(A) Food and Water.
(1) Food. Mammals and birds shall be provided with uncontaminated, edible, nutritious food, which is of adequate quantity as to maintain the normal weight and condition of a healthy Animal. Additionally the amount of food administered must properly conform to the individual Animal's age and condition.
(2) Water. Mammals and birds shall be provided with constant access to a supply of Potable Water in sufficient amount as to maintain good health as required by the species whether Animals are outdoors or indoors except as directed by a Veterinarian.
(B) Medical Treatment.
(1) Mammal and bird Owners shall provide regular Basic Medical Care and Emergency Medical Care as defined in this article for all their Animals.
(2) No Animal should ever be allowed to suffer due to lack of medical care.
(3) Owners of Companion Animals or ferrets over three months of age shall have the Companion Animals and ferrets Vaccinated against rabies no less frequently than required under state law.
(C) Required Alteration of Companion Animals. All dogs and cats over the age of six months shall be Altered by a Veterinarian except as provided herein.
(1) Owners of Companion Animals may seek an exemption from this regulation if Alteration would be dangerous for the Companion Animal due to advanced age or health issues. The Mayor’s designee may grant this exemption if the Owner of the Animal can provide proof in the form of a letter from a Veterinarian stating such reasons.
(2) Owners of Companion Animals may buy an Intact Animal Permit for up to four Animals per residence as an exemption to this regulation.
(D) Female Animals in Estrus. While a female Companion Animal is in Estrus, such Animal shall be isolated and protected from interaction with Intact male Companion Animals of the same species unless breeding is intended consistent with the requirements of this article.
(E) Basic Grooming. All Animals shall be groomed in accordance with the definition of Basic Grooming as applicable to the species. Basic Grooming is necessary to maintain the eyes, ears, beaks, hooves, feet and skin of an Animal in healthy condition. Basic Grooming ensures that the toenails or hooves are not so long as to cause the Animal not to be able to move normally or to cause pain to the Animal. Basic Grooming also includes the Owner providing an Animal with whatever the Animal needs for self-grooming. Grooming the coat on most Animals is necessary to insure the coat is not matted to the point that it becomes so heavy as to cause skin irritation or trap fecal matter. The Animal shall not be so dirty as to provide a home for parasites and insects. No Animal shall be allowed to have foreign objects imbedded in its skin, fur or hair other than the required Microchip for Companion Animals.
(F) Environmental Enrichment. Owners shall provide safe products, appropriate for the species, that will stimulate mental, physical and grooming activities.
(G) Permanent Identification. All Companion Animals shall be Permanently Identified by a Microchip or Tattoo. Microchipping shall be available for free at AACC for Low Income Persons and Seniors. It is the Owner’s responsibility to contact AACC for information regarding using a Tattoo as a Permanent Identification.
(Ord. 18-2006; Am. Ord. 29-2006; Am. Ord. 2023-016)