(A) Definitions.
FANCY PIGEON. A pigeon which, through past breeding has developed certain distinctive physical and performing characteristics as to be clearly identified and accepted as such by the National Pigeon Association, the American Pigeon Club, or the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club. Examples: Fantails, Pouters, Trumpeters.
LOFT. The structure(s) for the keeping or housing of pigeons permitted by this section.
MATURE PIGEON. A pigeon aged six months or older.
OWNER. The owner of pigeons subject to this section.
PIGEON. A member of the family Columbidae, and shall include "Racing Pigeons", "Fancy Pigeons" and " Sporting Pigeons" as defined in this section.
RACING PIGEON. A pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the distinctive physical and mental characteristics as to enable it to return home after having been released a considerable distance therefrom, and which is accepted as such by the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. or the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers. Also, commonly known as Racing Homer, Homing Pigeon, or Carrier Pigeon.
SPORTING PIGEON. A pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the ability to fly in a distinctive manner, such as aerial acrobatics or endurance flying. Examples: Rollers, Tipplers.
(B) Conditions. The keeping, breeding, maintenance and flying of pigeons shall be permitted on the following conditions:
(1) The loft shall be of such sufficient size and design, and constructed of such material, that it can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(2) There shall be at least one square foot of floor space in any loft for each mature pigeon kept therein.
(3) The construction and location of the loft shall not conflict with the requirements of any Building Code or Zoning Code of the village and shall kept be 50 feet from any residence and 20 feet from any property line.
(4) All feed for said pigeons shall be stored in such containers as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.
(5) The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the village.
(6) All pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and competition; and at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on the buildings or property of others.
(7) All pigeons shall be fed within the confines of the loft.
(8) No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition except in compliance with the following rules:
(a) The owner of the pigeons must be a member in good standing of an organized pigeon club, such as the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers, the National Pigeon Association, The American Tippler Society, The International Roller Association, the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club, or a local club which has rules that will help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.
(b) Pigeons will not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous four hours.
(9) Pigeons shall be banded and registered with one of the national pigeon associations/ registries.
(10) The number of pigeons shall be limited to no more than 30 live pigeons.
(C) Permit. An application signed by the owner, on such form as shall be provided by the village, wherein the owner shall certify that his loft(s) comply with applicable building, and zoning codes, and upon payment of a fee of $25, a permit shall be issued to the owner, which shall remain in full force and effect unless suspended or revoked, or unless the use of the loft be discontinued for a period of one year.
(D) Right of entry for inspection. The Animal Control Officer and/ or Village Administrator may enter and inspect any property or loft at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating either an actual or suspected violation or to ascertain compliance or noncompliance with this section.
(E) Violations and penalties.
(1) When the Animal Control Officer and/ or the Village Administrator finds a violation to have occurred, the officer shall give written notice thereof to the owner. If said violation is not remedied within ten days, the Animal Control Officer and/or Village Administrator or other appropriate Officer may issue a citation to appear in municipal court to answer the charges stated thereon. Any owner found violating any of the provisions of this section shall upon conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and shall result in the revocation of the permit.
(2) A violation of this section is deemed to constitute a nuisance and shall be subject to abatement procedures under the Ohio Revised Code and/or pursuant to the ordinances of the village.
(Ord. 90-2017, passed 12-4-2017)