues the commission left unresolved — namely, a suggestion to add baboons and macaques to the “inherently dangerous” animal list and whether to exempt organizations accredited by the Zoological Association of America from exotic animal permitting, like organizations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are.

“My problem with the law is that you have carve-outs,” said Keith Evans, owner of Lion Habitat Ranch, which is accredited by the ZAA. “Everyone should be on the same playing field. No exemptions for anybody or everybody should be included — everybody gets a carve-out.”

The commission agreed to review the issue in six months to address any lingering concerns. Commissioners encouraged anyone with concerns about the ordinance to contact their county commissioner about any problems they expect the ordinance to cause.