TOPEKA (KSNT) – Police are notifying Topeka pet owners of some changes the Topeka City Council made recently for cruelty to animals and dangerous dog ordinances.
The Topeka City Council voted on July 8 to amend Section 6.05.100 of the Topeka Municipal Code and repeal the original section. The council’s decision means local pet owners are required to provide animals with water at all times and changes violations of animal cruelty ordinances to a Class A nonperson misdemeanor.
The Topeka Police Department said pet owners who have regained ownership of a dangerous dog can also petition the court for an extension of time to comply with the dangerous dog conditions. The court has to find there is a good reason for the extension.
The TPD’s Animal Control Unit posted to social media on July 22 with more information on the changes to dangerous dog conditions:
- Pet owners who have regained ownership of an aggressive animal can now receive an extension to get their dog spayed/neutered if they show progress towards setting an appointment.
- If someone is charged with cruelty to an animal, the owner must file and maintain a renewable cash or performance bond with the Municipal Court in an amount equal to or greater than the cost of care and treatment of the animal for 30 days. This bond shall be renewed every 30 days as necessary until the disposition of the animal by the court.
- If the presumed owner of a dangerous dog fails to appear in court, the court shall release the dog to the humane society
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Police said these changes will help reduce the cost to the city for long-term animal care, free space in kennels at Helping Hands Humane Society and improve the quality of life for animals that would have been long-term stays. You can learn more about the city’s cruelty to animals ordinance by clicking here.
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