SUBJECT
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An Ordinance of the City of Laredo, Texas, amending Ordinance No. 2025-O-229, Chapter 6, Article II, Sec. 6-22 of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances relating to Rabies Control, Registration Requirements, and Vaccination procedures to align with current state law; providing for severability; providing for publication and an effective date.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 7.2: Prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases in the community.
• Policy 7.2.8: Maintain and enforce animal vaccination and rabies control programs to prevent zoonotic disease transmission.
• Goal 7.5: Strengthen public health systems and regulatory frameworks.
• Policy 7.5.1: Ensure public health ordinances and programs are current, effective, and aligned with state and federal law.
Summary of alignment: This ordinance aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by strengthening rabies prevention and animal vaccination regulations to protect public health and safety. By clarifying responsibilities for veterinarians and animal owners and aligning local requirements with Texas state law, the ordinance improves compliance, consistency, and enforcement of rabies control measures. These updates directly support the Plan’s goals of preventing communicable diseases, safeguarding residents and animals, and maintaining an effective, legally compliant public health regulatory system.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On November 17, 2025, Council approved Ordinance 2025-O-229.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo adopted Ordinance No. 2025-O-229 to revise and modernize regulations related to animal control, vaccinations, registration, and associated enforcement measures; and upon continued review and public input, the City has identified the need to clarify the obligations of veterinarians and animal owners regarding rabies vaccinations and registration requirements, particularly to ensure compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 229 and 826 and rules adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The City of Laredo seeks to ensure consistency with state-authorized vaccination intervals, acceptable documentation, tag issuance responsibilities, and voluntary participation in City programs by veterinarians. The City Council finds it in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of residents, visitors, and animals within the City to amend Sec. 6-22 of Ordinance No. 2025-O-229 to provide clarity, improve compliance, and align procedural standards with state law and contemporary veterinary practice
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approves the Ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A