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CHAPTER 91: ANIMALS Section General
Provisions 91.01 Definitions 91.02 Establishment
and duties of the animal control commission 91.03 General
animal care requirements 91.04 91.05 Motor
vehicle accidents involving animals 91.06 Animals
in motor vehicles 91.07 Poisoning
of animals 91.08 Trapping
of animals restricted 91.09 Maximum
number of dogs or cats 91.10 Acreage
requirements for certain domestic animals; prohibition of swine 91.11 Owners
or agents responsible for removing animal wastes and dead animals 91.12 Animal
bites 91.13 Vaccination
of dogs and cats required 91.14 Interference
with humane officer prohibited 91.15 Spaying,
neutering, and microchipping of adopted animals 91.16 Exclusion
of service dogs prohibited 91.17 Confinement
by other than city officials; notice required 91.18 Breaking
into animal shelter prohibited 91.19 Dangerous
and poisonous animals prohibited 91.20 Impoundment
procedures 91.21 Protected
animals 91.22 Keeping
certain animals prohibited 91.23 Seizure
of certain animals 91.24 Serious
injury or death Registration;
Licensing 91.25 Performing
animal license 91.26 Pet
registration 91.27 Pet
shop permit 91.28 Breeder permit 91.29 Dangerous
animal/attack dog permit 91.30 Permit
exemptions 91.31 Issuance
of permits - additional requirements 91.32 Fees 91.33 Registration
or permit revocation 91.34 Inspection 91.35 Computation
of time 91.99 Penalty GENERAL
PROVISIONS § 91.01 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this chapter, the
following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or
requires a different meaning. ABANDON. To deposit, leave, drop-off or otherwise
dispose of any live animal on public or private property without providing the
requisite care prescribed under § 91.03. A.D.B.A. The American Dog Breeders Associa-tion. AGENT. Any person 18 years or
older who is authorized by the animal's owner to act on such owner's behalf
with respect to his or her animal(s). A.K.C. The American Kennel Club. ALTERED ANIMAL. Any animal that has been operated on to
prevent it from procreating. AMERICAN PIT
BULL TERRIER. (1) Any dog or crossbreed of dog registered and described by the
U.K.C., A.K.C., and A.D.B.A., 1998 S‑4 5 6 which exhibits those
distinguishing characteristics which: (a) Substantially conform to the standards
established by the A.K.C. for American Staffordshire terriers or Staffordshire
bull terriers; or (b) Substantially conform to the standards
established by the U.K.C. for American pit bull terriers. (2) Technical deficiencies in the dog's conformance to the standards
established by the A.K.C. for American Staffordshire terriers or Staffordshire
bull terriers and the standards established by the U.K.C. for American pit bull
terriers shall not be construed so that the subject dog is not considered a pit
bull terrier. ANIMAL. Any live, nonhuman, vertebrate, or
invertebrate creature that is domestic, wild, or exotic. ANIMAL CONTROL
AGENCY. Any govern-mental
or private entity charged with or contracted with and given authority for the
enforcement of the provisions of this chapter for and on behalf of the city. ANIMAL CONTROL
COMMISSION. The governing
board established by § 91.02 of this chapter. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. A person authorized to carry out the
provisions of this chapter. ANIMAL
PERFORMANCES OR EXHIBI-TIONS.
Any spectacle, performance, display, act, exhibition,
or event in which an animal or animals are used. ANIMAL
SHELTER. A facility or
vehicle operated by a governmental or private entity for the temporary care,
confinement, detention, and humane treatment of animals. AT LARGE. An animal that is: (1) Not on a leash and is off the property of its owner, its owner's
agent, or its keeper; or (2) On a leash that does not adequately confine the animal to the
property of its owner, its owner's agent, or its keeper; or (3) On a leash that is not otherwise
under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining the
animal. AUCTION. Any place or facility where animals are regularly
bought, sold, or traded by means of auction sale, except for those facilities
otherwise defined in this chapter or state law. BITE. To seize, tear, wound, or cut with the teeth,
resulting in a break in the skin. BREEDER. Any person or for-profit business or
corporation which harbors or keeps dogs or cats, and allows or causes those
animals to procreate, for the purpose of selling said offspring. CIRCUS. Any performances, which are
given for a fee, by traveling companies on vacant lots, using tents, or some
other kind of temporary enclosure, for sheltering the public. Circuses are also subject to the licensing
provisions set forth in §§ 91.25 and 91.30. CONTROLLED
ANIMAL. Any animal not
defined as a domestic animal in this chapter, with the exception of small,
nonpoisonous aquatic or amphibious animals, nonpoisonous reptilian animals,
small cage birds, and psittacine, and whose
possession requires a valid city controlled animal permit. Such CONTROLLED ANIMALS shall
include but not be limited to the following: (1) All poisonous animals, including rear-fang snakes. (2) Apes: chimpanzees (Pan),
gibbons (Hylobates), gorillas (Gorilla),
orangutans (Pongo), and siamangs
(Symphalangus); (3) Baboons (Papio, Mandrillus); (4) Bears (Ursidae); (5) Bison (Bison); (6) Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus); (7) Crocodilians (Crocodilia); (8) Constrictor snakes, such as boa, python, and anaconda; (9) Coyotes (Canis latrans); 1998 S‑4 Animals 7
(10) Deer (Cervidae), including all members of the deer family,
such as white-tailed deer, elk, antelope, and moose;
(11) Elephants (Elephas and Loxodonta);
(12) Game cocks and other
fighting birds;
(13) Hippopotami (Hippopotamidae);
(14) Hyenas (Hyaenidae);
(15) Jaguars (Panthera onca);
(16) Leopards (Panthera pardus);
(17) Lions (Panthera leo);
(18) Lynxes (Lynx);
(19) Monkeys;
(20) Ostriches (Struthio);
(21) Piranha fish (Characidae);
(22) Pumas (Felis concolor),
also known as cougars, mountain lions, and panthers;
(23) Rhinoceroses (Rhinocero tidae);
(24) Sharks (class Chondrichthyes);
(25) Snow leopards (Panthera uncia);
(26) Spiders and insects
which are poisonous;
(27) Tigers (Panthera tigris);
or
(28) Wolves (Canis lupus). CRIMINAL
TRESPASS. (1) Means: (a) Not having a contractual interest in the
property, knowingly or intentionally entering the real property of another
person after having been denied entry by the other person or his agent; (b) Not having a contractual interest in
the property, knowingly or intentionally refusing to leave the real property of
another person after having been asked to leave by the other person or his
agent; (c) Accompanying another person in a vehicle,
with knowledge that the other person knowingly or intentionally is exerting
unauthorized control over the other vehicle; (d) Knowingly or intentionally inter-fering with the possession or use of the property of
another person without his consent; or (e) Not having a
contractual interest in the property, knowingly or intentionally entering the
dwelling of another person without his consent. (2) For purposes of this chapter, a person has been denied entry if
the denial was by means of personal communication, oral or written, or by
putting or exhibiting a notice at the main entrance in a manner that is either
prescribed by law or likely to come to the attention of the public. DANGEROUS
ANIMAL. (1) Any animal which: (a) Has attacked or bitten another animal while
off the property of its owner, its owner's agent, or its keeper; (b) Has attacked, attempted to attack, bitten,
or seriously injured any human being, without provocation, whether on or off
the property of its owner, its owner's agent, or its keeper; (c) Has a history, documented with a public
agency or its designee, of attacking or biting any humans or domestic animals; (d) Has a known propensity, tendency, or
disposition to attack, to cause injury, or to otherwise threaten or endanger
the safety of humans or domestic animals; (e) Has been found
to be at large and has been documented to be at large by an animal control
officer on three or more separate occasions in a 12‑month period; or 1998 S‑4 8 (f) Has been determined to be an American pit
bull terrier. (2) No animal, except an American pit bull terrier, shall be
considered a dangerous animal if the animal causes injury or damage to a person
while that person is: (a) Committing or attempting to commit a
criminal offense against the owner or agent of the owner; (b) Committing a criminal trespass upon the
premises occupied by the owner, agent, or keeper of the animal; or (c) Teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting
the animal. (3) No K-9 patrol dogs or police dogs owned or kept by a law
enforcement agency shall be considered a dangerous animal when used in the line
of duty or for law enforcement purposes. DESIGNEE. A person, organization, or entity selected,
appointed, or nominated for a particular purpose or duty. DOMESTIC
ANIMAL. Any animal that
is a member of one of the following species: (1) Dog (Canis familiaris); (2) Cat (Felis cattus or Felis domesticus); (3) Cattle (Bos domesticus, Bos taurus, or Bos
indicus); (4) Horse (Equus caballus); (5) Donkey (Equus asinus); (6) Sheep (Ovis aries); (7) Goat (Capra hircus); (8) Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus); (9) Mouse (Mus musculus);
