(A) For the purpose of discharging the duties imposed by this subchapter and to enforce its provisions, the Animal Control Officer or any police officer is empowered to enter upon any premises upon which an animal is kept or harbored and to demand the exhibition by the owner of such animal or the proof of vaccination for such animal. It is further provided that the Animal Control Officer may enter the premises where any animal is kept in a reportedly cruel or inhumane manner and demand to examine such animal and to take possession of such animal, when, in his or her opinion, it requires humane treatment.
(B) The minimum for the humane keeping of animals requires that the animal shall have:
(1) Housing to provide protection against weather extremes sufficient to allow the animal to maintain normal body temperature and to keep the animal dry;
(2) Food free from contamination and of sufficient quantity to meet normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal;
(3) Fresh water at all times;
(4) Housing areas or tethered spaces are to be free of accumulated waste and debris, free of standing or accumulated water, and all tethers utilized must be at least ten feet (10') in length or three (3) times the length of the animal, whichever is greater;
(5) Each dog or cat four (4) months or older shall be vaccinated for rabies;
(6) All animals shall be kept in reasonable physical condition and shall be kept free of open sores or wounds on the animal's body; and
(7) All dogs and cats shall be secured by an adequate collar. No animal while tethered in place shall be secured by a tow or log chain or a choke, pinch, prong, or chain collar.
(C) The Animal Control Officer shall maintain a census of licensed dogs within the City of Ashland and shall on a regular basis conduct a census of the city dog population. The Animal Control Officer shall notify all persons subject to this subchapter of its provisions, as necessary, and issue citations for non-compliance, as necessary.
(Ord. 194, 2021, passed 12-10-21)