(A) (1) Each animal shall have reasonable access to shelter appropriate for its state of health. Animals in a normal state of health, as determined by the Health Director, or his or her designee, may be maintained in a pasture environment where natural shelter provides sufficient protection from sun, wind, rain, and other inclement weather. Where this is not available, or for animals in a debilitated state of health, access to a human-made shelter is required. These shelters are to be maintained so as to minimize the opportunity for injury.
(2) Outdoor shelters shall have a minimum of three sides and a waterproof roof sufficient to allow two feet of clearance from the animal’s head in an erect position. Space requirements are 150 square feet per horse. Drainage must be sufficient to maintain the animal’s feet in a dry condition.
(B) Fencing is to be maintained to ensure that the animal is securely enclosed at all times, and that the opportunity for injury is minimized.
(C) Each animal shall have unlimited access to a source of clean water. Each animal shall have sufficient hay, grain, pasture or other feedstuff available on a continuous basis to maintain its normal body weight as determined by the Health Director, or his or her designee.
(D) (1) Each animal’s hooves shall be maintained on a regular basis to avoid malformation. Animals with specific hoof conditions requiring specialized treatment shall be provided that service on a regular basis.
(2) Each animal shall receive deworming products sufficient to avoid malnourishment as a result of parasite infestation.
(3) Minimum vaccination requirements shall include, but are not limited to, rabies vaccination.
(4) Animals in a debilitated state shall have access to appropriate veterinary care and treatment in order to minimize pain and suffering.
(5) In the event that it is determined that the animal can no longer live a productive pain free life, it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the animal is disposed of, or euthanized, in a humane manner.
(6) If the animal is euthanized on the owner’s property, it is the responsibility of the owner to see that the animal is buried within 24 hours of its death, at least 100 feet away from any water source, and that the carcass is covered with at least three feet of earth.
(7) If the owner of the animal is not able to euthanize and/or dispose of the carcass, county Animal Control may make those arrangements for the owner and bill the owner for expenses incurred.
(8) The driver of any vehicle which injures or kills an equine domestic animal should inform the owner of the animal or, failing that, should inform local law enforcement or county Animal Control.
(Ord. passed 10-6-2008) Penalty, see § 90.999