§ 4-16. Food and shelter.

(a)

It shall be unlawful to deliberately and/or willfully abandon any animal, reptile, or fowl for a period in excess of, but not limited to, twenty-four (24) hours without providing food, water, proper shelter, or protection from the weather and/or necessary veterinary care.

(b)

Food shall be wholesome, palatable, free from contamination, and readily accessible.

(c)

Animals should be fed no less than once a day except as dictated by veterinary medical advice or other professionally accepted practices for the safety and well-being of the animal.

(d)

All food receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary. Receptacles used to store food shall be kept clean, covered, and free from vermin.

(e)

If more than one (1) animal is fed at one (1) time or in one (1) place, it shall be the responsibility of the owner/custodian to ensure that each animal receives sufficient food.

(f)

It shall be unlawful to not provide proper watering. For the purposes of this section, proper watering shall mean potable, clean, uncontaminated drinking water available at all times for all animals. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary, be of appropriate design and size for the animal, and be positioned or affixed to prevent spills.

(g)

Exceptions shall be determined by veterinary medical consultation or professionally accepted practices for the safety and well-being of the animal.

(h)

Shelter should be structurally sound within reason, adequately ventilated, sanitary, dry, and weatherproof. Shelter should provide access to shade from direct sunlight and regress from exposure to inclement weather conditions. Shelter should be sufficient in size and space to allow all animals to stand to their full height, stretch out, turn around, lie down, and make normal postural adjustments comfortably. Shelter should be appropriate for the species.

(i)

When multiple animals are present, the shelter is to be large enough to allow each animal when housed all together in the shelter structure, to sit, stand and lie in a normal manner and to turn about freely. Space available to the animal must be useable and be maintained in a safe and healthful manner and be free of standing water, accumulated excreta, and excessive litter and debris.

(j)

Indoor housing facilities must be sufficiently heated or cooled and ventilated to protect animals from extremes of temperature and humidity and to provide for their health and well-being of animals. Such facilities shall be provided, with fresh air by means of windows, doors, screens, vents, blowers of air conditioning, and should be ventilated to minimize excessive drafts, odors, ammonia levels and moisture condensation. Indoor housing facilities should provide regular diurnal lighting cycle of either natural or artificial light, except as directed by hibernation, veterinary advice, or professionally accepted practices for the safety and well-being of the animal. Lighting should be diffuse providing sufficient illumination and not be excessive.

(k)

The following categories of animals shall not be kept outdoors when temperature and humidity vary from the temperate range and clean, dry, bedding material should be provided in sufficient quantity for insulation against cold and damp if there are not artificial heat sources available during cold weather:

(1)

Species or breeds that are not acclimated to the temperature and/or humidity ranges prevalent in the area or region where they are maintained.

(2)

Species or breeds that cannot tolerate the prevalent temperature and/or humidity ranges of the area or region without stress or discomfort due to inherent physical characteristics and biological needs.

(3)

Sick, infirm, aged or young animals when the prevailing temperature and/or humidity ranges would be detrimental to their health.

(l)

The shelter for any animal, reptile, or fowl shall have a roof, and a minimum of three enclosed sides, a doorway, and a solid, level floor raised at least two (2) inches from the ground. The shelter for any animal, reptile, or fowl other than a dog or cat must be constructed in such a manner as to prevent its escape. The shelter shall be shaded during hot weather months.

(m)

Holding areas shall be constructed to allow adequate flow of fresh air and ventilated to minimize excessive drafts, odors, ammonia levels, and moisture condensation.

(Ord. No. 98-130, § 2, 11-17-98)