9427-03 Amend Chapter 5, Inclusion of new Article 3.1 Entitled Animals Prohibited to be brought to Large Events held on Public Property

Home Browse Search

Ordinance No . "1 ~ Z,'~" ~.3 Bill No. 41-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW ARTICLE 3.1 ENTITLED ANIMALS PROHIBITED TO BE BROUGHT TO LARGE EVENTS HELD ON PUBLIC PROPERTY STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, recognizes Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code sets forth regulations addressing "Animals and Fowl" and are aimed to protect the rights of persons who wish to be responsible animal owners and to promote safe animal regulations. In light of the many public safety concerns brought to the Common Council's attention by members of the South Bend Police Department, it has been determined that reasonable regulations must be in place before the 2003 Summer in the City event which would restrict the bringing of animals by members of the public to large events held on public property. The City of South Bend annually sponsors a large public event called "Summer in the City" which is held along the St. Joseph River east of the downtown. At last year's Summer in the City event and at other large events held on public property, there were several instances which threatened the public safety of some of those in attendance. More specifically, dogs were seen lunging at small children who were waiting in line to enjoy the amusement rides. Instances were also witnessed involving an albino boa constrictor. Such instances brought panic and threatened the safety and enjoyment of several members of the public. Additionally, persons who brought animals to such large events held on public property in the past, have failed to immediately remove the animal's excrement from the public property. For those who unwittingly walked such areas, this further dampened their enjoyment. There are many communities which prohibit persons from bringing their animals to such large public events, with such restriction being based on public safety concerns. The following ordinance would prohibit persons from bringing animals to large events held on public property, with limited exceptions. These regulations are deemed to be in the best interests of the protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. Chapter 5 of the Sozcth Bend Municipal Code is hereby amended by the inclusion of new Article 3.1 entitled "Animals Prohibited to be Brought to Large Events Held on Public Property" which shall read in its entirety as follows: -1-