§ 5-84. Shelter and care.

(a)

A shelter must be sanitary, of sound construction, and provide adequate protection from the cold and heat. The shelter must be placed in a dry area free of debris, feces, and standing water. It must have at least three solid sides and a solid, immovable, weatherproof roof, have a solid sanitary floor that sits at least one and one-half (1.5) inches off of the ground, be adequately ventilated, provide adequate light, and provide shelter from wind, rain, sun and the elements at all times. Suitable drainage must be provided so that water is not standing in or around the shelter so that the animal has access to a dry area at all times.

(b)

A shelter must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the sides or top of the shelter.

(c)

All areas where animals are kept shall be cleaned regularly so that fecal matter is disposed of so not to attract insects or rodents, become unsightly or cause objectionable odors. For cats and dogs, floors of animal housing areas should be made of an impervious material to facilitate cleaning and drainage. Sealed concrete is ideal. Shelter areas must have easy access to hose bibs with water under sufficient pressure to properly clean the areas.

(d)

Animal areas must meet all zoning laws, subdivision restrictions, or ordinances.

(e)

If multiple animals are present in one location, each animal must have a separate and clean food bowl. Each animal must have access to shelter and the owner must meet all standards as detailed in this section. Adequate quantities of clean and fresh food and water must be available at all times in food bowls that are clean and well-constructed. Food and water must be free from contamination and insect harborage

(f)

When outdoor temperatures reach freezing levels, all cats, except feral and community cats, dogs, and companion animals (excluding wild, exotic and ferocious animals) must be moved indoors or to an area that provides shelter from the weather. All cats, except feral and community cats, and dogs must be moved indoors for their safety for the duration of an extreme weather advisory issued for a specific time period by the NOAA's National Weather Service including but not limited to: heat, tornado, tropical storm, or hurricane. Animals must remain indoors and provided care for the duration of the advisory unless being walked on a leash by their owners, guardian or custodian.

(g)

No dog or cat shall wear a muzzle unless the owner is present or the dog or cat is under veterinary care.

(h)

If the agency determines upon inspection that an animal owner or keeper is not in compliance with the provisions of this section, the agency shall provide written notice to the owner or keeper as such. Failure by the owner to comply within twenty-four (24) hours or any other amount of time as stipulated by the animal control officer of receiving notice shall result in the temporary impoundment of all animals on the offending property(s) by the animal control department. The animal control department may remove any animal from the property, if the removal is deemed necessary by the agency to protect the health and well-being of the animal. All animals shall be promptly returned to the owner or keeper upon a determination by the agency that the owner or keeper has come into compliance with this section. The owner or keeper shall be responsible for all boarding fees for the impoundment of animals.

(i)

All provisions within this section 5-84 shall be enforced starting April 1, 2018.

(Ord. No. 17-122, § 15, 9-14-17)