Council discusses Dog Alley, animal ordinances

It was all about selling and keeping animals during the Canton City Council meeting Oct. 18.  Councilmembers discussed requiring vendors who sell animals to have a license in Dog Alley, the Canton Animal Shelter agreement with cities in Van Zandt County and allowing chickens in the city limits.

Councilman Shawn Stewart said he asked that a discussion be held regarding the licensing of vendors at Dog Alley, as a way of “gathering information.”   

“I am referring to the area known as Dog Alley. The intent of the discussion is to not put vendors out of business or create additional hardships. We want to know who is doing what, who are the vendors that are selling animals and what role should the city play,” said Stewart.

Stewart said the city has animal control personnel on site at Dog Alley during First Monday.

“We are invested down there. I personally think the city has a right to have knowledge of who those people and property owners are in Dog Alley. I think it is a good thing for the city to be down there to provide a level of legitimacy. Based on my discussions with people down there, there is a lot of

Assistant City Attorney David Ritter said that because Canton is a “Type A,” city, the city can require licenses for people selling animals within the city limits. 

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