(A) All animal welfare groups shall, in addition to the other requirements of this chapter, comply with the minimum standards of this section. Failure to meet these standards shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a license pursuant to §§ 91.020 through 91.025 and the issuance of a citation subjecting the owner to the penalties and fines provided in § 91.999. Facilities shall be subject to inspection by an Animal Control Officer upon his or her request during reasonable hours.
(B) Enclosures must be provided which shall allow adequate protection against weather extremes. Floors of buildings, runs, and walls shall be of an impervious material to permit proper cleaning and disinfecting.
(C) Building temperature shall be maintained at a comfortable level. Adequate ventilation shall be maintained.
(D) Each animal shall have sufficient space to stand up, lie down, and turn around in a natural position without touching the sides or tops of cages.
(E) Cages are to be of material and construction that permit cleaning and sanitizing.
(F) Cage floors of concrete, unless radiantly heated, shall have a resting board or some type of bedding.
(G) Runs shall provide an adequate exercise area and protection from the weather. Runs shall have an impervious surface.
(H) All animal quarters and runs are to be kept clean, dry, and in a sanitary condition.
(I) The food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal.
(J) All animals shall have fresh water available at all times. Water vessels shall be mounted or secured in a manner that prevents tipping and be of the removable type.
(K) All cats four months or older, and all dogs four months or older prior to being sold or adopted, must be spayed or neutered, have a Metro Government license, and a valid rabies vaccination. A voucher only may be used when the pet is under the age of four months for a cat, or ferret, or five months for a dog. The animal then must be spayed or neutered within 30 days. Vouchers must be submitted to MAS. A voucher shall be issued when an adopted animal is deemed unable to withstand the surgery by a veterinarian.
(L) This provision shall not apply to any animal reclaimed by its owner.
(M) Animals accepted which have no known owner must be held for no less than five days for dogs and puppies and five working days for cats, kittens, and three days for other animals. A photograph of the animal(s) shall be posted at MAS at the designated location for the entire holding periods. Such photograph shall have printed on it the animal(s) identification number and the date through which it shall be held. Business hours must be sufficient to permit the owner to reclaim the animal. Redemption fees or all fees associated with redemption for such animals cannot exceed those established by this chapter and charged by MAS.
(N) A record must be kept on each animal accepted or housed, noting the following:
(1) Name and address of previous owner or person turning in the animal.
(2) Date received.
(3) Condition and medical treatment.
(4) Date sold, adopted, or destroyed.
(5) Name and address of new owner.
(6) Date animal was surgically altered, and name of veterinarian.
(O) Failure to keep such records and/or failure to release said records to authorized personnel of MAS shall be grounds for issuance of a citation to the person and/or revocation of any license issued pursuant to this chapter.
(1994 Jeff. Code, § 91.081) (Jeff. Ord. 17-1990, adopted and effective 12-19-1990; Jeff. Am.Ord. 46-1996, adopted and effective 12-10-1996; Jeff. Am. Ord. 24-2000, passed 10-10-2000; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 97-2003, approved 5-16-2003; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 233-2006, approved 1-4-2007; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 290-2007, approved 12-20-2007)
Penalty, see § 91.999