(A) Every owner of every animal kept in Dearborn County shall see that such animal:
(1) Is kept in a clean and sanitary and healthy manner and is not confined so as to be forced to stand, sit or lie in its own excrement. The person responsible for the animal shall regularly, and as often as necessary, maintain all animal areas or areas of animal contact to prevent odor or health and sanitation problems;
(2) Shall have proper and adequate food that is nutritionally appropriate for the species in adequate amounts to maintain good health, fresh potable drinking water, shelter and ventilation, including quarters that are protected from excessive heat and cold and are of sufficient size to permit the animal to exercise and move about freely;
(3) Shall not be tethered by use of a pinch, pronged, or choke collar nor by any rope, chain or cord directly attached to the animal’s neck, nor by any collar too small for the size and age of the animal, nor by a leash of such unreasonable weight as to prevent the animal from moving about freely;
(4) Is protected against abuse, cruelty, neglect, torment, overload, overwork, or any other mistreatment;
(5) Shall provide reasonably necessary medical care including the required rabies vaccination. If diseased or exhibiting symptoms of disease, the owner shall ensure that the animal receives proper medical care and is segregated from other animals so as to prevent transmittal of the disease;
(6) It shall be unlawful for any dog to be tethered or confined to a structure or premises for any purposes or time when it is not monitored by a competent adult and who is not residing at the property for the duration of such tethering or confinement; and
(7) Is maintained in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and all regulations respecting animal care and control as are adopted by Dearborn County and in effect from time to time.
(B) Owners of animals in Dearborn County have the duty to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws as well as this chapter and any additional ordinances of Dearborn County such as the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Control Ordinance. Failure to comply with all applicable laws could result in penalties in addition to those outlined in § 90.99.
(BC Ord. 2014-006, passed 6-3-14; Am. BC Ord. 2018-003, passed 2-20-18)