City of Milwaukee - File #: 250028

• File #: 250028
• Version: 2
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: In Committee
• File created: 4/22/2025
• In control: PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE
• Title: A substitute ordinance relating to the ethical treatment and ownership of animals.
• Sponsors: ALD. BAUMAN, ALD. MOORE, ALD. SPIKER
• Indexes: ANIMALS

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
1/8/2026	2	PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR; Minutes note: Appearing: Ald. Robert Bauman, 4th Ald. Dist. Michael Mazmanian, DNS The ordinance to be reviewed again by all relevant parties.	Pass	4:0
12/16/2025	2	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO	Pass	14:0
12/4/2025	2	PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE	REFERRED WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION AND ASSIGNED TO	Pass	5:0
12/4/2025	1	PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE	SUBSTITUTED; Minutes note: Appearing: Sponsors - Ald. Bauman & Ald. Moore LRB - Addis Sewdie Dept Neighborhood Services (DNS) - Michael Mazmanian Lorie Gallup – DNS. Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) Director - Karen Sparapani Humane Society Pres/CEO - Alison Fotsch Ald. Taylor moved to accept Proposed Sub E, now SUB 2. There were no objections. Public testimony: Linda Elmer - Resident & volunteer at MADACC and Humane Society Kristin Catalano - Resident & volunteer at Humane Society Ald. Burgelis asked to be added Co-sponsor	Pass	5:0
7/3/2025	1	PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR; Minutes note: Appearing Sponsors Ald. Bauman & Moore MADDC Director Karen Sparapani Humane Society Director Alison Fotsch DNS Commissioner Jezamil Arroyo-Vega	Pass	5:0
4/22/2025	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number
250028
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference

Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN, MOORE AND SPIKER
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to the ethical treatment and ownership of animals.
Section
78-1-1 ra
78-1-1 cr
78-1-1.5 cr
78-1-9.5 cr
78-1-15.5 cr
78-1-28.5 cr
78-1-29.5 cr
78-1-32.5 cr
78-1-33.2 cr
78-1-34.2 cr
78-1-38 cr
78-1-39 cr
78-1-41 cr
78-5-3 rc
78-7-3 cr
78-17-6 cr
78-21-2 rc
78-31-9 cr
78-31-10 cr
78-55-6-a am
Analysis
This ordinance revises code provisions relating to the care, control, and ownership of animals. The ordinance updates definitions, adjusts limits on the number of animals permitted per household, establishes requirements for the breeding and transfer of dogs and cats, and requires microchipping for pets. It revises procedures for reclaiming impounded animals, sets standards for tethering and outdoor housing, and updates penalty and enforcement provisions. The ordinance aligns local regulations with current state law and animal care standards.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:

Part 1. Section 78-1-1 of the code is renumbered 78-1-1.7 and amended to read:

78-1. Definitions.

1.7. ANIMAL FANCIER means any person in a residential dwelling unit who keeps, harbors, raises or possesses any combination of rabbits, dogs or cats numbering not less than, nor more than, [[5]] >>4<< animals over the age of 5 months>>, or who engages in the transfer or sale of any animal intentionally bred or from an accidental litter. An animal fancier permit shall authorize ownership or harboring of animals only within the numerical limits established under s. 78-5-3.<<

Part 2. Section 78-1-1, 1.5, 9.5, 15.5, 28.5, 29.5, 32.5, 33.2, 34.2, 38, 39, and 41 of the code is created to read:

78-1. Definitions.
1. ACCIDENTAL LITTER means a litter that was not intentionally bred, marketed, planned, or undertaken for commercial sale or profit.
1.5. ANCHOR SWIVEL means a device that connects ...