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An Ordinance to amend Title 2 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to establish the Metropolitan Animal Care and Control Commission.
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WHEREAS, Metro Animal Care and Control (“MACC”) is established within the Metro Nashville Public Health Department for the delivery of humane and responsive animal care and control services to and for the residents and animals of Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, MACC works with individuals and organizations across Nashville to help domestic animals find caring homes, decrease over-population of cats and dogs through spay and neuter programs, support widespread rabies vaccinations and promote responsible pet ownership; and
WHEREAS, it is required for all dogs and cats six months or older to be vaccinated for rabies and registered within Davidson County and that those animals must have a current rabies vaccination. MACC is responsible for providing rabies tags to individuals and veterinary clinics; and
WHEREAS, registration of all dogs with MACC helps to locate animals in the event they are lost and are required to stay at many dog boarding and daycare service facilities; and
WHEREAS, MACC offers pet surrender services, provides county-wide Animal Control officers for the investigation of complaints of animal abuse, neglect or abandonment, issue warnings and citations to suspects of animal mistreatment, and to capture and impound dangerous or stray animals; and
WHEREAS, MACC is responsible for providing animal care food, shelter, quality time, transportation, first aid, and clean space for those in its care; and
WHEREAS, MACC provides information on licensing, vaccinations, adoptions, mediates disputes between citizens over animals, and responds to emergency calls, testifies at court hearings related to animal control cases; and
WHEREAS, due to the expansive growth of Nashville and Davidson County, the shelter facility is at maximum capacity because, according to MACC, an average of more than 300 dogs and 130 cats are taken into the shelter each month; and
WHEREAS, MACC is operating beyond its capacity, lacking sufficient space to accommodate animals, visitors, and staff in a safe and effective manner; and
WHEREAS, ongoing funding, volunteer support, and a dedicated, sustainable advocacy team are essential to ensuring the continued success and sustainability of MACC; and
WHEREAS, a structured support system is necessary to serve as an advisory entity and as a liaison between MACC, the Metropolitan Board of Health, and the community, enhancing public engagement, strengthening departmental operations in service to residents and animals of Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Title 2 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by creating a new Chapter 2.114 as follows:
Chapter 2.114 - Metropolitan Animal Care and Control Commission
2.114.010 - Established.
There is hereby established the “Metropolitan Animal Care and Control Commission”, referred to in this chapter as “commission”.
2.114.20 - Composition, membership and term of office.
A. The commission shall be composed of seven voting members. Two members shall be representatives of local nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare appointed by the mayor. One member shall be a veterinarian, preferably with experience in an animal shelter, appointed by the mayor. One member shall be a representative of a local nonprofit organization that operates an animal shelter, appointed by the mayor. One member shall be a representative of a local nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare elected by the metropolitan council. Two members at large shall be elected by the metropolitan council. Members appointed by the mayor shall be confirmed by the metropolitan council.
B. In addition to these voting members, the director of the department of health or a designee shall serve as a non-voting member. One member of the metropolitan council shall be selected by that body from its membership to serve as a non-voting member for a term of two years. In no event shall the term of the council member extend beyond the council term in which they were elected.
C. Members of the commission shall be residents of Davidson County and serve without compensation.
D. Commission members shall serve staggered four-year terms. Of the initial members appointed, the member appointed by the mayor from a local nonprofit organization that operates an animal shelter shall be appointed for one year. The members appointed by the mayor from local nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare shall be appointed for two years. The members at-large elected by the metropolitan council shall serve for three years. The veterinarian and the member elected by the metropolitan council from a local nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare shall serve for four years.
2.114.030 - Duties.
A. The commission shall have authority to:
1. Promote the health, safety, and welfare for animals and pets in the jurisdiction of the metropolitan government.
2. At the request of, and in consultation with, the director of the animal care and control services division of the department of health (Metropolitan Animal Care and Control), provide insight relative to its operations and programing while advocating for its mission.
3. Support Metropolitan Animal Care and Control’s educational animal welfare initiatives and programming.
4. Promote community outreach, including fostering relationships with nonprofit partners.
5. At the request of, and in consultation with, the director of Metropolitan Animal Care and Control, promulgate and maintain rules and bylaws for the commission.
6. Prepare and submit an annual report to the mayor and metropolitan council no later than June 30 of each year summarizing activities, achievements, and areas of consideration for Metropolitan Animal Care and Control.
B. The commission shall meet no less than once per quarter.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.