§ 5-18.2. Rules and regulations.

(a)

All licensed kennels must operate according to the following rules and regulations.

(1)

The licensee shall permit and allow the inspection of the premises during business hours by all appropriate city employees.

(2)

Land upon which dogs are to be sheltered must be surrounded by a sturdy fence which will keep dogs confined.

(3)

Housing and shelter must be provided which will keep animals comfortable and protected from the elements, and housing or shelter shall be so located as not to create a nuisance.

(4)

Accumulations of feces shall be located at least 200 feet from any well.

(5)

All accumulations of feces shall be removed at such periods as will ensure that no leaching or objectionable odors exist, and the premises shall not be allowed to become unsightly.

(6)

All dogs and cats shall be housed indoors overnight (from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).

(7)

The following regulations apply to the site's animal quarters:

a.

Indoor housing facilities must be structurally sound with ample heat, light, and ventilation.

b.

Animals kept outside must have continual access so animals can get in and out to shelter and protect them from sun, rain, and snow.

c.

If animals are confined by chains, such chains must be attached so as not to become entangled with chains of other dogs.

d.

Individual animal enclosures must be of a size to allow each dog to turn around fully, stand, sit and lie in a comfortable condition.

e.

The temperature of indoor housing facilities shall not be less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit for dogs not accustomed to lower temperatures.

(8)

Disposal facilities are provided to minimize virus infestation, odors and disease hazards.

(9)

Adequate storage and refrigeration is provided to protect food supplies against contamination and deterioration.

(b)

In addition to the requirements of subsection 5-18.2(a), commercial kennels shall also operate according to the following rules and regulations:

(1)

The licensed facility must at all times have a designated contact person available. The designated contact person must be available to correct and mitigate violations of this chapter and the Code whenever they occur. The licensee shall notify the sheriff's office in writing of the designated contact person along with contact information. The licensee shall notify the sheriff's office in writing of any change in the contact person.

(2)

Housing enclosures for dogs and cats shall be at least 200 feet from any neighboring residential structure used for human habitation.

(3)

No commercial kennel permit shall be issued for a lot of less than one acre.

(4)

All dogs and cats shall be housed indoors when the commercial kennel employee(s) is not present at the subject property.

(5)

Facility employees shall ensure that dogs are not allowed to create noise in violation of the City Code. When a citizen complaint is received, facility employees must make affirmative steps to reduce animal noise including but not limited to bringing dogs to indoor areas.

(6)

Outdoor exercise (dog runs) confinement areas shall be screened and buffered. Such screening and buffering may be accomplished by using berms, fencing, a green belt planting strip (evergreens), or natural topography.

(Ord. No. 374, § 2, 4-26-04)