(A) Cruelty to animals is considered to exist whether active as in torture, torment, deprivation of a necessary substance, use of physical blows (beating), mutilation (destruction of body parts), killing for any reason other than self-protection or to protect another human or animal from injury, or in some way acting as a causative agent in the infliction of cruelty, or passive cruelty as when there is any omission resulting in the occurrence of pain, suffering (from any cause), or death.
(B) It shall be unlawful to be responsible for or to permit an act of cruelty toward an animal resulting in serious injury or death to the animal.
(C) No person shall expose any known poisonous substance, whether mixed with food or not, so that it shall be liable to be eaten by any companion animal.
(D) It shall be unlawful for anyone to neglect or willfully fail to provide food, potable drinking water, shelter, or reasonable protection from the weather thereby inflicting unnecessary cruelty to any animal. Shelter should afford protection from the sun as well as cold, rain, dampness, etc. Cardboard, fiberboard, or a doghouse that is not located in a shady area, or any other structure that fails to protect an animal from adverse weather shall not be considered proper shelter under this section.
(E) If an animal is tied out, it shall be considered cruelly treated if it is hitched, tied, or fastened by a rope, chain or cord around its neck or a choker collar which permits possible strangulation. The device securing the animal should be at least five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, allowing access to shelter, shade, and freedom of movement. Any animal that is confined in any manner should not be forced to stand, sit, or lie in excrement.
(F) Individuals live-trapping animals must monitor their traps every 24 hours.
(G) In case of cruelty the animal may be removed and impounded at the local shelter. The owner shall pay all costs incurred during the impoundment.
(Ord. 7-2016-1, passed 8-16-2016; Ord. 8-2017-2, passed 8-29-2017)