An animal establishment that is in operation before the effective date of this chapter shall have 180 days from the effective date of this chapter to obtain the necessary permits and registrations.
(A) Persons wishing to operate an animal establishment within the city must apply for an animal establishment permit. A permit shall be issued annually if the requisite fee is paid and the applicant meets the following requirements per an annual inspection:
(1) Water and appropriate disinfecting/sanitizing chemicals for washing and disinfecting cages are easily accessible to all parts of the animal housing areas;
(2) Fresh water shall be available to all animals at all times. Containers are to be cleaned and disinfected each day. All water containers shall be removable for cleaning and mounted, placed or weighted so the animal cannot turn them over;
(3) The ambient temperature in the animal housing areas is maintained between 60-79°F at all times. The temperature and humidity in individual cages are maintained at levels that are healthful for the species of animals being housed and adequate ventilation is maintained in all animal housing areas;
(4) All cages and enclosures are constructed of a nonporous material for easy cleaning and disinfecting. Each cage and enclosure is of sufficient size that at minimum the animal will have room to stand, turn, and lie down in a natural position. Each cage and enclosure is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day. Each cage and enclosure is locked or otherwise secured to prevent the escape of any animal being kept. Injured or ill animals shall be kept isolated from healthy animals;
(5) Daily feeding records are maintained to ensure that all animals are fed a proper and nutritious diet specific to the species’ needs. The daily feeding records shall be maintained or posted in a readily accessible location. All veterinarian’s orders must be in writing and kept on record and available for inspection during the Animal Establishment’s regular business hours. In general, all animals under six months of age are to be fed at least two times per 24-hour period, or as advised by a veterinarian, and all other animals must be fed at least one time per 24-hour period, or as advised by a veterinarian. Food for each animal shall be served in a clean dish so constructed or mounted that the animal cannot readily tip it over and be of the type that are removable for cleaning. Disposable feeding dishes acceptable for one-time use only. Animals that do not require daily feedings are exempt from the daily feeding requirement; however, feeding records shall be maintained and the animal shall be kept in a healthful body condition;
(6) Each bird must have sufficient room to stand upright without touching the top of their housing area and to spread their wings fully without touching the side of their housing area. Each bird shall have access to a perch that is placed horizontal to other perches in the same cage and is of adequate size for the species being housed. The housing area must be sufficiently ventilated. Large birds shall have separate cages from smaller birds. There shall be clean water and suitable food available to the birds and placed so that the birds cannot turn them over or defile their contents. Injured, diseased, or dead birds shall be immediately removed from housing areas holding healthy birds;
(7) There is sufficient clean, dry bedding to meet needs of each individual animal;
(8) All animals are fed and watered, and all cages cleaned and disinfected every day including Sundays and holidays;
(9) All dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older have proof of being currently vaccinated against rabies;
(10) Meets the requirements of this chapter and those set forth by the Tex. Health and Safety Code.
(B) A person commits an offense if he is the owner of an animal establishment and has a permit issued under this section and refuses upon request by the animal services division, to make their animals, the portion of the premises that house or is used to service the animal, equipment, and any necessary registrations, veterinary records, feeding logs or permits available for inspection during regular business hours. If there are no set business hours, then the inspection may occur during reasonable hours.
(C) A person commits an offense if he has a permit under this section and fails to meet the conditions set forth in division (A). Each separate condition that is not met shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 09-2016-47, passed 9-27-16
; Am. Ord. 07-2021-32, passed 7-13-21
)