During the recent Garland City Council work session, a significant discussion emerged regarding proposed updates to pet limits and wildlife trapping regulations. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Loc and supported by Council Member Dutton, aims to address community concerns about responsible pet ownership and wildlife management.

The council is considering amending the city ordinance to establish limits on the number of dogs and cats per household. Currently, enforcement of existing regulations requires at least three violations within a year, which has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current system. City staff proposed working with the city attorney to allow for more immediate enforcement in cases where public health or safety is at risk.

Data collected from April and May revealed that out of over 3,300 calls regarding excessive animals, only five were verified, leading to one surrender of nine cats. This suggests that while complaints are frequent, actual cases of irresponsible pet ownership may be less common than perceived. The advisory committee has recommended tabling the decision until the end of the year to gather more data on households with multiple pets.

In addition to pet limits, the council discussed wildlife trapping services. Currently, Garland provides a broader range of wildlife trapping than many surrounding municipalities, which typically only address sick or rabid animals. The city has seen fluctuations in wildlife-related calls, with a peak in 2023 followed by a notable decrease in 2024.

As the council continues to evaluate these issues, they emphasize the importance of balancing community needs with responsible pet ownership and wildlife management. Further updates and recommendations are expected later this year as data collection and analysis continue.