Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025
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This Title is adopted to protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the keeping of animals within the City, preventing nuisances and injury, and promoting responsible ownership of domestic animals and livestock.
State laws on rabies control, cruelty, and dangerous dogs apply within the City. In case of conflict, state law governs and the remainder of this Title remains in effect.
The City Council may designate an animal-control authority, which may be a City department, the county, or a contracted provider, to perform impoundment, quarantine, and enforcement duties.
No person shall interfere with, hinder, or molest an authorized officer in the lawful performance of duties under this Title.
All dogs and cats over four (4) months of age must be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and proof of vaccination must be provided upon request.
An animal is a nuisance if it habitually makes excessive noise, trespasses, causes odors, or damages property. The animal-control authority may issue warnings or citations and require corrective action.
The City Council may establish limits by resolution; otherwise, animals may be kept in reasonable numbers provided no nuisance or unsanitary condition exists.
The authority may seize animals running at large or posing hazards. Owners may reclaim animals within the prescribed period by paying impound fees and providing vaccination proof. Unclaimed animals may be adopted, transferred, or humanely euthanized per law.
Any person aware of an animal bite must report it immediately. Suspect animals shall be quarantined and tested as directed by the local health authority.
No person shall cruelly treat or neglect any animal. Adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care are required. Violations may be referred for criminal prosecution.
Livestock may be kept only if maintained in sanitary conditions that do not create odors or health hazards. The City may set minimum setbacks for pens or barns by resolution.
Livestock may not run at large. Stray livestock may be impounded, and owners are responsible for capture and boarding costs.
Owners must promptly and properly dispose of dead animals in accordance with county and state health rules. Disposal in waterways or rights-of-way is prohibited.
A dog may be deemed aggressive or dangerous if it attacks or threatens persons or animals without provocation. Investigations and designations follow state law.
The owner must receive written notice and an opportunity for hearing before a dangerous-dog designation becomes final. Hearings may be before the municipal court or a designated hearing officer.
It is unlawful to own or keep a dangerous dog in violation of any order or to train or use a dog for fighting or aggression toward persons or animals.
Animal-control officers and law-enforcement officers may issue warnings, citations, and impound animals under this Title. Each day an offense continues constitutes a separate violation.
Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $2,000 per day for public-health or safety offenses.
The City may seek injunctions, recover impound costs, or place liens as permitted by law for unpaid abatement charges.
If any section is held invalid, the remainder of this Title shall remain in full force and effect.