(A) Restrictions. No person, group of persons or business entity in the municipality may own, keep or harbor more than 3 dogs of 3 months of age or older, more than 3 cats of 3 months of age or older or more than a total of 5 dogs and cats in any combination more than 3 months of age or older without obtaining a kennel license.
(B) License required. Persons operating a kennel must obtain a nontransferable kennel license, which shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the kennel. A kennel license shall expire on December 31 of each year and shall be renewed by February 1 of the following year. No kennel license may be issued without an inspection certificate. The annual kennel license fee shall be $6.
(C) Facilities and care applicable to kennel license. Animal housing facilities must be structurally sound and shall be constructed of nontoxic materials. The facility shall be maintained in good repair and kept clean and sanitary at all times, so as to protect animals from disease and injury. Animals maintained in pens, cages or runs for periods exceeding 24 hours must be provided with adequate space to prevent overcrowding and to permit adequate exercise according to the requirements of the species. Indoor housing shall be provided with adequate ventilation and temperature control to provide for the animals’ comfort and health. Sufficient lighting shall be provided by either natural or artificial means. If outside housing is provided, it must be sufficient to protect the animal from sunlight, rain, snow or cold weather detrimental to the animal’s health. Provisions shall be made for the removal and proper disposal of animal and food waste, bedding, dead animals and debris. Disposal facilities shall be provided and operated so as to minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease hazards. Except where indicated for health, animals shall be provided with clean, fresh, sufficient and wholesome food and water. Food and water containers must be kept clean. Every animal kept in a kennel must be observed daily, and diseased or injured animals must be provided with veterinary care.
(D) Inspection. Representatives of the town shall be permitted to enter, at any reasonable time, for the purpose of inspecting or reinspecting any kennel or pet shop to determine compliance with this section.
(E) Violations, suspensions and revocations. A kennel license may be denied, suspended or revoked upon a determination that the operator of the kennel or pet store is in violation of this section. An opportunity for a hearing on any denial, suspension or revocation shall be provided at a time and place determined by the Board of Trustees. Based upon the record of the hearing, the Board of Trustees shall make a finding and shall sustain, modify or rescind the action considered at the hearing. Any owner of a kennel or pet store whose license has been suspended or revoked may make application for reinstatement of the license. If, following inspection, the applicant has complied with the requirements of this section, the license shall be reinstated.
(F) Exceptions. This section shall not apply to, and shall not be construed to require a kennel license for:
(1) A veterinary hospital or clinic operated by a licensed veterinarian;
(2) A bona fide research institution using animals for scientific research;
(3) A publicly owned animal control center or shelter; and
(4) A bona fide animal shelter operated by an organized humane society.
(Ord. 635, passed 1-13-2004) Penalty, see § 99.99