By Don Bommer
Contributing Writer

An amended Animal Control Ordinance was unanimously approved by the Bulverde City Council Aug. 26.

When the proposed ordinance was presented to council on July 29, more than 40 people packed the chambers. There were only a few people in attendance Tuesday and none offered public comment other than Animal Control Committee Chairperson Linda Binkley and Committee member LaDonna Mabrey, both of whom requested minor changes.

The ordinance specifically spells out regulations regarding the keeping, control, and care of animals within the city.

After the controversy last year over the keeping of FFA and 4-H animals, the committee revised the rules.

Article 2, Section 3 provides for the keeping of any animal that is normally and customarily kept as approved FFA and 4-H projects including rabbits, chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, cattle and horses, but excluding swine, to be allowed in any zoning district as long as they are properly restrained and protected.

All animal projects must have a feeding and care program consistent with best management practices, including a healthy and safe environment and a water source available at all times.

The ordinance goes a step further. Article 2, Section 2 states residents are now allowed to keep livestock (excluding swine), birds or fowl in any zoning district.

All barns, structures, enclosures, coops or pens shall be kept in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, and in such a manner and location as not to become offensive to adjacent neighbors or to the public.

However, homeowner association rules may prohibit the keeping of these animals.

Some additional highlights of the ordinance:

Article 2, Section 5:

It shall be unlawful for a person to regularly feed, water and provide support to a feral cat colony population without either including a regular program of Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR), or reporting to and cooperating with a local feral cat organization. A TNR program traps, neuters, vaccinates and releases cats back to the colony. Over a period of time the feral cat population declines. A local TNR self supporting non-profit volunteer organization will provide the service at no charge.

Article 2, Section 7:

It shall be unlawful for any person to transport or carry on any public roadway any animal in a motor vehicle unless the animal is safely enclosed within the vehicle. If traveling in an open vehicle, the animal shall be confined by a secured, vented container or cage, or by chain, rope, or other device cross-tied to prevent the animal from falling off or jumping from the motor vehicle or from strangling on a single leash.

Article 3, Section 1:

All owners shall keep their animals (excluding sterilized cats) under restraint and not allow them to stray or run at large. An animal shall be secured by a leash or lead, under the control of a physically capable person and obedient to that person’s commands. Or an animal must effectively confined to the premises of the animal’s owner.

Committee members in-clude Chairperson Linda Binkley, Judge Susan Devo-rak, LaDonna Mabrey, Jenny Burgess, Joe Brockman and Mayor Ray Jeffrey.

The entire document is posted on the city’s website at www.ci.bulverde. tx.us.

In other business, Jeffrey presented certificates of appreciation for service to former Mayor Sarah Stevick and former Councilman Mark Mobley.

The council met in Executive Session concerning Canyon Lake Water Supply Company. No action was taken.