(A) Dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Every dog or cat owner who resides within the city limits shall have his or her dog or cat initially vaccinated by the age of four months and revaccinated against rabies at the expiration of the immunization period as certified by the veterinarian.
(B) Dogs and cats to be licensed. Every person who owns a dog or cat that is six months old or older and resides within the city limits shall apply to the City Clerk for a license for each dog or cat owned or kept by him or her. The fee for this license shall be $10 per animal or $5 if proof provided animal has been spayed or neutered.
(C) Limitation of number of dogs or cats. It shall be unlawful to keep, at any one residence within the city limits, more than four dogs or cats, or a combination of the same; however, a two-month grace period shall be allowed for the disposition of litters.
(D) Proof of ownership. All persons residing in any motel, campground or temporary housing shall provide proof of ownership and vaccination records upon request, and have same on file with the manager of said facility.
(E) Abandoning domestic animals prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a dog, cat or other domestic animal upon the streets of the city for the purpose of severing ownership with the animal.
(F) Leash or restraint required. No owner or keeper of any dog, cat or other domestic animal shall permit or cause the animal to be off the premises of the owner or keeper unless the animal is on a leash or other physical restraint.
(G) Impoundment of unrestrained animals. The Animal Control Officer of the city is empowered and directed to apprehend and impound any dog, cat or other domestic animal found unrestrained within the city limits; provided, however, the Animal Control Officer shall not enter upon the premises of the owner of any dog, cat or other domestic animal for the purpose of apprehending and/or impounding the animal.
(H) Disposition of impounded animals.
(1) Any adult dog of unknown ownership shall be kept for a minimum of five days. If it is not claimed within that time, it shall become the property of the city to be destroyed in some humane manner or given a home.
(2) However, this section does not apply to the disposition of sick, injured or vicious animals where the owner is not known or cannot be located. These animals may be euthanized at any time to prevent suffering and the ensure the safety of the staff and general public.
(Ord. 12-11-06D, passed 6-22-2012) Penalty, see § 94.99