(10) Rat (Rattus);
(11) Guinea pig (Cavis procellus);
(12) Hamster (Mesocriecetus auratus);
(13) Gerbil (Gerbillus);
(14) Cow or ox (Bovine);
(15) Pigeon, homing, or
racing;
(16) Chicken, turkey, goose,
duck;
(17) Swine;
(18) Chinchillas;
(19) Mink;
(20) Ferrets;
(21) Bisons;
(23) Llamas; and
(24) All other animals
defined in I.C. 15‑2.1‑2‑15 EXOTIC ANIMAL. Any animal whose normal
native habitat is not indigenous to the continental EXPOSED TO
RABIES. Any human or
non-human, warm-blooded mammal that has been bitten or exposed to any other
animal known or reasonably suspected to have been infected with rabies. FIGHT. A conflict between two or
more animals that is intentionally organized for such purpose. FOWL. Any kind of wild or domestic bird, excluding
homing or racing pigeons, canaries, parrots, or similar types of birds normally
kept in cages. HARBORING. The actions of any person that permit an
animal habitually to remain, to be lodged or to be fed within one's home,
store, enclosure, yard, or place of business or any premises on which such
person resides or controls. An animal
shall be presumed harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three consecutive days
or more. 1998 S‑4 Animals 9 HUMANE
OFFICER. Any person or
agency designated by the state or the city as a person who is qualified to
perform the duties required by the law of this city and state regarding
animals. K-9 PATROL
DOGS or POLICE DOGS. A professionally trained dog used by law
enforcement officers for law enforcement purposes and activities. KEEPER. Any person, other than the
owner, who has actual or constructive possession of an animal for the purpose
of managing, controlling, or caring for such animal. A person shall be construed as a KEEPER
of an animal even if he or she does not have the owner's permission. KENNEL. Any premises wherein any person engages in
the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting, or keeping more than three
dogs for the purpose of hire, training for a fee, or selling. LEASH. A cord, chain, rope, strap,
or other such physical restraint. MICROCHIP. A tiny computer chip, implanted underneath
the skin of an animal, that contains identification
information relating to that animal. MUZZLE. A device constructed of strong, soft material
or metal, designed to fasten over the mouth of an animal, without interfering
with its vision or respiration or causing injury to the animal, to prevent the
animal from biting any person or other animal. NIP. To pinch or squeeze with the teeth without
breaking the skin or damaging any tissue. NOT-FOR-PROFIT. A business, association, or entity
established or organized as a NOT-FOR-PROFIT corporation under
state law or recognized as NOT-FOR-PROFIT by the Internal Revenue
Service or the state Department of Revenue.
FOR-PROFIT means all other types of businesses,
associations, or entities. OFF PROPERTY. Beyond the legal boundaries
of the real property on which the owner, agent, or keeper resides. OWNER. Any person 18 years of age or older having
temporary or permanent custody of, shelter-ing or
having charge of, harboring, exercising control over, or having property rights to any
animal covered by this chapter. PERFORMING
ANIMAL EXHIBITION. Any spectacle, display, act, or exhibit or event other than a
circus, in which performing animals are used. PET. Any animal kept for pleasure rather than
utility. PET SHOP. Any person, group of
persons, partnership, or corporation, whether operated separately or in
connection with another business enterprise, which sells or barters animals. PROVOKED. To deliberately arouse, incite, or excite. PUBLIC
NUISANCE. Any animal that
endan-gers the life or health of persons or other
animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other than
their owners, to enjoyment of life or property.
The term PUBLIC NUISANCE ANIMAL shall include but not be
limited to: (1) Any animal found running at large; (2) Any animal, whether or not on the property of its owner, that
without provocation molests, attacks, or otherwise interferes with the freedom
of movement of persons in a public right-of-way; (3) Any animal that chases or interferes with motor vehicles in a
public right-of-way; (4) Any animal that attacks other animals; (5) Any animal that damages, soils, defiles, or defecates on any
property other than that of its owner; (6) Any animal that makes disturbing noises, including but not
limited to continued and repeated howling, barking, whining, or other utter-ances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance, or
discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the
animal is kept or harbored; (7) Any animal that causes fouling of the air by noxious or
offensive odors and thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to
neighbors 1998 S‑4 10 or others in close
proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored; (8) Any animal in heat that is not confined or restrained so as to
prevent attraction or contact with other animals; (9) Any animal in any section of a public park, playground, school
yard, or other recreational area that is found running at large.
(10) Any animal that causes
unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept or
harbored;
(11) Any animal that
trespasses on the private property of persons other than the owner of the
animal; or
(12) Any animal determined to
be a dangerous animal. RABIES
VACCINATION. An injection, licensed by the U.S.D.A. and approved by the
Indiana State Board of Health, given to a dog, cat, or other animal by a
licensed veterinarian to prevent the spread of rabies. RESTRAINT. The securing of an animal by leash or lead,
or confining it within the real property limits of its owner or agent. RODEO. A performance featuring bronco riding, steer
wrestling, calf roping, greased pig contest, or bull riding. SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH. (1) Any bodily injury, which is caused by an animal and is medically
documented, that: (a) Creates a substantial risk of death; (b) Causes serious permanent disfigurement,
unconsciousness, or extreme pain; or (c) Results in a permanent or pro-tracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ. (2) This definition shall not include any nip from an animal. SERVICE DOGS. Any dog that is trained to
assist a handicapped person. STRAY. Any animal that is not under restraint and/or
upon reasonable inquiry by an animal control officer does not appear to have an
owner. U.K.C. The United Kennel Club. UNCONFINED
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. A dangerous animal which is not securely confined indoors, not
under restraint, or not confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or
structure upon the premises of the owner, agent, or keeper of such animal. UNPROVOKED. Without incitement or
stimulation. U.S.D.A. The United States
Department of Agriculture. VETERINARIAN. Any person licensed and accredited to
practice veterinary medicine in the state. WILD ANIMAL. Any animal not a domestic
or exotic animal, with the exception of small, nonpoisonous aquatic or
amphibious animals and small cage birds, which are normally found in the wild
state. ZOOLOGICAL
PARK. Any
facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more
species of nondomesticated animals, which is operated
by a person, partnership, corporation, or governmental agency that is
established for educa-tional purposes and is properly
zoned for such use, and which possesses valid licenses and permits as required
under federal or state law. (Ord. 3092, passed 1998 S‑4 Animals 11 § 91.02 ESTABLISHMENT
AND DUTIES OF THE ANIMAL
CONTROL COMMISSION. (A) Authority. The Animal Control Commission is established
and shall have the following duties: (1) To report to or be responsible to the Mayor and the Common
Council. (2) To recommend proposed policies, principles, standards, and
regulations for the control and humane treatment of all animals in the city. (3) To review and to make recommenda-tions
to the Common Council on improving the enforcement of the terms of this chapter
and as to other ordinances necessary for the care and treatment of all animals
under this chapter. (4) To review the performance of any city agencies or agency hired
by the city in matters related to the enforcement of this chapter. (5) To receive reports involving animal control from the Police
Department, Code Enforce-ment Department, and Street
Department, or other agency authorized to carry out the provisions of this
chapter. (6) To submit to the Mayor and the Com-mon
Council, no later than March 1 of each year, a written report of its activities
and recommendations. (7) To receive complaints regarding alleged animal control
violations. (8) (a) To
hear appeals within ten working days after an appeal has been filed on: 1. Whether an animal is a dangerous animal,
as defined in § 91.01; or 2. Whether a person has provoked an animal
which has resulted in a violation of this chapter. (b) Such determination shall be in writing with
the original copy being maintained by the animal control agency, and copies
being sent to the animal's owner and the Department of Code Enforcement of the
city. (B) Membership
and quorum of Commission. (1) The Animal Control Commission shall be composed of three members
and one alternate member who shall be appointed, two by the Common Council, one
by the Mayor, and one alternate by the Mayor.
