(a) It is unlawful for any household to own or keep more than six dogs or six cats, or any combination thereof upon any private premises within the city limits. It is a defense to this section that the private premises is: a veterinary clinic, an animal hospital, or similar facility; an animal shelter; a kennel; a pet shop; a research institution; owned or operated by a qualified researcher; a performing animal exhibition; owned or occupied by an owner of competition dogs or cats which routinely compete at recognized competitions; a certified rescue organization; or owned or occupied by a pet owner whose pet has a litter up to 16 weeks old.
(b) It is an defense to this section that the dogs and/or cats are on a premises which is a minimum of one acre in size and the premises is maintained in a sanitary manner that is not a public health nuisance, no noise nuisance, or a danger to the animals or the public. This defense shall be established by a certified copy of a deed or title to the premises in inssue, at trial.
(c) Every yard, shed, pen, or other structure used for the storage or shelter of animals shall be cleaned and maintained so as to maintain safe and healthy conditions for the animals, to prevent the escape of any noxious odors, or substances to adjacent properties, or to create any health hazard or nuisance to adjacent property owners. Allowing or permitting of such violation is hereby declared a public nuisance. Provisions of this subsection shall become effective immediately upon passage of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 3141, § 3, 8-8-02; Ord. No. 3728, 11-11-10)