HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08 Term "caretaker" in refering to owners of dogs and catsRESOLUTION 0.2009-08
RESOLUTIO OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
aC1A ENCORAGI G T E USE OF THE TER
`°CARETAI~CER" I REFEI G TO THE ® HERS OF
D®Gt7 f"l CATS
Ytl H EREMa7.
1. The City Council has been requested to encourage the use of the word "caretaker," when
referring to the owners of dogs and cats; and
2. This request is based on the belief that the words used to describe the relationship between
pet owners and their pets have the potential to influence the behavior of pet owners; and
3. The use of the word "caretaker" to describe the relationship between a pet owner and his or
her pet de-emphasizes the status of pets as property and emphasizes responsible and compassionate
pet ownership; and
4. It is hoped that the use of the word "caretaker" will reduce the number of animals who are
abandoned by their owners and will encourage persons who undertake the responsibility to acquire a
dog or cat to care for that dog or cat in a respectful way for the life of the animal; and
5. It is hoped that the use of the word "caretaker" in referring to pet owners will reduce the
burden of abandoned or discarded pets on county animal control and private animal rescue and animal
shelter organizations; and
6. While the City Council seeks to encourage the proper care of dogs and cats by encouraging
the use of the word "caretaker" to describe pet owners, it does not intend to change the legal rights or
obligations of pet owners and for that reason prefers to encourage the use of the term without
amending its local ordinances;
NO~I, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that City employees, City residents and others are
encouraged (1) to refer to the owners of dogs and cats as caretakers; (2) where appropriate and not
confusing, to use the word "caretaker" on public notices and other communications, when referring to
the owner or person responsible for the care and control of dogs or cats; (3) to educate young people
and adults in the responsibility and commitment undertaken, when acquiring a dog or cat as a pet; and
(4) to guard, protect and preserve their dogs or cats for the life of the pet.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of February, 2009, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Landis,
NOES: Mayor Baldwin
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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ATTE
l --~ _'"_._._._
Linda .Brown; Git~ Clerk
Thomas, Crane, and Rodin
Philip aldwin, Mayor