§ 5-40. Commercial kennel and pet dealer registration.

It shall be unlawful for a commercial kennel or pet dealer within the county to fail to register said kennel or pet dealer with the animal services division.

(a)

Registration for commercial kennels and pet dealers shall be issued for each fiscal year beginning October 1 and ending September 30 upon a payment of the proper fee. A partial year registration fee of one-half (½) the annual rate established by the board of county commissioners may be charged for any commercial kennel business operation or pet dealer in its initial year of business when commencing its operation on or after April 1 of said initial year.

Noncommercial kennels shall be exempt from the registration requirements of this article; provided, it shall be unlawful for the owner or operator of any noncommercial kennel to allow said kennel to become a nuisance or to emit such offensive odors or noises as to disrupt the comfort, peace, quiet or repose of any person residing in the vicinity of said kennel.

(b)

Every person owning and operating a commercial kennel or pet dealer within the county shall properly feed and care for all animals in their custody. The premises of said kennel or pet dealer shall be periodically inspected during reasonable business hours by an animal services officer who shall issue a notice of violation if any kennel or pet dealer is found in violation of any requirement of this article. Said premises shall be reinspected within three (3) working days after issuance of said notice of violation. The failure to correct said violation after notice shall be unlawful and the animal services officer may take any or all of the following actions:

(1)

Seek a court order;

(2)

Revoke the registration;

(3)

File a complaint with the state attorney's office.

(c)

Every person owning and operating a commercial kennel or pet dealer within the county shall comply with the following sections:

(1)

Housing facilities. Housing facilities for animals shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect the animals from injury, to contain, and to restrict the entrance of other animals.

(2)

Bedding and facilities. Any bedding utilized shall be clean and dry. All animal rooms, cages, kennels, shipping containers, and runs shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate and proper accommodations and protection from the weather for the animals kept within.

(3)

Separation of animals by species. Animals of different species may not be confined or displayed in the same cage. All animals, which are natural enemies, temperamentally unsuited, or otherwise incompatible, shall not be quartered together or so near each other as to cause injury, fear or torment.

(4)

Ventilation and lighting. All areas in which animals are confined shall have adequate illumination and ventilation. The area shall be illuminated during the daylight hours but not directly into cages.

(d)

Every person owning and operating a commercial kennel or pet dealer within the county shall comply with the following requirements for standard of care of the animals in their custody:

(1)

Posting of contact person. Whenever an animal is left unattended at a commercial kennel or pet dealer, the name and telephone number of the responsible person shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property, visible from outside the facility.

(2)

Disease or illness. Any animal, which exhibits symptoms of disease or illness, shall be separated to the greatest extent possible from other healthy animals. No animal which is known to have, or may reasonably be suspected of having, a disease contagious or communicable to humans, may be exposed to or offered for sale to the public.

(3)

Drinking water. Fresh water shall be available to all animals and replaced whenever necessary during each day.

(4)

Feeding. All animals requiring the daily intake of food shall be fed at least once every twenty-four-hour period. The type of food provided shall be appropriate for each particular species and shall be of sufficient nutrition for the health and well being of the species.

(5)

Sanitation. All areas of confinement, display and sales and storage areas shall be maintained in a healthful and sanitary condition.

(6)

Treatment. All animals exhibiting symptoms of illness or disease shall be treated by a licensed veterinarian.

(Ord. No. 91-8, § 16, 4-2-91; Ord. No. 95-32, § 13, 9-26-95; Ord. No. 2002-04, § 9, 6-4-02; Ord. No. 2005-07 , § 14, 7-12-05)