§ 4-39. Minimum standards for the housing and care of animals generally.

(a)

Before an occupational license for a pet shop or a commercial kennel shall be issued, the applicant, when applying for a license, shall furnish the code enforcement division with a list of the kinds of animals to be kept, handled or exhibited and the estimated maximum number at any one (1) time. The code enforcement division must be notified immediately if other kinds of animals are acquired or the maximum number of animals to be kept, handled or exhibited increased.

(b)

All animals must be supplied with sufficient good and wholesome food and water as often as the feeding habits of such animals require.

(c)

All animals and animal quarters shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

(d)

The pet shop or commercial kennel shall be adequately ventilated to provide for the health of the animals and to remove foul odors therefrom. Ventilating systems shall be designed and installed so that the ventilated air is uniformly mixed throughout the occupied zone. When the supply of air is reduced in an occupied space, provision shall be made to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. Makeup air inlets shall be located to avoid contamination of the makeup air. Exhaust air outlets shall be located so that exhaust air does not create a nuisance or contaminate makeup air. Contaminants from sources within the space should be collected as close as practical to the source and removed. Indoor air quality shall be considered acceptable if the required rates of acceptable outdoor air are provided for the occupied space and no unusual indoor air contaminants are present. Outdoor air requirements for pet shops are one (1) cubic foot per minute to each square foot of floor space.

(e)

Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals and debris. Disposal facilities shall be so provided and operated as to minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease hazards.

(f)

An employee, keeper or owner shall make provision to feed, water and do the necessary cleaning of animals on days the store or establishment is closed.

(g)

All cages shall be equipped with food and water receptacles mounted or situated so that the animal cannot overturn, defecate or urinate therein. All cages are to be constructed of a nonabsorbent, nonporous material. All cages, except bird cages, shall have floors of either solid construction or woven wire-mesh construction or any combination thereof. Cages having woven or wire-mesh floor may be used to confine or display animals provided that the spaces between the wire mesh or weave are smaller than the pads of the feet of the animal confined therein. Cages having wire construction shall be constructed of wire which is of sufficient thickness so as to preclude injury to the animals confined therein. Cages constructed of wire having barbs or other rough surfaces are prohibited. All cages shall be of sufficient height, width and depth to permit every animal confined therein to stand normally to its full height and to turn about. Animals which are caged, closely confined or restrained shall be permitted daily and for an appropriate length of time, as determined by their size, age and species, to exercise in a yard or area suitable for that purpose.

(h)

Proper shelter and protection from the weather shall be provided at all times. Animals must not be over crowded or exposed to excessive heat or cold. Quarters shall be draft-free. Proper temperature for the well-being of animals shall be maintained at all times.

(i)

Animals shall not be without attention over eighteen (18) consecutive hours.

(j)

No animal shall be exposed to public view for more than twelve (12) hours out of twenty-four (24) hours.

(k)

The licensee shall use every reasonable precaution to ensure that animals are not teased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or in any manner made to suffer by any person or by any means.

(l)

The licensee shall not maintain nor permit any condition to exist that is or could be injurious to the animals.

(m)

No animal shall be given any alcoholic beverages unless administered or prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for medicinal purposes.

(n)

Animals which are worked, kept for sale or exhibited shall be strong, healthy and in good condition of flesh.

(o)

Animals which are enemies by nature or are temperamentally unsuited shall not be quartered together or so near each other as to cause animals fear or to be abused, tormented or annoyed.

(p)

Animals must be maintained in quarters so constructed as to prevent their escape. The licensee assumes full responsibility for recapturing any animal that escapes from his premises. The licensee shall take all reasonable precautions to protect the public from the animals and the animals from the public.

(q)

Working animals shall be given proper rest periods. Confined or restrained animals shall be given exercise proper for the individual animal under the particular condition.

(r)

Animal bedding shall be sufficient in size, quantity, of good quality and kept clean.

(s)

Sick or diseased animals shall be isolated from healthy animals at all times and so segregated that the illness or disease shall not be transmitted to another animal.

(t)

The licensee shall be responsible to have all sick animals treated by a licensed veterinarian within a reasonable time after the animal becomes sick or diseased.

(u)

The licensee shall maintain a register of the names and addresses of people from whom animals are received and to whom the animals are sold, traded or given. Said register shall be retained for a period of one (1) year from the date of receipt of sale of the animal.

(v)

The licensee shall furnish the code enforcement division the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a responsible person or persons who have access to licensee's place of business and can be reached in an emergency at any time outside of business hours.

(w)

Any changes in address, ownership or management shall be reported in writing to the code enforcement division at least five (5) days prior to such a change.

(x)

The licensee shall conform to all present or future laws, ordinances of the city and rules and regulations promulgated by the code enforcement division.

(Ord. No. 90-186, § 1, 11-13-90)