San Antonio council members say mayor killed anti-pet dumping ordinance over petty politics

San Antonio City Council members accused Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones of politically motivated interference after she withdrew a proposed ordinance to penalize pet abandonment. The ordinance aimed to impose fines from $500 to $2,000 for first-time offenders, addressing the city's rising issue of abandoned pets. Councilman Marc Whyte claimed the ordinance would have passed unanimously, reflecting widespread council support. He noted that the council has spent over a year developing the proposal, which was originally part of a broader effort to manage the city's feral peacock population. District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito criticized the mayor's decision, stating that government should prioritize community needs over bureaucratic hurdles.

The withdrawal could require council members to refile the necessary documents, delaying the measure for at least six months. Insiders suggest that the mayor's action may be retaliatory against Alderete Gavito, who has previously clashed with Jones. The ongoing tensions in City Hall highlight the challenges of governance amid differing political agendas.