The presence of three members or two members and one alternate shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum. (2) (a) One
member shall be a licensed veterinarian appointed by the Council; (b) One member shall be an owner, operator, or
employee of a kennel, cattery, zoological park, or commercial animal
establishment, appointed by the Council; and (c) One member shall be an employee from the
Department of Code Enforcement appointed by the Mayor. (d) One alternate member shall be appointed by
the Mayor and shall be an active member of an animal welfare organization,
including but not limited to the Humane Society or Pet Refuge, or shall have
the qualifications set forth in divisions (B)(2)(a) or (b) of this section. (C) Terms
of members. The members of the
Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and each
member shall serve until a qualified successor is duly appointed. All appointments shall be made for three year
terms; however, the initial appointments shall serve as follows: the member appointed pursuant to division (B)(2)(a) shall serve for one year; the member appointed
pursuant to division (B)(2)(b) shall serve for two years; and the member and
alternate member appointed pursuant to divisions (B)(2)(c) and (d) shall serve
for three years. (D) Meetings,
agenda, and minutes of the Commission. (1) The Commission shall meet on a yearly basis each calendar
year. At the first meeting of each year,
it shall elect a Chairperson and other officers deemed necessary. Emergency meetings may also be called by the
Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson at any time, with notice being provided as
required by applicable state law. 1998 S‑4 12 (2) Copies of all Commission agendas shall be sent to the president
of Board of Public Works and Safety, the Common Council, the Department of Code
Enforcement, and the Mayor's office upon the call of a Commission meeting. (3) Minutes of all Commission meetings shall be maintained and
copies of minutes shall be sent, within ten days following such meeting(s), to
the president of the Board of Public Works and Safety, the Common Council, the
Department of Code Enforcement, and the Mayor's office upon the call of a
Commission meeting. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.03 GENERAL ANIMAL
CARE REQUIREMENTS. Every owner or his agent residing
within the corporate limits of the city shall see that each of his animals: (A) Is
kept in a clean, sanitary, and healthy manner and is not confined so as to be
forced to stand, sit, or lie in its own excrement; (B) Has
sufficient and wholesome food and water, which is proper and nutritional for
that species of animal; (C) Lives
in a structure, meeting minimum veterinary standards, which will protect that
animal from all elements of the weather and will allow that animal to stand,
sit, and lie down without restriction, and which is kept in a sanitary manner; (D) If
ill, diseased, or injured, receives proper veterinary care as necessary to
promote the good health of the animal and prevent the transmittal of a disease
to other animals or human beings; (E) Is
not beaten, ill-treated, overloaded, over-worked, tormented, or otherwise
abused or neglected, or involved in any dog fight, cockfight, bullfight, or
other combat between animals or between animals and humans; (F) Is not physically altered in any manner by anyone other than
a veterinarian, except for tattoo-ing for
identification purposes and grooming; (G) Is not
abandoned, neglected, or tortured; (H) Does not become a public nuisance; (I) Does not become a dangerous animal; (J) In
the case of a dog or cat over the age of three months, is properly vaccinated
against rabies by a licensed veterinarian annually, or upon such frequency as
may be specified by state law, and such animals shall be licensed as required
by this chapter and state law; (K) Is properly restrained and not at large; (L) During
mating season, is kept in a secure enclosure in such a manner that it cannot
come into contact with another animal of the same species, except for planned
breeding. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.04 OR USE AS PRIZE
PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS. (A) (1) No person shall display, sell, offer for sale, barter, or give
away any animal, reptile, fish, or bird as a novelty or as an advertising
device. (2) No rabbit, chick, gosling, duckling, tur-key,
or other fowl may be dyed or otherwise colored artificially; nor shall any dyed
or artificially colored rabbits, chicks, goslings, ducklings, turkeys, or other
fowl be sold, offered for sale, displayed, used as barter, or given away. (B) This
section shall not be construed to pro-hibit the sale
or display of natural chicks, ducklings, goslings, turkeys, or other domestic
fowl in proper brooder facilities by hatcheries or stores engaged in the
business of selling them to be raised for commer-cial
purposes. Nor shall this section
prohibit a pet shop holding a valid permit under this chapter, or a legitimate
humane society or animal shelter, from humanely caring for, adopting out, or
selling animals as pets. (Ord. 3092, passed 1998 S‑4 Animals 13 § 91.05 MOTOR VEHICLE
ACCIDENTS INVOLVING
ANIMALS. Any person operating a motor vehicle who knowingly hits, runs over, or causes injury to
an animal shall immediately notify the police Depart-ment. Such notice shall include the motorist's
name, address, phone number, type of animal hit, and the location of the
animal. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.06 ANIMALS IN
MOTOR VEHICLES. No animal shall be left in a motor
vehicle when the conditions in that vehicle would constitute a health hazard to
that animal, or when the weather would constitute a health hazard to such
animal confined in said motor vehicle; nor shall any person transport any
animal in an unenclosed truck bed or open section of any vehicle unless the
animal is enclosed in a cage which is securely fastened to the vehicle. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.07 POISONING OF
ANIMALS. (A) No
person shall deposit, dispose, or place any poisonous substance on any public
or private property within the corporate limits of the city, if a domestic
animal is reasonably likely to consume such substance. (B) A
person shall not be liable under division (A) if this section for leaving
common rat or mouse poisons or insecticides, in any form, on his or her
property if the person exercises reasonable care in restricting a domestic
animal's access to such poisons so that only the targeted rodents or insects
are exposed to said poisons. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.08 TRAPPING OF
ANIMALS RESTRICTED. No person shall trap animals or fowl
within the city limits, unless such trap(s) are approved by an animal care
facility and used for the control of nuisance animals. This prohibition shall not apply to any trap specifically designed to kill
rats, mice, gophers, or moles unless the property owner is unaware of their
placement. Persons who believe that this
section is being violated shall file their grievance with the Animal Control
Commission for review. (Ord. 3092, passed 9‑18‑87) Penalty, see § 91.99 § 91.09 MAXIMUM NUMBER
OF DOGS OR CATS. (A) No
person shall keep more than a total of three dogs or cats over the age of six
months per household in any residential area zone. These re-strictions
mean a total of three animals—for example, two dogs and one cat, or two cats
and one dog, but in no event shall the total number exceed three of such
animals per household. (B) This
restriction shall not apply to property which is at least one-third of an acre
of land (14,520 square feet); however, any person owning more than three of
such animals must comply with division (C) of this section. (C) Persons
desiring to have more than three animals who meet the regulation set forth in
division (B) of this section must have a minimum of 1,000 additional square
feet for each additional animal. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) Penalty, see § 91.99 § 91.10 ACREAGE
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN DOMESTIC
ANIMALS; PROHIBITION OF
SWINE. (A) (1) Any person desiring to keep any of the
following domestic animals or fowl in the city must have a minimum of five
contiguous acres of land in the city, upon which the animals would be kept and
which acreage must be enclosed by a fence to confine such animals: (a) Cow, ox, cattle, calves, or other
livestock; (b) Donkey, ass, burro, or mule; (c) Sheep; (d) Goat, except pygmy goat (see division (E)); 1998 S‑4 14 (e) Chickens,
roosters, geese, turkeys, ducks, or other fowl, except racing or homing
pigeons; (f) Bees; (g) Horses; (h) Bison; (i) Llamas; or (j) Swine, except potbelly pig (see division
(E)). (2) The maximum number of such animals which may be maintained on
such property shall be determined in light of current animal husbandry and
veterinary standards. (B) (1) In no event shall the shelter and feeding
station for any of the animals or fowl designated in division (A) above be
closer than 50 feet from the adjoining property line. (2) Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed to prohibit
the keeping of bees in a hive, stand, or box located or kept within a
zoological park, school, or university building for the purpose of study or
