The Knoxville City Council approved an amendment to the city “Animals Running at Large” ordinance.  City Manager Dick Schrad says the old ordinance charged dog owners with a simple misdemeanor if owners “allowed” their animal off their property or off a leash.  Schrad says the amendment takes out the phrase “to allow”, so the owner will be held more directly responsible.  Schrad says this will not change how the city will enforce the ordinance, which is primarily on a complaint basis, but would hold owners more responsible in the court system if they are charged with “Animal Running at Large.