Change city law to call pet owners 'guardians' instead of 'owners'
In Plain English
The city's animal control law currently uses the term 'owner' to describe people who have pets. This change updates the language to 'guardian' throughout the municipal code. The legal requirements for pet registration, licensing, and care remain exactly the same.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion · Official minutes
Adopt Ordinance No. 5-12 N.S.
5 aye · 1 nay · 1 absent
Why This Vote Matters
Pet owners will now be called "guardians" in the city's animal control laws after a 5-1 council vote. The change is purely linguistic—all existing rules for pet registration, licensing, and care stay the same. Council member Bates cast the lone dissenting vote, while the majority supported updating what they viewed as outdated terminology. This routine administrative change reflects a broader shift in how many communities refer to the relationship between people and their pets.
Auto-generated context based on official minutes.
Related agenda records
Automatically matched by topic. Open an item to check its relevance and each motion’s outcome.
Ordinance amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 entitled 'Animals'
Vicious dogs ordinance amendment
Resolution urging Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to use 'Guardian' in lieu of 'Owner' in Division 416
Adopted Ordinance No. 18-18 N.S. (second reading)
Animals ordinance amendment