Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 26, "Animal Control," by Amending Section 26-1, "Definitions," Section 26-11, "Number of Dogs and Cats at Residences," Section 26-14, "Restraint of Animals," Section 26-33, "Rabies Vaccination Tag Serves as City Registration," and Section 26-34, "Rabies Vaccination" to Establish Certain Defenses for the Keeping of Feral Cats Under a Trap-Neuter-Release Program
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2.2: Continuously provide a high level of customer service to our
citizens)
MEETING DATE: January 6, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Code Services
CONTACT: Phillip Hubbard, Director of Code Services
Hannah Golden, Animal Services Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
* Adoption of the proposed Ordinance
ITEM SUMMARY:
* Staff is proposing to modify chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances to no longer prohibit Trap-Neuter-Release activities within the City of McKinney
* Currently, City ordinance prevents Trap-Neuter-Release activities within McKinney due to domestic animal restraint requirements and limitations on the total number of dogs and cats allowed at one residence over the age of 3 months. The proposed ordinance amendments would add definitions of "feral cat" and "Trap-Neuter-Release" while creating defenses to the requirement to restraint domestic cats outside of an individual property boundary and limitations on the number of cats allowed to reside at a residence.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
* On October 6, 2025, Animal Services presented City Council with an overview of Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs, outlining benefits such as humane treatment of feral cats and challenges including potential impacts on wildlife. In response, Council directed staff to return with additional information.
* On December 2, 2025, City staff returned and provided multiple scenarios that would no longer prohibit TNR activities within McKinney. These scenarios included modification of existing ordinances and a...
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