observation, as long as the public safety is ensured. (3) Bees must be kept in accordance with the following provisions: (a) If bee colonies are kept within 50 feet of
any exterior boundary of the property on which the hive, stand, or box is
located, a barrier shall be erected that will prevent bees from flying through
it. (b) Fresh, clean watering facilities for bees
shall be provided on the said premises. (c) The bees and equipment shall be kept in
accordance with the provisions of state statutes. (C) Any
person desiring to raise rabbits or pets or racing or homing pigeons within the
city must keep such animals and birds in safe and sanitary conditions so that a
public nuisance as defined herein is not created. (D) No person may keep within the city, as
presently or hereinafter established, any swine, pig pens, or hog sties. Possession of said items constitutes a public
nuisance. (E) Pot
bellied pigs and pygmy goats shall be allowed only on a lot with a minimum of
two acres of land for each individual animal, and all other sections of this
chapter shall be added hereto. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) Penalty, see § 91.99 § 91.11 OWNERS OR
AGENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING
ANIMAL WASTES AND DEAD ANIMALS. (A) Any
owner or his agent taking the owner's dog or cat outside of the owner's real
property limits must immediately remove any excrement deposited by the animal
on any public or private property, except in the case of a guide dog for a
blind person or service dog for a deaf or physically disabled person. (B) The
owner of any dead animal shall remove and properly dispose of the animal within
24 hours after its death. The real
property owner is respon-sible for removal of any
strange animal carcass on his or her real property. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.12 ANIMAL BITES. (A) If
any person is a victim of an animal bite, he shall immediately notify the
county health depart-ment, city police department, or
animal control agency of the incident, and provide a description of the animal
and an identification, if possible, of the owner. When an animal is determined to have bitten a
person, the animal shall be confined in quarantine for a period of not less
than ten days. (B) If
the animal's owner which has bitten a person presents proof of current rabies
inoculations, the animal may be left in the charge of the owner, under
quarantine, unless, in the judgment of the humane officer or police officer and
based upon considerations of public safety, the humane officer determines it
should be removed to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital for the period of
observation. 1998 S‑4 Animals 15 (C) In
addition to any other legal obligations prescribed by law, the owner shall pay
for all costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment of the animal
before such animal will be released. If
the owner is unable or unwilling to pay for said costs, the animal may be
humanely euthanized, and the owner shall still remain
liable to the animal shelter for any costs incurred in said quarantine and/or
impoundment. (D) If
the owner of the quarantined animal can-not be determined, or if the owner does
not furnish proof of current rabies inoculation, the animal shall be impounded
under the authority of the city animal control agency and confined in the
city's animal control facility for a period of observation of not fewer than
ten days. (E) Animal
control officers shall be empowered to enter onto private property for the
purpose of impounding animals which are known to have bitten a person and shall
obtain legal process to do so if necessary. (F) Unless
otherwise provided, the city and any of its agents shall comply with the
standards set forth in I.C. 15-2.1-6-1 through I.C. 15-2.1-6-13, entitled
“Rabies.” (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.13 VACCINATION OF
DOGS AND CATS REQUIRED. (A) No
animal owner or his agent shall keep or harbor a dog or cat over the age of
three months unless it has been vaccinated annually by a licensed veterinarian
with anti-rabies vaccine. (B) The
owner shall maintain proof of an animal's vaccination so that it can be
presented to the city or its agents upon request. (C) Failure
to comply with the provisions of this section shall subject the owner of said unvacci-nated dog and/or cat to being issued an ordinance
violation citation, subjecting the owner to a fine as set forth in
§ 91.99. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.14
INTERFERENCE WITH HUMANE OFFICER PROHIBITED. No person
shall interfere with or impede a humane officer or any other authorized agent
in the performance of his duties as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.15
SPAYING, NEUTERING, AND MICROCHIPPING OF ADOPTED ANIMALS. (A) Any dog or cat adopted from a local
humane society, animal care facility, or animal adoption agency shall be spayed
or neutered by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of adoption if the dog or
cat is over three months of age. If the
dog or cat is less than three months of age upon adoption, it shall be spayed
or neutered by a licensed veterinarian upon reaching the age of six
months. A dog or cat shall not be spayed
or neutered if a licensed veterinarian certifies that said animal is physically
unable to undergo such an operation within the time limita-tions. The individual adopting the dog or cat must
sign a written agreement with the adopting facility guaranteeing that such
animal shall be neutered or spayed within the time limitations specified in
this section. (B) Any dog or cat adopted from a local
humane society, animal care facility, or animal adoption agency shall be microchipped by a licensed veterinar-ian,
or person supervised by a licensed veterinarian, before leaving the animal
shelter. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.16
EXCLUSION OF SERVICE DOGS PROHIBITED. No person
owning, operating, or maintaining any public place of business to which the
general public is invited for any business purpose shall exclude therefrom any dog that has been trained to assist
the blind, the hearing-impaired, or the physically-disabled. However, such dog must be in the company of
the handicapped person for whom it was trained to assist or in the company of a
licensed obedience service trainer. (Ord. 3092, passed 1998 S‑4 16 § 91.17 CONFINEMENT BY
OTHER THAN CITY OFFICIALS;
NOTICE REQUIRED. Unless authorized by the owner of an
animal, no person shall hold or retain possession of any animal of which he is
not the owner for more than 24 hours without first reporting the possession of
the animal to a humane officer, or an animal control agency, or its designee. When reporting possession of an animal, such
person shall give his name and address, a description of the animal, a true and
complete statement of the circumstances under which he took possession of the
animal, and the precise location where the animal is confined. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.18 BREAKING INTO
ANIMAL SHELTER PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any person to
break into any animal shelter where animals are impounded by the city or in any
way remove or assist in the removal of any animal from the described property,
without lawful permission. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.19 DANGEROUS AND
POISONOUS ANIMALS
PROHIBITED. No person shall harbor or possess
within the city any poisonous animal, reptile, amphibian, fish, or insect, or
any animal that poses a threat to the public health and safety. Such animal may be impounded by the animal control
agency and disposed of in a manner determined to be in the best interest of the
animal and the public. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.20 IMPOUNDMENT
PROCEDURES. (A) An
animal control officer, humane officer, or police officer may immediately
seize, impound, or confine any of the following animals: (1) Any dog or cat without a valid license tag; (2) Any animal running at large; (3) Any animal constituting a public nuisance; (4) Any unattended animal that is ill, injured, or otherwise in need
of care; (5) Any unattended animal that is reason-ably believed to have been
abused or neglected; (6) Any animal that is reasonably suspected of having rabies; (7) Any animal charged with being dan-gerous
or determined to be dangerous by the animal control agency; (8) Any animal that is considered unat-tended
or abandoned, as in situations where the owner is deceased, has been arrested,
or evicted from his regular place of residence. (B) If
any dangerous, ferocious, or vicious animal is found at large and cannot be
safely impounded, an animal may be tranquilized, slain, or humanely euthanized to prevent harm or undue suffering by a police
officer, an animal control officer, or humane officer. (C) Impounded
dogs and cats that are not properly licensed must be kept for no fewer than two
days before being adopted out or humanely euthanized. (D) If
dogs and cats licensed under this chapter are impounded by the animal control
agency, an attempt shall be made by the humane officer to return the animal to
the owner, as indicated on the records of the animal control agency, as soon as
is practical after the time of the impoundment.
