(A) Definition. In addition to the definitions provided in § 91.01, the following definition shall apply to the provisions of this section, unless the context clearly indicated or required a different meaning.
OWNER or OPERATOR. Any person, group of persons, partnership, or any entity owning or operating a commercial animal establishment.
(B) Licensing provisions.
(1) All commercial animal establishments shall obtain and maintain a valid commercial animal establishment license in order to operate a commercial animal establishment within the city.
(2) The commercial animal establishment licenses shall be issued by the County Judge Executive Office or Director of Animal Control.
(3) The commercial animal establishment license shall be valid for a period of one year, effective July 1 through June 30 of each year. License fees for commercial animal establishments shall be established or changed by resolution of the Fiscal Court.
(4) The commercial animal establishment license shall be renewed annually.
(C) Minimum standards.
(1) All commercial animal establishments shall provide an adequate environment for each animal, which is compatible with the general health and welfare of animals.
(2) All commercial animal establishments shall provide adequate space for each animal. Each cage or enclosure shall be large enough for the animal to stand, sit, lay and turn around without touching the walls and ceiling of the cage or enclosure, or other animals.
(3) All commercial animal establishments shall provide adequate sanitation. Each cage or enclosure shall be maintained as follows.
(a) Cages or enclosure containing dogs, of any age, shall be cleaned with hot water, disinfectant and detergent daily (including holidays), or more if conditions require additional cleaning or disinfecting to keep animals out of contact with feces or urine. Litter boxes shall be cleaned daily (including holidays), and the litter box changed as needed.
(b) Cages or enclosures containing birds shall contain a perch and shall be cleaned with hot water and disinfectant at least twice weekly or more if conditions require additional cleaning.
(c) Cages or enclosures containing small animals shall be cleaned with hot water and disinfectant at least twice weekly or more if conditions require additional cleaning.
(4) All commercial animal establishments shall provide adequate nourishment and water for each animal as follows.
(a) Each animal shall be given fresh food and water daily, including holidays.
(b) Soft food shall be available to those animals unable to chew standard dry food.
(c) Potable water shall be available to each animal at all times.
(d) Food and water containers shall be washed and disinfected daily.
(5) All commercial animal establishments shall provide proper medical treatment from a licensed veterinarian for sick or injured animals.
(6) All commercial animal establishments shall provide adequate room (cage) temperature for the general health and welfare of the animal.
(7) All commercial animal establishments shall provide a general cleanliness of its establishment, and shall not permit an insect or rodent infestation.
(D) Inspections. The Director of Animal Control or any Animal Control Officer shall be permitted and empowered to make an inspection of any commercial animal establishment within the city, and shall further be permitted to take photographs of commercial animal establishments during the inspection. The inspection shall take place at the verbal request of the Director of Animal Control or any Animal Control Officer during regular business hours of the commercial animal establishment.
(Ord. 840.2-10-2-2011, passed 10-10-2011) Penalty, see § 91.99