Two fires that killed animals at local pet-related businesses has drawn some justified attention from city officials.

A number of measures have been proposed to improve animal safety at such facilities. Last week, Lawrence city commissioners received proposals from the city fire marshal that would require new and existing pet-related businesses to install smoke alarms that are connected to a monitoring system, to have fire extinguishers on their premises and to have carbon monoxide detectors if they operate gas appliances or other devices that use an open flame. Pet-related businesses that occupy more than 3,000 square feet also would be required to install fire sprinklers as part of any new construction or a significant building renovation.

The fire last November at Christal K-9 and one a couple of weeks ago at Pet World pulled at the heartstrings of anyone who loves animals. The incidents certainly suggest that some city action is warranted, but commissioners are smart not to move too quickly to place new restrictions on pet-related businesses.

A co-owner of Pet World told commissioners last week that all Lawrence businesses that house animals should be required to have fire sprinklers. Installing fire sprinklers is not inexpensive, but many animal lovers probably agree with her that “money should not be the deciding factor” in protecting animals.

However, there are other factors to be considered. In a letter to city commissioners, the executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society pointed out that most animal-related businesses in Lawrence are smaller than 3,000 square feet. She also said that, while the fire marshal’s recommendations “are a step in the right direction,” more study is needed to write a code that both prevents more tragedies and fairly represents different kinds of animal facilities in Lawrence. She recommended a task force be appointed for this purpose, which commissioners may or may not think is necessary.

Steps likely are needed to protect animals housed in a variety of facilities around Lawrence, but city commissioners should take the time to gather the information they need to support their decision on fire code changes.