Recommendation R5
By September 7, 2026, the City Council shall direct the City Attorney to review and propose amendments to Petaluma City Code § 1.16.060 and/or § 9.24.020 (E) by January 4, 2027 regarding the rights of victims to request, participate in, and present evidence in a hearing pursuant to § 9.24.040 regarding abatement conditions for dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs.
Jury report: Animal Services Revisited: A City Asleep at the Wheel · PDF page 18
Permanent linkOfficial response
Petaluma City Council
Agency declines implementationRejects proposed victim-party procedural rights while acknowledging witnesses’ evidence and possible Title 9 improvements.
Read official response · PDF page 18Explains its interpretation of enforcement proceedings and alternative civil remedies; retains Council discretion over any amendment schedule.
This review evaluates the response document. Implementation claims have not been independently verified.