(A) Adequate water. Clean, fresh (without accumulation of dirt and algae), in sufficient quantity to meet the animal's needs for the day. Not frozen. Readily available 24 hours a day (there must be water in the animal's bowl at all hours. Bucket or bowl must be secured to prevent spillage). Adequate food. No requirement for special diets unless prescribed by a veterinarian, but adequate to maintain a "body score" of three on scale of 1-5.
(B) Adequate shelter. A structure intended for an animal's protection from inclement weather or sun, which consists of at least three sides, a floor, and a roof. The structure is to be constructed of durable fiber, wood, plastic, or other non-metallic material of adequate insulate value that allows an animal to maintain its body heat. Structures for livestock may be constructed of a metallic material and are not required to include a floor. Structures for all animals must be large enough to allow all animals on the premises to be housed, to turn around, lie down, and stretch comfortably on a clean dry space. The walls must keep out rain, sleet, and snow. This shall not exclude the use of metallic structures used as transportation and temporary shelter. If an animal is tied to any fixed object as a means of permanent confinement, the animal must have enough room to turn around, lie down, stretch comfortably, and reach water and shelter. The area in which the animal is tied must be clean and dry.
(1) The following conditions shall not constitute adequate shelter:
(a) Underneath outside steps, decks and stoops;
(b) Inside of vehicles;
(c) Underneath vehicles;
(d) Inside metal containers;
(e) Rooms, sheds or other buildings without windows or proper ventilation;
(f) Shelter not protected by some form of shade during the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from May 1st through November 1st.
(C) Chaining or tethering an animal to a stationary object for a period of time or under conditions that an animal control officer or animal cruelty investigator deems harmful or potentially harmful to the animal is unlawful. Examples of improper chaining or tethering include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Using a length or weight of a chain or tether that is not appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. Guidelines for the proper weight and length of chains or tethers can be obtained from the animal shelter or animal control;
(2) Using a chain or tether made of rope, twine, cord or similar material;
(3) Using a chain or tether that is not of adequate length. All chains or tethers must be attached to the animal by means of a properly fitting harness or collar that will not harm or cause injury to the animal's neck due to its fit or composition;
(4) Using a chain or tether than exceeds 10% of the animal's body weight;
(5) Allowing an animal to be chained or tethered such that the animal is not confined to the owner's property or such that the chain or tether can become uncomfortable or will not allow access to adequate food, water and shelter;
(6) Using a chain as a primary collar. All collars used for the purpose of chaining or tethering an animal must be made of nylon or leather.
(Ord. passed 1-21-20) Penalty, see § 90.99