If the attempt to return the animal is impossible or without success,
the animal control agency shall send a written notice to the owner at the
address indicated in the records of the animal control agency, that this agency
has in its possession this animal and that unless this animal is claimed by the
owner within 14 days from the date of its impoundment, the animal may be placed
for adoption or humanely euthanized. This process
shall only apply for first time violation. On any subsequent violation, the
impounded dogs or cats licensed under this chapter shall be kept for no 1998 S‑4 Animals 17 fewer than five days
to permit their owners to claim them.
After the fifth day, if their owners have not claimed the animal and
paid the required fees, the dog or cat may be placed for adoption or humanely euthanized. (E) All
other impounded animals (except dogs and cats specifically covered herein)
shall be under the authority of the humane officer. The animals shall be held at least one day,
after which time the animal shelter shall have the authority to take whatever
action is necessary with regard to adoption or euthanasia of such animals. (F) The
city animal control agency shall have authority to take whatever action is
reasonably necessary, including humane euthanization,
to deal with a sick or injured animal, for the welfare of the animal and for
the safety of humane officers and the public. (G) Nothing
contained herein shall limit the animal shelter's authority to take whatever
action is reasonably necessary to provide veterinary care by a licensed
veterinarian for a sick or injured animal. (H) All
impounded dogs and cats claimed by their owners shall be permanently microchipped for identification purposes. (I) Any animal impounded in an animal control facility, if not
reclaimed by its owner as provided for herein, shall thereby become the
property of the animal control agency and, if not adopted by the public, shall
be humanely euthanized. (J) Reclaiming
procedures of impounded animals. (1) An owner who is reclaiming an impounded animal shall pay the
animal control agent for all fees and expenses incurred while the animal is
impounded. Such fees and expenses shall
include but are not limited to: redemption fee, boarding fee, microchip
identification fee, permit and licensing fee, vaccination expenses, veterinary
service expenses, and any other expenses reasonably incurred for the benefit of
the animal. (2) No unlicensed dog or cat shall be released from an animal
shelter without a city pet license being issued in accordance with this
chapter, except a dog or cat less than three
months old. How-ever, before a city pet
license is issued for a dog or cat, the owner must show proof that the animal
has been vaccinated against rabies. If
the owner cannot show such proof and the shelter where the animal is impounded
does not have licensed veterinary services on site to administer such
vaccination, the owner can gain release of his/her dog or cat by showing a
receipt for prepaid veterinarian charges for rabies vaccina-tion
and agreeing to get his/her dog or cat vaccinated for rabies by a licensed
veterinarian within 48 hours after such release. After showing proof within 72 hours after
release that the owner's dog or cat actually received a rabies vaccination, the
owner shall be issued a license tag.
Failure of the animal owner to obtain such vaccination after such
release shall constitute a breach of the release agreement and shall entitle
the city animal control agency to regain possession of the animal. (K) Licensed
animal (reclaiming). (1) An owner redeeming an impounded but licensed animal shall pay no
redemption fee to the city, but shall pay for any and all costs incurred by the
animal control agency under this chapter. (2) An animal impounded for a second time within a three-month
period shall not be released to its owner unless the owner pays a $25
redemption fee to the animal control agency and pays for any and all expenses
incurred by said agency under this chapter. (3) Such redemption fee shall increase by an additional $25 per
impoundment for each sub-sequent time within a three-month period that the same
animal or any other animal belonging to the same owner becomes impounded. Any animal impounded, pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter, on three separate occasions shall be considered a
dangerous animal. (L) Unlicensed
animal (reclaiming). (1) An owner redeeming an impounded but unlicensed animal shall pay
to the animal control agency a redemption fee of $50 before the animal is
released. (2) Such redemption fee shall increase by an additional $25 per
impoundment for each subse-quent time within a
three-month period that the 1998 S‑4 18 same or any other
unlicensed animal belonging to the same owner becomes impounded. (M) Any
impounded animal which is not required to be licensed under the provisions of
this chapter may be redeemed by its owner for a $25 fee. Any animal impounded
on three separate occasions shall be considered a dangerous animal under this
chapter. The city animal control agency
shall collect all such licensing and redemption fees for the city and shall
account and pay over to the City Controller such amounts of such fees as
required by the animal control contract between the city and the animal control
agency. (N) An
animal's owner shall be liable for any expenses, including veterinary services,
incurred by the local humane society, animal care facility, animal shelter, or
any other agency under this chapter. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.21 PROTECTED
ANIMALS. (A) No
person shall possess, offer for sale, attempt to buy or own within the city any
of the following animals of either thoroughbred or hybrid stock or pedigree: (1) All wild cats of the family felidae. (2) Polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus). (3) Red wolf (Canis (4) Vicuna (Vicugna). (5) Alligator. (6) Caiman or crocodile of the order of crocodilia. (7) Gray or timber wolf (Canis
lupus and hybrids). (8) Sea otter (Enhydra lutris). (9) Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).
(10) Atlantic green turtle (Chelonia mydas).
(11) Mexican ridley turtle (Lepidochelys
kempi). (B) No
person shall buy, sell, or offer for sale or own a native or foreign species of
subspecies of mam-mal, bird, amphibian, or reptile,
or the dead body or parts thereof, which appears on the endangered species list
designated by the United States Secretary of Interior and published in the Code
of Federal Regulations pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1969 (Public
Law 135, 91st Congress), as amended. (C) No
person shall import or cause to be imported into this city any part of the
plumage, skin, or dead body of any species of hawk, owl, or eagle. This division
shall not be construed to forbid or restrict the importation or use of the
plumage, skin, body, or any part thereof legally collected for use by American
Indians for ceremonial purposes or in the preservation of their tribal customs
and heritage. (D) This
section shall not be construed to prevent the importation, possession,
purchase, or sale of any species to any person or organization licensed to
present a circus or carnival pursuant to this code. (E) A
humane officer may seize and impound any animal being offered for sale or owned
in viola-tion of this section. Any person violating any of the provisions of
this section shall be fined no more than $200 for the first offense, and no
more than $500 for each subsequent offense.
