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Austin Council Addressing Pet Adoption Harassment


Tens of thousands of names, addresses and phone numbers are public record at the Austin Animal Center.

Now, people are claiming harassment because of the availability of those records.

In March of 2010, the Austin City Council adopted a no-kill plan for the Austin Services Department. That increased adoptions from 7,900 in 2008 to more than 14,000 in 2012.

Chief Animal Service Officer Abigail Smith is concerned for the safety of those who adopt.

"If a person shows up and wants their dog back and they do a public information request for the name, address and telephone number of the person who now has their dog. Right now under current law we have to provide that to them," said Smith.

We talked to several folks adopting and they too are concerned.

"I don't know what I would do if someone came to my door and tried to take my dog that I invested and fell in love with and turned into my family," said Beatrice Hernandez.

Representative Eddie Rodriguez filed H.B. 2471 on Tuesday that would make shelter records private.

On Thursday the Austin City Council will vote on a resolution to see if they will support the bill. Council member Mike Martinez is for it and wants to make all shelter records confidential.

"It's not like we are trying to hide information. We are trying to continue to be the largest city with 90 percent live outcomes," said Martinez.

By Christie Post