The owners of animals shall provide humane shelter from heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow, and shall provide food and water. All animals must be given opportunity for vigorous daily exercise. All animals must be provided by their owners with veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering.
(A) Food. The food shall be wholesome, palatable, and free from contamination. Food shall be of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain all animals in good health. The diet shall be prepared with consideration for the age, species, condition, size, and type of animal. Animals shall be fed at least once a day except as directed by hibernation, normal fast, or veterinary treatment.
(B) Water. Fresh, clean water should be provided at all times in adequate amounts. Owners should take into consideration the age and size of the animal or animals and the temperature, to ensure the uses of a large enough container. An exception would be if a veterinarian ordered a temporary fast for medical reasons. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary, within easy reach of a restrained animal and stabilized in a manner that cannot be overturned. During summer months, water containers should be kept in a shaded area to maintain a drinkable temperature.
(C) Outdoor storage. Every person having custody of domestic animals which are kept outdoors or in an unheated enclosure shall provide such an animal or animals with the following minimum standards of shelter:
(1) The shelter for a dog or any species of similar size shall include a moisture proof and wind-proof structure of suitable size to accom- modate the animal and allow retention of body heat and shall be made of durable material. Such structures shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material, consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings or the equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort of the animals, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to allow all animals kept outdoors to protect themselves from direct sunlight.
(D) Space requirements. Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement to maintain physical conditioning. The animal should be able to sit, stand, turn, and lie without obstruction. Adequate space for food and water containers must be provided. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress, or abnormal behavioral patterns. Animals shall not be tied, chained, fastened, or otherwise tethered to any stationary or inanimate object as a means of confinement or restraint to property, but must be in an approved enclosure.
(E) Sanitation. Both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall receive periodic cleanings to remove excreta and other waste material, dirt and trash so as to minimize disease, hazards and to reduce odors. These periodic cleanings shall not exceed a five-day period. If, however, more than one animal is held in one enclosure, these cleanings shall not exceed two days.
('71 Code, § 3-33) (Ord. passed 9-23-75; Am. Ord. passed 9-18-95; Am. Ord. 98-08-02, passed 8-17-98
; Am. Ord. 2008-08-05, passed 8-4-08)
Penalty, see § 91.99