A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on
which a violation occurs or continues. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.22 KEEPING CERTAIN
ANIMALS PROHIBITED. (A) No
person shall keep, maintain, or have in his possession or under his control,
within the city, any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous
wild animal or reptile, any vicious or dangerous domesticated animal, or any
other animal or reptile of wild, vicious, or dangerous propensities. (B) No
person shall keep, maintain or have in his possession or under his control,
within the city, any of the following animals of either thoroughbred or hybrid
stock or pedigree: 1998 S‑4 Animals 18A (1) All poisonous animals, including rear-fang snakes; (2) Apes such as chimpanzee (Pan), gibbons (Hylobates), gorillas (Gorilla), orangutans (Pongo), and siamangs (Symphalangus); (3) Baboons (Papio, Mandrillus); (4) Bears (Ursidae); (5) Bison (Bison); (6) Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus); (7) Crocodilians (Crocodilia) (8) Constrictor snakes, including but not limited to boa, python,
and anaconda; (9) Coyotes (Canis latrans);
(10) Deer (Cervidae), such as white-tailed deer, elk, antelope,
and moose;
(11) Elephants (Elephas and Loxodonta);
(12) Game cocks and other
fighting birds;
(13) Hippopotami (Hippopotamidae);
(14) Hyenas (Hyaenidae);
(15) Jaguars (Panthera onca);
(16) Leopards (Panthera pardus);
(17) Lions (Panthera leo);
(18) Lynxes (Lynx);
(19) Monkeys, old world (cercopithecidae), new world;
(20) Ostriches (Struthio);
(21) Piranha fish (Characidae);
(22) Pumas (Felis concolor),
such as cougars, mountain lions, and panthers;
(23) Rhinoceroses (Rhinocero tidae); (24) Sharks (class Chondrichthyes);
(25) Snow leopards (Panthera uncia);
(26) Spiders and insects
which are poisonous;
(27) Tigers (Panthera tigris);
(28) Wolves (Canis lupus and hybrids);
(29) Monitor lizard; or
(30) Wild animals. (C) The
provisions of this section shall not apply to institutions of higher learning,
zoological parks, circuses, or persons harboring animals specifically for the
purpose of rehabilitation and release into their natural habitat pursuant to a
valid wildlife permit issued by the state or an agency of the United States if: (1) Their location conforms to the pro-visions of city ordinances. (2) All animals and animal quarters are kept in a clean and sanitary
condition and so main-tained as to eliminate
offensive odors. (3) Animals are confined in such a manner so as to prevent their
escape and protect the public from coming in direct contact with them. (4) Any person firm or corporation vio-lating
any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $200 for the first
offense and not more than $500 for each subsequent offense; a separate offense
shall be deemed committed on each day during which or on which a violation
occurs or continues. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.23 SEIZURE OF
CERTAIN ANIMALS. (A) No
person shall keep, harbor, own, or permit to be kept on his premises any wild
animal (ferae naturae). Wild animals shall include but are not
limited to raccoons, skunks, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, wolves,
and woodchucks. 1998 S‑4 18B (B) Zoological
parks, animal care facilities, circuses or carnivals properly licensed pursuant
to this chapter, and persons possessing a valid wildlife permit from the state
Department of Conservation are exempt from this section. (C) Any
person who owns, possesses, or harbors any wild animal
in violation of this section may have the animal seized and impounded. (D) Persons
in violation of this section shall be fined $100 for the first offense and $150
for each subsequent offense; and a separate offense shall be deemed committed
on each day during which or on which a violation occurs of continues. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.24 SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH. (A) If
an animal kills or causes serious injury, the animal shall be deemed a
dangerous animal, pur-suant to § 91.01, and the animal shall be humanely impounded. The owner shall be responsible for the costs
of caring for the animal during the period of impoundment, including but not
limited to costs of boarding and veterinary treatment, if necessary. If the owner institutes an appeal pursuant to
§ 91.29, and the animal is ultimately determined not to be a dangerous
animal, the owner shall not be charged the costs of boarding the animal. (B) Upon
the impoundment of the animal pur-suant to this
section, the owner shall be given 48 hours to show or apply for a license
pursuant to § 91.29 or to appeal the determination that the animal is a
dangerous animal pursuant to § 91.01. (C) If
the owner fails to appeal or to show proof of or apply for a license
within 48 hours of impoundment, or if the owner waives in writing all ownership
interests in the animal, the owner's right to possession, title, custody, and
care of said animal shall be forfeited, and the animal may be humanely euthanized. (D) If
the owner's appeal is denied, the owner shall have 48 hours after the denial to
apply for a license pursuant to § 91.29 and 14 days after the denial to
actually obtain a dangerous dog permit. The failure to apply within 48
hours of the denial constitutes waiver of ownership rights in the animal. (E) The owner of an animal which kills or
causes serious injury to a person who is found guilty of criminal trespass as
heretofore described shall not be subject to the violation provisions set forth
herein. (F) Due
to the overriding public health and safety concerns related to the American pit
bull terrier or any other dangerous animals, the pro-visions of this section
are purposely intended to be reasonable regulations, yet may be more
restrictive than regulations found in other sections of this chapter. (G) If
a conflict arises between the provisions of this section and other sections of
this chapter, the provisions of this section shall prevail due to the public
health and safety concerns. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) REGISTRATION;
LICENSING § 91.25 PERFORMING
ANIMAL LICENSE. (A) No
person shall operate or maintain a performing animal exhibition without first
having obtained a license from the animal control agency. (B) The
applicant shall describe the proposed location, the purposes for which it is
maintained, and the dates and hours of such performances. The appli-cation
shall be accompanied by the written approval of the Department of Code
Enforcement showing compliance with the local and state regulations governing
location of and sanitation at the establish-ment, the
written approval of the building, zoning, and public health and safety
regulations. (C) The
applicant shall provide proof of insur-ance executed
by a company legally authorized to do business in the state. The liability limits shall not be less than
the amounts set forth under state law. (D) Each
license for any performing animal exhibition shall cost $100 per day and shall
be valid for no more than five consecutive days. (E) Licenses
for such performing animal exhibitions shall not be transferable from one owner
to another or to different premises. 1998 S-5 Animals 18C (F) Any
license issued under the provisions of this section may be suspended or
revoked for violation of any local, county, or state law regulating such
establishments, upon notice and hearing to the licensee as provided in
§ 91.02 of this chapter. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.26 PET
REGISTRATION. (A) This
section does not pertain to any dangerous animal or attack dog/pit bulls. (B) Any
person owning, keeping, harboring, or having custody of any dog or cat over the
age of three months must obtain a pet registration for such animal. No pet registration shall be required of any
municipal animal control facility or governmental agency, or for a service
dog. Animals belonging to those agencies
or persons will be issued compli-mentary registration
tags. (C) A
written application for such registration shall be made to the city animal
control agency or City Controller's office.
The applicant shall include his or her name and address, a description
of the animal, payment of the appropriate fee, a valid rabies certificate, and
written verification by a licensed veterinarian that the pet has been spayed or
neutered. This application must be made
within 30 days after either obtaining a dog or cat over three months of age, or after a younger animal attains the age of three
months. This requirement, however, shall
not apply to a nonresident keeping a dog or cat within the city for not longer
than 30 days. (D) A
durable tag stamped with a registration number and year of issuance will be
provided to pet registration holders for each registration granted. Dogs and
cats must wear their tags at all times, except when involved in any organized
show, obedi-ence demonstration, training situation,
when under the care of a licensed veterinarian, or when properly kenneled. (E) No
such registration shall be issued for a dog or cat unless the animal owner
provides proof of current and effective rabies vaccination. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.27
PET SHOP PERMIT. (A) No person, partnership, or corporation
shall operate a pet shop without first obtaining from the city or its agent a
pet shop permit and paying the necessary fees.
