Approval of the suggested revisions and additions to the Animal Control City Ordinance was given during the City Council meeting held Monday January 14th. The wording that applies to the annual city registration requirement of pets was changed to reflect a 12 month span. Previously it stated that all registrations are due to be renewed every January. This annual $10.00 fee is more appropriately levied when it covers a twelve month span. This way if you register your pet in July, you will not have to renew the registration until the next July. Annual registrations help the Animal Control Department monitor the currency of each pet’s rabies vaccination. The city tag will only be issued when the pet owner provides written confirmation that their pet is currently vaccinated.

Another approved addition to the ordinance provides specific wording associated with beehives and bee keeping within the city limits. Making the ordinance clearer and easier to enforce, suggested wording defines guidelines for beekeepers and the management of their bees. In most instances beekeeping is a passive business without a negative impact on surrounding areas. There remains a concern for “Africanized” bees infiltrating a hive and turning them into a more aggressive bee. If this happens the City now has an ordinance that will be able to protect the health and welfare of it’s citizens.

These few specific revisions help simplify enforcement guidelines and provide improvements to the ordinance on the whole. If you have questions or concerns regarding these or any animal control ordinances, please send them in writing to Animal Control, 303 S. Clear, San Saba, Texas 76877. You will need to include your name, address and phone number to receive a response.