rock springs — The Rock Springs City Council has completed the second reading of an ordinance excluding service animals from the number of animals that can be owned by individuals.
There were no comments at tonight’s board meeting on an ordinance called Animal Humane Care and Regulation. The proposed amendment would not only exclude service animals from the number of animals an individual may own, but would also exclude them from licensing fees.
According to the ordinance, the current ordinance allows guide dogs trained to assist blind people as service animals, but does not allow service animals with other disabilities. “The Rock Springs Governing Body believes that owners of service animals who are trained to assist their owners with a range of recognized disabilities should be equally protected by law, and that service animals are animals that can be owned by humans. We have determined that it should be excluded from the number of kennels and must obtain a kennel license.”
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Under this ordinance, service animal licenses are given free of charge to their owners.
final meeting
The council meeting marked the final chapter for three councilors and third-term mayor Tim Cowmo.
Tim Savage, David Holter and Keaton West will all leave the Council in 2023. Tom Allen will take Savage’s 2nd District seat, Dan Pedri will replace Holter in 3rd District, and Randy Hanson will take West’s 4th District seat. Elected to the Sweetwater County Commission.
Kaumo served three terms as Mayor of Rock Springs. He will be replaced by former Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Superintendent Max Mickelson in January.
At tonight’s meeting, all aldermen and Mayor Kaumo were presented with plaques in recognition of their long service. Councilor Savage was absent from the meeting.