(A) Nuisance. The keeping of more than five cats in the village for a considerable period of time detracts from and, in many instances, is detrimental to the healthful and comfortable life for which such areas were created and is therefore declared to be a public nuisance.
(B) Number of cats limited. Except for cats housed within a veterinary hospital or animal shelter, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons within the village to keep or maintain or permit the keeping of, on any premises, owned, occupied or controlled by such person or persons, more than five cats, with the exception that a litter of kittens or portion of a litter may be kept for a period of time not exceeding five months from birth.
(C) Keeping crying cats. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to keep or harbor any cat which habitually cries or howls to the great discomfort of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, or in such manner as to materially disturb or annoy persons in the neighborhood who are of ordinary sensibilities. Such cats are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
(D) Petitions complaining of crying cats.
(1) Whenever any person shall complain to the Police Department that a cat which habitually cries or howls is being kept by any person in the village, the Police Department shall notify the owner of said cat that a complaint has been received, and that the person should take whatever steps necessary to alleviate the crying or howling.
(2) If the warning given to the person alleged to be keeping a cat as set forth in division (D)(1) above is ineffective, then a verified complaint of at least one citizen may be presented to the Police Department, alleging that a cat that habitually cries or howls is being kept by any person within the village. The Police Department shall inform the owner of such cat that said petition has been received and may cite the owner of the cat for the violation alleged in said petition.
(E) Diseased cats. No cat afflicted with a contagious or infectious disease shall be allowed to run at large, or to be exposed in any public place whereby the health of a person or beast may be affected; nor shall such diseased animal be shipped or removed from the premises of the owner thereof, except under the supervision of the Chief of Police or designated officer. It is hereby made the duty of the animal control officer to secure such disposition of any diseased animal and such treatment of affected premises as to prevent the communication and spread of the contagion or infection, except in cases where the state veterinarian is empowered to act. Upon determining that a cat is sick or diseased, the animal control officer shall transport said cat to the local veterinary clinic for examination. The veterinary clinic will then treat each case appropriately.
(Ord. 2012-02, passed - -2012) Penalty, see § 174.99