Animal control standards were consolidated under Police Department authority in an ordinance adopted by the Mountlake Terrace City Council after a public hearing on July 19.

The ordinance transferred most Zoning Code standards to the Animal Code to provide a simpler more streamlined process, eliminating the overlap among several departments on standards such as pet licensing, animal control and care.

“Consolidation of the code will promote more efficiency of service by more clearly defining responsibilities for animal related issues,” explained Senior Planner Edith Duttlinger.

Under the new code, goats are temporarily allowed for vegetation control on residential properties of at least 10,000 square feet. (Non-neutered male goats would not be allowed.) Up to 3 hens can be kept only in the back yard of residential properties. Animal cruelty is now a civil infraction. Animals will no longer need to be returned to those convicted of cruelty to animals.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Animal Code Update Ordinance on July 12 and recommended approval. City Council reviewed and discussed the new code at their July 14 work session and recommended the addition of a provision on animal cruelty.