Mason City animal ordinance violations on the rise

(ABC 6 News) – The Mason City Police Department is urging citizens to familiarize themselves and follow local animal ordinances after violations have been on the rise.

According to the MCPD in July 2022;

• 9 bite cases, 6 were dogs, and 2 were cats. (One of these cases involved a dog attacking another dog. The rest were bites on people).
• 14 criminal citations were issued for animal ordinance violations.
• 72 animals were impounded at the Mason City Stray Animal Shelter (37 dogs, 32 cats, 2 guinea pigs and 1 bird). This is the highest number of dogs ever taken to the shelter.

As of Aug 5, 2022, they have impounded 323 dogs and cats so far for the year. This exceeds the final count of 311 for the calendar year 2020. They are also currently projected to exceed the final number of 529 impounded animals for the calendar year 2021.

Mason City Police also want to ensure cats and dogs are vaccinated for rabies, licensed with the City, and not allowed to roam at large which could result in them being impounded.

The department said that due to the increasing number of violations, they are reviewing animal ordinances and whether to increase the reclaim fees – with several residents having reclaimed the same animal 6 or more times for running at large in just the last 12 months.

The department said they are most concerned with non-compliance for failing to vaccinate pets for rabies; allowing pets to run at large; and when pets bite humans or other pets

Lastly, they urge residents not to feed stray cats, as the food can attract other critters, and are considering whether to add that as a new city ordinance.

To view, Mason City’s animal ordinances CLICK HERE.