The City of Boise’s newly updated code regarding animals and pets went into effect, today, Monday, June 7th.
The updated code includes changes to animal cruelty regulations as well as general enforcement changes. Some of the changes include:
- Prohibits leaving animals unattended in cars under weather conditions that endanger their wellbeing.
- Creates a “Good Samaritan” immunity from penalties, damages, and civil liability for those who rescue animals from life-threatening conditions. Individual must first dial 911.
- Creates a new section to prohibit the sale of non-shelter dogs and cats at retail pet stores as well as the transfer of such animals on public property.
- Amends the role and processes for the animal enforcement agency.
The complete updated code is available online at citycode.cityofboise.org.
“This represents a complete re-write of our animal code, setting the ‘gold standard’ for our furry friends and creates a ‘compassionate animal code’ for our family companions and exotic animal friends that is more in line with Boise’s kindhearted values,” said Boise City Council Member TJ Thomson. “My hope is that other municipalities across Idaho follow suit and adopt these changes to ensure all our furry friends, regardless of where they reside, share the same benefits of a code that looks out for their safety, care, and well-being.”
Council Member Thomson collaborated with the Idaho Humane Society and other community groups to make these commonsense changes to the code. The first draft was presented to city council in July 2019 and public input was gathered in early 2021.