Any person holding a pet shop permit shall furnish, at the time of sale,
to each customer purchasing a dog or cat a written statement contain-ing the following information: (1) Date of sale; (2) Name, address, and telephone number
of the purchaser and permit holder; (3) Permit holder's number; (4) Species, breed, description, age, and
sex of dog or cat sold; (5) The animal's origin, its owner's name
and address, and its health papers, as required under state law; (6) Vaccination and parasite medication
administered to the animal, date administered, and name of veterinarian or
person who administered the same; (7) Guarantee of good health for a period
of not less than one week, with recommendation to have the animal examined by a
licensed veterinarian. (B) The permit holder shall retain a copy
of said written statement for a period of 12 months from the date of sale, and
provide a duplicate copy to the licensing authority if the purchaser resides
within corporate limits of the city. (C) The permit holder shall also deliver
to the purchaser at the time of sale a written statement of the registration
and licensing requirements applicable to the purchased animal if the purchaser
resides within the corporate limits of the city. Such state-ment
shall be prepared by the city and provided by the animal control agency. (D) All pet shops shall take care to house
animals in a sanitary manner and to provide appro-priate
veterinary services, humane care, and housing according to the needs of
individual species. (Ord. 3092, passed 1998 S‑4 18D § 91.28 BREEDER PERMIT. (A) No
person, partnership, or corporation shall operate as a breeder without first
obtaining from the city or its agent a breeder permit and paying the necessary
fees. Any person holding a breeder
permit shall furnish, at the time of sale, to each customer purchasing a dog or
cat a written statement contain-ing the following
information: (1) Date of sale; (2) Name, address, and telephone number of the purchaser and permit
holder; (3) Permit holder's number; (4) Species, breed, description, age, and sex of dog or cat sold; (5) The animal's origin, its owner's name and address, and its
health papers, as required under state law; (6) Vaccination and parasite medication administered to the animal,
date administered, and name of veterinarian or person who administered the
same; (7) Guarantee of good health for a period of not less than one week,
with recommendation to have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian. (B) The
permit holder shall retain a copy of said written statement for a period of 12
months from the date of sale and provide a duplicate copy to the licensing
authority if the purchaser resides within corporate limits of the city. (C) The
permit holder shall also deliver to the purchaser at the time of sale a written
statement of the registration and licensing requirements applicable to the
purchased animal if the purchaser resides within the corporate limits of the
city. Such state-ment
shall be prepared by the city and provided by the animal control agency. (D) All
breeders shall take care to house animals in a sanitary manner and to provide appro-priate veterinary services, humane care, and housing
according to the needs of individual species. (E) Breeding of dangerous animals or
American pit bull terrier. (1) A person who intends to breed the American pit bull terrier or
any other dangerous animal shall apply for a license to breed such animals from
the animal control agency and the city's duly authorized agent. The applicant shall specify in the application
the breed, age, sex, and license number of such animal that the person intends
to use for breeding. The application
shall be accompanied by a fee of $200. The applicant must address the following
items when completing said application: (a) Description of the physical facilities
where the breeding will take place; (b) Authorization to inspect said breeding
facilities to ensure compliance with this section and § 91.29 of this
chapter. (c) Consent to comply with all zoning and
public safety laws. (2) If the, animal control agency or the city's duly authorized
agent is satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements under this section, they shall issue a local breeder's license to the
applicant. However, a breeder's license
shall not be issued to anyone convicted of an offense against an animal as set
forth in I.C. 35-46-3-1, as amended. (3) The licensee must notify the Depart-ment
of Code Enforcement, the animal control agency, or the city's duly authorized
third party of the birth of all offspring of such animal within 48 hours of
such birth(s). (4) No person shall breed such animals unless the person has been
issued a breeder's license under this section as a breeder. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.29 DANGEROUS
ANIMAL/ATTACK DOG PERMIT. (A) A
person shall not own, harbor, possess, or keep an American pit bull
terrier/attack dog, or any other dangerous animal
unless such animal is licensed under this section or an application for
licensing of such animal under this section is pending. 1998 S‑4 Animals 18E Any person whose
pet has been determined to be a dangerous animal may file an appeal within 48
hours after such determination. The
appeal shall be in writing, accompanied with a nonrefundable appeal fee of $25,
and be directed to the animal control agency and the Department of Code
Enforcement. (B) Licensing
requirements. Any owner of an American
pit bull terrier, attack dog, or other dangerous animal shall apply to the
animal control agency or the city's agent for licensing of said animal. The application shall be on a form provided
by the city's agent and shall be accompanied by the following: (1) A valid driver's license or state issued picture identification
showing the owner's name and current address; (2) Proof that the applicant owns said animal and is 18 years of age
or older; (3) One copy of a registration certificate issued for said animal by
the A.K.C. and/or A.D.B.A., if available and applicable; (4) One copy of the current immunization and health records for said
animal showing that the animal received a current rabies vaccination by a
licensed veterinarian; (5) Proof that the applicant has insurance coverage for not less
than $300,000 for any injury, damage, or loss caused by said animal; (6) Four photographs of said animal from four different sides taken
not more than one month before the date of the application. Such photographs shall consist of a front,
back, left, and right side view of the animal; (7) Proof that the animal has been micro-chipped by a licensed
veterinarian. (8) The name, address, and phone number of the animal's previous
owner. (C) The
dangerous animal/attack dog shall be confined, at all times, within a habitable
escape-proof dwelling or an escape-proof cage made of at least 14 gauge wire with at least six feet high sides, a wood or wire roof,
and a brick or cement floor. The cage
door also shall be locked with a
padlock. However, when such animal is
not confined within a habitable dwelling or an escape- proof cage, it shall be
muzzled and reined or tethered to its master, owner, or keeper who shall maintain
control over the animal to prevent injury to any person or animal. (D) The
dangerous animal/attack dog shall wear a permit tag issued by the animal
control agency stating that the animal is registered as a dangerous
animal/attack dog. (E) When
licensing an animal not previously licensed under this section, the animal
control agency or its designee shall assign a specific license number to said
animal, without duplication, which number shall remain the same for the life of
the animal. (F) If
the animal is lost or escapes, the owner or owner's agent shall report said
incident immediately to the city animal control agency. (G) The
owner of a dangerous animal/attack dog shall post signs on his or her property
where such animal will be kept, clearly visible from the closest street,
advising the general public about such animal's presence on the premises. Such signs shall be supplied by the animal
control agency after applicant pays for the permit. The permit, however, shall not be issued
until the owner posts the signs, and the animal control agency inspects the
property to verify proper posting of the signs.
The cost of the signs is non-refundable, and they will belong to the
applicant even if the permit is reissued or revoked. (H) No
person shall be issued an attack dog/ dangerous animal permit if they have been
convicted of a felony. (I) The animal control agency shall visually inspect the
premises where the animal is kept. The
inspection will consist of the cage, or if there is no cage, the officer will
inspect the escape-proof habitat dwelling, doors, windows, and screen opening
to determine if, in fact, they are escape-proof. Also, the inspection will consist of the
placement of warning signs, the animal leash, the muzzle, and the pad lock for
the cage. The animal control agency must
be satisfied that the owner has met all licensing require-ments
before issuing or renewing a permit. 1998 S‑4 18F (J) If
an attack dog/dangerous animal permit is revoked, the owner shall not be
reissued another permit. (K) Duly
authorized members of the police department or other law enforcement agencies,
including but not limited to game wardens, conserva-tion
officers, and other law enforcement officers shall be exempt from the
provisions of this section if the animal is used for law enforcement duties. (L) If
the animal control agency and/or Department of Code Enforcement is notified of
an address where an attack dog or pit bull is being kept or harbored, and that
animal and owner of the pro-perty has not been in
violation of any section of this chapter, the owner shall have a maximum of 14
days to obtain the attack dog/dangerous animal permit. If the permit is not obtained within the 14
days, the animal shall be impounded. The
animal will then be held a maximum of 10 days so that a permit can be
issued. If a permit is still not
obtained, the animal shall be euthanized. (M) If
the owner of an dangerous animal/attack dog violates
any provisions of this chapter, the animal shall be impounded immediately and
held until an Animal Control Commission hearing. At such hearing, the Animal Control
Commission shall determine whether in fact a violation of this chapter has
occurred. If the Commission determines
that a violation of this chapter has occurred, it shall have the authority
to impose a fine, pursuant to § 91.99(c)(3),
and/or order the animal euthanized. A dangerous animal/attack dog shall not be euthanized until after the Animal Control commission has
rendered a final decision. (N) In
the event that an attack dog/dangerous animal changes owner, the new owner must
apply for a new permit. The original
owner's permit shall not be transferable to the new owner. The original owner shall notify the Animal
Control Agency that the animal has been sold or given away. (O) The
owner of an attack dog/dangerous animal shall notify the animal control agency
if the address changes where the animal is being kept. The owner must report the new address so an
inspection can be made of the premises. (P) All
licenses issued under this article shall expire December 31 of each year. (Q) Fighting. No person shall fight, bait, conspire to
fight or bait, or keep, train, or transport for the purpose of fighting or
baiting, any animal required to be licensed under this chapter. A person who violates this section shall be
reported by the Department of Code Enforcement or its designated agent to the
county prosecutor's office for prosecution under I.C. 35‑46‑3‑8
et seq. (R) Notification
by owner/agent. The owner, or owner's
agent, of an animal required to be licensed under this chapter shall notify the
city police depart-ment and the city's animal control
agency within four hours if said animal is running at large, has been stolen,
or has attacked a person or a domestic animal. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.30 PERMIT
EXEMPTIONS. (A) No
permits shall be required for the following organizations or animals: (1) The city animal control agency; (2) A state-licensed veterinary hospital/ clinic; (3) Birds held under state or federal fal-conry
permits; or (4) Service dogs specifically trained to assist their disabled
owner. (B) However,
all other animal care provisions of this chapter shall apply to such exempt
persons or entities. (Ord. 3092, passed 9‑18‑87; Am. Ord. 3105, passed 10‑5‑87; Am. Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.31 ISSUANCE OF
PERMITS - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. (A) (1) A person may
register or apply for a permit with the city animal control agency. The applicant shall include, on the
appropriate forms, the following information:
his or her name, address, and phone number; the type of permit
requested; the number and description of animals; proof of a valid rabies
vaccination by a licensed veterinarian, if required by law; information
regarding sterilization; 1998 S‑4 Animals 18G and the appropriate
registration or permit fee. Appropriate state and federal permit numbers must
be provided in cases involving wildlife or federally protected animals, or any
animal which requires any state or federal permit. (2) All applicants shall comply with all other applicable federal,
state and local laws, and the applicant shall not have been convicted of any
cruelty to animal offense pursuant to Indiana Code. (3) Applicants for permits shall allow, upon reasonable notice, the
city animal control agency to conduct on-site inspections prior to the issuance
of any permit and/or at any time during the valid term of such permit. (B) The
city or the animal control agency shall have the authority to issue or deny an
application for registration and/or a permit.
