People in San Antonio who dump dogs and cats would face steep fines under new ordinance

The San Antonio City Council will soon consider an ordinance targeting animal abandonment by imposing fines of $500 to $2,000 for offenders. The proposal includes escalating penalties for repeat offenses, with each abandoned animal counting as a separate violation. This measure aims to tackle the city's growing issues with stray and dangerous dogs, as Animal Care Services (ACS) has made strides in improving response rates. Under the leadership of Director Jonathan Gary, ACS has responded to 82% of critical calls, up from 62. 4% previously.

Despite these improvements, ACS faces a 1% budget cut over the next two years due to a city budget deficit. Animal abandonment is already classified under state law as a misdemeanor or felony, but enforcement is limited to cases involving abuse. The proposed ordinance reflects the city's commitment to addressing the issue more rigorously. This move could significantly impact local animal welfare and public safety.