City Council today approved strict new laws governing how animals are to be sold and kept inside the City limits, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

The major portion of hte new Animal Code includes banning the use of chains to restrain or tether a dog in the back yard.

The law also strengthens the laws requiring animals be spayed or neutered, and outlaws the sale of pets at roadside stands or flea markets, allowing police to impound pets being sold in those places.

Cathy Davis of the Texas Human Legislation Network praised the new laws."They encourage responsible pet ownership, provide additional accountability, and further support enforcement," she told City Council.

The new law also limits a household to one rooster, in an effort to crack down on cockfighting, but it does allow up to eight chickens on a property. That is to facilitate what is known as 'urban farming,' where people keep chickens to obtain the freshest possible eggs.

"We believe all these compassionate changes before you today will become a model for other communities which are also striving to improve the plight of our pets, and the people who care for them," Davis said.

Supporters say the new laws are focused on 'public safety and humane care.

“Laws are intended to promote and protect a community’s quality of life,” said Heber Lefgren, ACS Director. “The improved ordinance does just that by considering the balance between animal care and control as well as pets and people.”