AGENDA TITLE:
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Set a Public Hearing for December 17, 2025 to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 1 (General Provisions) Chapter 1.10 “Administrative Enforcement Provision” and Title 6 (Animals) Chapter 6.04 “Impoundment,” Chapter 6.08 “Prohibited Animals,” Chapter 6.12 “Dogs and Cats,” Chapter 6.14 “Keeping and Sanitation”; and Chapter 6.15 “Vicious/Potentially Dangerous Dog.” (CA)
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MEETING DATE:
December 3, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Katie Lucchesi, City Attorney
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Set a Public Hearing for December 17, 2025 to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 1 (General Provisions) Chapter 1.10 “Administrative Enforcement Provision” and Title 6 (Animals) Chapter 6.04 “Impoundment,” Chapter 6.08 “Prohibited Animals,” Chapter 6.12 “Dogs and Cats,” Chapter 6.14 “Keeping and Sanitation”; and Chapter 6.15 “Vicious/Potentially Dangerous Dog.”
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Lodi Animal Services Division (“Animal Services”) provides care and services for Lodi residents and pets alike. From field response to animal shelter care, help finding adoptable animals new homes, providing humane education, and investigating violations or Lodi Municipal Code (LMC) and animal cruelty cases, the Animal Services staff work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and animals in Lodi.
To better perform their regular duties, Animal Services staff members have reviewed the LMC regulations and worked with the City Attorney’s office to propose amendments to the current LMC text to clarify definitions, authority, and procedures. Additionally, the proposed amendments would establish a new trap, neuter, and return (TNR) program to help address the growing feral cat population.
The proposed revisions are intended to make the LMC animal code provisions clearer for the community and allow Animal Services staff to better perform their duties. To accomplish this, the proposed ordinance includes the following key changes in the LMC Chapters as follows:
• Chapter 1.10 - Defining an “enforcement officer” and clarifying LMC enforcement authority.
• Chapter 6.08 - adds definitions, prohibits feeding feral cats, and clarifies that violations of the chapter are infractions rather than misdemeanors.
• Chapter 6.04 and 6.12 - clarifies the limits for permissible breeding and sales of dogs and cats, adds the microchipping requirement for impounded animals to contain current owner information, so owners can easily be identified and contacted if the animal is impounded in the future, and states that violations of the LMC chapters are infractions rather than misdemeanors.
• Chapter 6.14 - establishes the TNR program, and states that violations are infractions rather than misdemeanors.
• Chapter 6.15 - clarifies the definitions of “potentially dangerous dog” versus a “vicious dog” and adds a reference to “permitted poultry” when considering impacts to domestic animals.
Therefore, staff requests that the Council set a public hearing for December 17, 2025, to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance amending the LMC as noted above.
STRATEGIC VISION:
7G. Public Safety: High levels of community involvement by public safety employees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.