A. No person shall operate a hobby breeder site, shelter, refuge or professional animal establishment, without a valid permit. A person may obtain an annual permit under the following conditions:
1. Payment of an annual permit fee at the Office of the Animal Control Division. Failure to renew the permit within thirty (30) days of the expiration date shall result in the assessment of a penalty fee in addition to the cost of the permit.
2. The permit application shall contain the following information at a minimum:
a. Name of applicant/organization;
b. Address of applicant/organization;
c. Telephone number of applicant/organization;
d. Federal tax identification number (not applicable to hobby breeder);
e. The location where the animals will be kept;
f. Maximum number of animals expected to be kept on site;
g. Plot plan of location showing placement and sizing of kennel area and runs;
h. The City Manager may require such other information as is deemed necessary in order to determine whether to approve or deny a permit under this chapter.
3. Upon presenting proper identification and at a reasonable hour, a representative of the Animal Control Division shall be allowed access to any permitted premises for the purpose of inspection on an annual basis or upon reasonable notice. Permits may be suspended for failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter, as well as for violation of other applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
4. Kennel area facilities shall be structurally sound and constructed of nontoxic materials. Interior floors shall be smooth, easily cleanable construction and impervious to water. The premises shall be kept clean, sanitary and in good repair in a manner which will protect animals from disease and injury.
5. Animals maintained in pens, cages or runs for periods exceeding twenty four (24) hours shall be provided with adequate space to prevent overcrowding and to maintain normal exercise according to species. Such cages holding cats must contain a litter box.
6. Permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises.
7. Permits are not transferable.
8. Adequate weatherproof housing shall be provided in all permitted premises with proper ventilation and temperature, and sufficient lighting and shade.
9. Outside housing shall protect animals from weather that may be detrimental to the health of the animals.
10. Restraint of animals shall be accomplished by adequate pens, cages, runs or fencing maintained at all times to contain the animals.
11. Provisions shall be made for the removal and proper disposal of animal and food waste, soiled bedding, dead animals and debris. Animals shall be removed from cages and protected from water and cleaning agents during cleaning. Disposal facilities shall be operated in a manner which will minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease. Adequate drainage shall be maintained.
12. Excessive and nighttime noise shall be eliminated.
13. Unsterilized adult animals shall be segregated by sex when in mating season, except where otherwise indicated for health, welfare or breeding purposes. Animals shall be housed in compatible groups.
14. Vicious, diseased or injured animals and animals that have bitten a person shall be individually caged.
15. Animals shall be provided with clean, fresh, sufficient and wholesome food and water. Food and water containers shall be kept clean.
16. Sanitary, pest free storage of food and bedding shall be provided.
17. Each animal shall be observed daily by the person in charge. Programs for disease control and prevention shall be maintained and available for examination by an animal protection officer. Sick, diseased, injured, lame or blind animals shall be provided with appropriate veterinary care. Humane euthanasia will be provided when necessary in accordance with New Mexico administrative code, title 16, chapter 24, parts 1 through 5. The person in charge who suspects an animal of being rabid shall immediately notify the city manager and segregate the animal.
18. Every dog or cat offered for sale, adoption, barter, to be given away or any other transfer or conveyance shall have been given age appropriate vaccinations by a veterinarian. A certificate providing the name of the veterinarian and the date of treatment must be provided to the recipient at the time of transfer. (Ord. 2012-10, 11-13-2012)