The City of Wichita Department of Environmental Services is proposing to revise Chapter Six of the City Code that governs animal control and protection. Community input will be obtained through District Advisory Board meetings, stakeholders meetings and other neighborhood meetings prior to presenting final revision recommendations to the City Council. The proposed changes includes improved control of dangerous dogs, measures to reduce potential for breeding of unwanted dogs, ownership regulations for pit bulls, stipulations regarding dog fighting paraphernalia, increased penalties for code violations, proposed licensing of dog breeders, and increased dog licensing fees.

Environmental Services investigated over 600 dog bites in 2006 and housed over 5,400 dogs at the City’s animal shelter. Almost 1,500 of those dogs housed were pit bulls. Over 3,000 stray dogs or dogs running at large were collected by animal control officers. A total of 4,641 citations or warnings were issued for animal code violations. Environmental Services believes these statistics demonstrate a need to implement regulatory improvements.  Also, certain events have occurred over the last few years that further the need for improvements including numerous dogs found in poor conditions for breeding purposes and questionable ownership practices. Also, numerous dogs continue to be collected when running at large and reclaimed by an owner who has not obtained a license and had no proof of an annually required rabies vaccination. These practices cause an unnecessary increase for risk of exposure to rabies through dog bites.

Environmental Services promotes safe and responsible pet ownership. Unfortunately, ordinances are needed to ensure a safe and secure community. Changes can be viewed here:

• Proposed ordinance revision
• Summary chart of proposed modifications

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