Animal Advocates to Host Public Forum on Dog Rules

On October 25, Sonoma Valley Dog Owners & Guardians (SVDOG) and Pets Lifeline, in cooperation with the Sonoma Police Department, will host a public meeting to solicit ideas and suggestions for revising City ordinances and other public policies and programs in the City of Sonoma as they pertain to dogs. 

The meeting will convene at 6:30 PM, in the Police Department Training Room at 175 First Street West, Sonoma.

The objective of the meeting is to gather ideas and viewpoints to develop specific recommendations for City Council to:

• Create effective, efficient, fair and humane procedures for reporting, investigating and responding to specific concerns and complaints about dogs who may present a danger to public safety in the City.
• Promote canine health, safety and well-being by expanding affordable voluntary spay/neuter programs for dogs residing in the City.
• Make the City of Sonoma more Dog Friendly for residents and visitors by improving opportunities for canine socialization and exercise important to developing and maintaining healthy, well-behaved dogs.

The general public as well as canine professionals (veterinarians, trainers, behaviorists, animal control officers, dog walkers & sitters, etc.) are invited to attend and/or to submit their ideas and comments in writing.  Of particular interest are the views and opinions expressed by residents of the City of Sonoma and those canine professionals who have clients in the City.  

For reference, the City’s current ordinances pertaining to dogs can be found on the City’s website at: http://codepublishing.com/ca/sonoma/.  Click on Title 8 “Animals.” 

Following the meeting, a Steering Committee will complete draft recommendations in early November.  The draft will be published for additional public comment, after which it will be finalized and presented to Council in December. 

All who wish to address the October 25 meeting will be provided 3 minutes to summarize their ideas.  Everyone is also invited to submit more detailed ideas and comments in writing, of any length, prior to the meeting; those comments will be made available to all meeting participants.  

Written comments/suggestions should be emailed to info@SVDOG or addressed to SVDOG, 19201 Sonoma Highway #111, Sonoma CA 95476.