(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to molest, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, wound, injure, poison, abandon, or subject to conditions detrimental to its health or general welfare of any animal, or to cause or procure such action. The words “torture” and “torment” shall be held to include every act, omission or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted; but such terms shall not be construed to prohibit lawful taking of animals under the jurisdiction and regulation of the Wildlife Resources Commission; nor to prohibit the Department or veterinarians or duly authorized persons from destroying dangerous, unwanted, or injured animals in a humane manner.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any owner or keeper to fail to provide his animal(s) with adequate food, adequate water, and adequate shelter to keep his animal(s) in good health and comfort, and the opportunity for vigorous daily exercise. Veterinary care shall be provided when needed to prevent suffering.
(C) Any person injuring or killing a domestic animal by striking it with an automobile or other vehicle, shall make reasonable effort to notify the owner of the animal, and shall notify this Department of Animal Control.
(D) Any person being the owner or possessor, or having charge or custody of an animal, who willfully and without justifiable excuse, abandons the animal(s), is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided by a fine of up to $500.
(E) It shall be unlawful to tether an animal to a stationary object for a period of time or under conditions that an Animal Control Officer deems harmful or potentially harmful to the animal. Tethering may only be allowed if there is no sign of obvious neglect. Examples of improper tethering include, but not limited to the following:
(1) Using a length or weight of tether that is not appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. An appropriate restraint must be a minimum of ten feet in length.
(2) Using tether that does not have swivels on both ends. All tethers must be attached to the animal by means of a properly fitting harness or collar of not less than one inch wide made of nylon or leather.
(3) Tethering an animal allowing said animal to leave the owner’s real property or such that the tether can become entangled and prevent the animal from moving about freely, lying down, or having access to adequate food, adequate water, or adequate shelter.
(F) All investigations and related procedures of cruelty charges, will be at the discretion of the County Animal Control Officer/Cruelty Investigator.
(Ord. passed 9-20-95; Amend. Ord. passed 10-17-22) Penalty, see § 90.99