Mission approves major overhaul to its animal regulations

MISSION — There are new regulations here when it comes to animal ownership as well as the city’s animal care services. The city council on Tuesday, with the exception of Mayor Pro-Tem Ruben Plata who was absent during the meeting, unanimously adopted what essentially is an overhaul of updates to its animal regulations in Mission’s code of ordinances. There’s an array of changes in the new ordinance, such as clarifying various definitions, especially when it comes to kennels; requirements for owners who are found to have a dangerous dog; the process in removing dead animals; dogs and cats licensing provisions and violations. “Our main concern is the wellbeing of our animals here in the city, housed or not,” said Julianna Martinez, the city’s animal shelter manager, after Councilwoman Jessica Ortega commended Martinez and her team’s work in bringing the ordinances up to par. One of the biggest changes is in regard to dogs. It’ll be illegal for dogs to disturb the peace and quiet of any p