In determining whether to issue or deny an application for registration
or a permit, the city or the animal control agency shall consider the following
factors: (1) Whether the person has been convicted of cruelty to animals; (2) Whether the applicant has the proper facilities in place for a
specific species as required by this law; (3) Whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and proof of
previous experience in handling and keeping such animal species; and (4) Whether the applicant has a history, documented by the animal
control agency or the city's designated agent, of providing inadequate or
improper care for such animals. (C) Registrations
and permits, except dangerous animal/attack dog, shall be issued for a term of
one year, effective January 1 through December 31 of each year. They shall be purchased during the first
three months of each calendar year or within 30 days of acquiring the animal,
whichever comes later. However, a performing animal license shall only be valid
for 14 days. (D) Upon
approval of an application for registration or a permit, the city animal
control agency shall issue a pet registration or permit in written form which
shall include the registration or permit number, the type of registration or
permit, and any pertinent information.
In addition, for each registered pet, the city
animal control agency shall issue a durable tag stamped with the registration
number and year of issuance for each said registration. (E) The
city animal control agency shall maintain records with the identifying
registration number, microchip number and permit number. (F) All
fees shall be paid at the time of application and prior to the issuance of the
permit or registration. (G) No
person shall use any registration, permit, license, or tag for any animal other
than the animal for which it was issued. (H) It
shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, to cause to be manufactured,
or to have in his possession or control a stolen, counterfeit, or forged animal
registration, permit, license, tag, rabies or neutering certificate, or other
form of licensing or documentation required by this section. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.32 FEES. In addition to all other fees required
by law, an animal owner shall pay the following annual fees: Each altered dog
or cat $ 5 Each unaltered
dog or cat $ 10 [If a licensed
veterinarian determines that the neutering or spaying process constitutes a
threat to the health of said animal, the fee shall be $5.] Replacement tag $ 5 Pet shop permit $ 100 Breeder permit,
except for dangerous animal/attack
dog $ 50 Dangerous
animal/attack dog breeder permit $ 200 Dangerous
animal/attack dog permit (fee,
per animal) $ 100 Performing
animal license (per day) $ 100 (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) 1998 S‑4 18H § 91.33 REGISTRATION OR
PERMIT REVOCATION. Any pet registration or permit,
provided for hereinabove, may be revoked after notice and a hearing before the
Code Enforcement Hearing Officer and/or Animal Control Commission of the
city. An owner's pet registration or
permit, however, shall only be revoked after said officer or commission finds
that the animal owner or permit holder has failed to comply with any
requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.34 INSPECTION. (A) Whenever
it is necessary to make an inspec-tion to enforce any
of the provisions of or perform any duty imposed by this chapter, or when there
is reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any
premises any violation of the provisions of this chapter or state law, a health
officer, police officer, code enforcement officer, or humane officer is
authorized at all reasonable times to inspect the same for compliance with the provi-sions of this chapter or any state law, provided
that: (1) If the property is occupied, the officer shall first present
proper credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor; and (2) If the property is unoccupied, the officer shall make a
reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having control of
the property and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor. (B) In
the event the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping or
maintaining of an animal is so hazardous, unsafe, dangerous, or constitutes a
public nuisance as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the animal or
the public health or safety, the officer shall first present proper credentials
and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor. If entry is refused or cannot be obtained,
the officer shall have recourse to secure lawful entry and inspection of the
property. (Ord. 3092, passed § 91.35
COMPUTATION OF TIME. (A) In computing any period of time
prescribed or allowed by this code or any ordinance, the day of the act, event,
or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be
included. The last day of the period so computed is to be included unless it
is: (1) A Saturday; (2) A Sunday; (3) A legal holiday as defined by state
statute; or (4) A day the office in which the act is
to be done is closed during regular business hours. (B) In any event, the period runs until
the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday, or a
day on which the office is closed. When the period of time allowed is less than
seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and days on which
the office is closed shall be excluded from the computations. (Ord. 4152, passed 4‑7‑97) § 91.99
PENALTY. (A) Warning notices for pet
registration and permits. (1) Persons who fail to have their dogs
or cats vaccinated and registered pursuant to § 91.26, or who fail to
comply with the permit requirements of §§ 91.25 through 91.28 may be
served with a warning notice requesting immediate compliance. This notice shall be served by the animal
control agency. Only one warning notice
may be given per year to an indi-vidual who has
failed to have a dog or cat vaccinated or properly registered. All other violations of this chapter are
subject to the citations and fines stated herein. (2) The warning notice shall contain the
name and address of the violator, the section violated, nature of the
violation, date, time and location of the violation, the name of the officer
issuing the warning notice, and the telephone number of the officer to contact
for information. 1998 S‑4 Animals 18I (B) Citations,
and/or hearings before the Code Enforcement Hearing Officer; fines payable
through the Ordinance Violations Bureau. (1) Any person served with a warning notice for failure to have a
dog or cat vaccinated or registered and who fails to comply within ten days,
and any person who violates any other provision of this chapter, shall be
issued a citation. Citations shall
contain the name and address of the violator, the ordinance section violated, the date, time, and nature of the violation,
location of the violation, and the name of the person issuing the citation. (2) In addition to having a citation issued, the city may require a
person who has violated a provision of this chapter to appear before the Code
Enforcement Hearing Officer with proper notice of the same being issued to the
violator, unless an appeal hearing is scheduled before the Animal Control
Commission as further addressed in § 91.29 of this chapter. (C) Fines. (1) Any person who violates any of the following sections shall be
subject to a fine of $25 per violation, which shall be payable through the
ordinance violations bureau: § 91.03 General animal
care regulations § 91.04 § 91.06 Animals in
motor vehicles § 91.07 Poisoning of
animals § 91.08 Trapping of
animals restricted § 91.09 Maximum number
of dogs or cats per household; § 91.11 Owners or
agents responsible for removing animals wastes; § 91.13 Annual
vaccination of dogs and cats required; or § 91.14 Interference
with Animal Control Officer prohibited; (2) Any person who violates any of the
following sections shall be subject to a fine of $75 per violation: § 91.25 Performing
animal exhibitions § 91.27 Pet shop permit § 91.28 Breeding permit (3) Any person who violates any section of § 91.29, dangerous
animal/attack dog permit, shall be subject to a fine of $100. (4) Any person who violates any of the following sections shall be
fined not more than $2,500: § 91.03(E) Specific
regulations - fighting (5) Any person who violates any of the following sections shall be
fined not less than $200 for first offense and not less than $500 for second
offense: § 91.21 Protected
animals § 91.22 Keeping certain
animals prohibited § 91.23 Seizure of
certain animals (6) Any person who violates any other
pro-vision of this chapter, unless otherwise specified, shall be issued
fines of $25 for the first offense and $50 for each offense thereafter. 1998 S‑4 18J 1998 S‑4 |