Localmedium impact · 4/10substantive190002

City Council proposed tightening animal ownership regulations, revising 'Animals' chapter in Philadelphia Code.

Official:Amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Animals,” to revise certain provisions relating to the ownership of dogs and cats; revising the definition of animal retailer; and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Henon

Introduced: January 24, 2019

: Committee on Licenses and Inspections

animal control businesspet ownership

No one voted on this bill

This bill was introduced in the 2016–2019 Council term and when that term ran out. The public record shows no committee vote and no floor vote at any stage, so no member of Council ever went on record for or against it.

That is not unusual here. Of the 8,465 bills introduced between 2000 and 2025, 1,624 lapsed without a single recorded vote. Ninety percent of bills that became law carry a roll call. Three percent of lapsed bills do. How this works.

Plain-Language Summary

This bill updates Philadelphia's animal ownership laws to clarify definitions and responsibilities for pet owners and businesses.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Revised the definition of "Animal Retailer" to include any person in the business of selling animals, including pet shops, kennels, and dealers who engage in retail sales of animals.
Defined "Adult Dog or Cat" as any dog or cat at least 7 months of age.
Revised the definition of "Wild Animal" to include any animal that is wild, fierce, dangerous, noxious, or naturally inclined to do harm, including domesticated animals in certain circumstances.
Added "Farm Animal" to the list of definitions, specifically including roosters, geese, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and other farm animals that present a public nuisance due to smell and/or noise.