WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — At Tuesday’s city council meeting, the council members will discuss changes to animal services.
The Wichita Police Department recommends the following amendments:
- Increased fines for dog bite convictions with a first-time bite increasing from a $250 mandatory fine to a $500 fine, a second offense from a $500 fine to a $1,000 fine, and a third offense from a $1,000 fine to a $2,500 fine;
- Removal of mandatory dog pen requirement for dangerous dogs, leaving the determination to the discretion of Animal Services;
- Require microchips on all dogs and cats at the age of five months unless a veterinarian advises that it is not in the best interest of the animal;
- Simplify pet licensing prices to $15 for spayed/neutered and $50 for those that are not. This is not an increase for spayed or neutered pets but is a $15 increase for those that are not;
- Simplify veterinarian requirements regarding vaccination and license information that is transferred to City Licensing;
- Allow licenses to be purchased for the length of a rabies vaccine, up to three years;
- Allow three dogs/three cats per household. An animal maintenance permit will be required for four;
- Allow a dangerous dog to be cared for by an animal professional for evaluation; and
- Licensing provisions will take effect January 1, 2025, due to necessary computer upgrades.