Consider and take appropriate action on Ordinance O-09-26, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Kaufman, Texas, repealing Section 3.01.013, “Fowl” and Section 3.02.010, “Limitation on Number” of Chapter 3 “Animal Control” of the Kaufman Code of Ordinances, by repealing Section 3.01.013, “Fowl” and Section 3.02.010, “Limitation on Number” and by adopting a new Section 3.01.013 “Fowl” regulating the keeping of various species of fowl, and adopting a new Section 3.02.010 “Limitation on N

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

This ordinance amends Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the keeping of fowl and the limitation on the number of dogs and cats permitted on residential properties. First, the ordinance establishes a definition for "fowl," which is not currently defined in the City's Code of Ordinances. The proposed definition includes birds commonly considered poultry, including but not limited to chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, turkeys, pigeons, and other similarly sized birds. Domestic pet birds are specifically excluded from this definition. The ordinance also adds regulations governing the confinement of fowl, including limiting residential properties to a maximum of six (6) hens and establishing minimum setback requirements from inhabited dwellings and property lines for enclosures housing fowl. Second, the ordinance amends regulations governing the maximum number of dogs and cats permitted on a property. The current ordinance limits the number of "grown dogs or cats," which are defined as animals six months of age or older or dogs weighing more than 30 pounds. This definition has created a loophole that allows an unlimited number of smaller dogs or cats to be kept on a property if they do not meet the definition of a "grown" animal. The proposed amendment simplifies the regulation by limiting residential properties to a maximum of four (4) dogs and/or cats, regardless of size. Dogs and cats under four (4) months of age will not be counted toward the limit, allowing residents to temporarily keep litters of puppies or kittens while preventing the long-term maintenance of animal populations that exceed the established limit. These amendments are intended to provide clearer regulations, address existing enforcement challenges, and promote compatibility between residential uses and animal keeping activities within the City.

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.4/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.