A. License Requirements: All dogs over the age of six (6) months in Lyon County and owned by a resident of Lyon County shall be licensed, except for dogs being used for the purpose of herding livestock or the protection of livestock against predators on farm or ranch property designated as greenbelt by the assessor, and dogs that are being temporarily housed in kennels or animal shelters or in animal hospitals operated by a licensed veterinarian.
1. Dog Licenses:
a. License And Tag: Upon presentation of a certificate of rabies vaccination and the payment of the license fee, the Lyon County animal services division or a designated representative shall issue to the owner a license receipt and metallic tag for each dog licensed. The metallic tags shall be worn by the licensed dog on a visible collar. Show dogs while being shown and working dogs while in the field are exempt from wearing the tag.
No penalty shall be imposed if:
(1) The license is obtained within thirty (30) days of expiration of current license.
(2) The license is obtained within thirty (30) days after moving into the county.
(3) The license is obtained within thirty (30) days after a change of ownership.
If the license is not purchased within such time period, the owner shall pay, in addition to the regular license fee, a penalty of one hundred percent (100%).
b. License Fees: The fees for dog licenses and tags, other than dogs housed in a kennel, shall be set by resolution of the board of Lyon County commissioners. The fees shall be for each full year (12 months). At no time can the expiration date of the license sold extend past the date that the rabies expired.
B. Animal Services Tags, Permits And Fees:
1. Every person, firm or corporation owning, operating or maintaining a commercial kennel or any business involving the keeping of any animal including the keeping of animals for the purpose of breeding, for the purpose of medical treatment, for the purpose of care for hire, for sale or for the purpose of grooming shall first obtain a license from Lyon County to operate said business or commercial kennel, as provided for in this title and title 5 of this code, but the granting of said license shall be subject to the approval, denial, or revocation by the animal services supervisor. Such business license shall at all times be subject to the planning and zoning regulations of Lyon County. Such licenses must be renewed annually and exempt that person from having to obtain other licenses required in this chapter.
2. No person shall keep more than three (3) canine animals over six (6) months of age at any place, or on any premises, or in any one residence without first obtaining a permit from the animal services supervisor. Such permit fee shall be set by the board of commissioners, and is in addition to the license fee required, per year per dog kept over three (3) in number. License fees for service dogs and dogs owned by persons classified as senior citizens shall be waived. Such permit shall at all times be subject to the planning and zoning regulations of Lyon County.
3. The animal services supervisor in approving, denying or revoking any license and permit required in subsections B1 and B2 of this section shall consider the following:
a. The animal services supervisor shall determine if the person requesting a license or permit can keep or maintain any animal or animals so as to not create a public nuisance.
b. The animal services supervisor shall determine if the person requesting a license or permit can keep or maintain the animal or animals in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and all other ordinances of Lyon County, and the laws of the state of Nevada.
Every person must hold a license for every dog he or she owns, keeps, harbors or possesses. The owner of any dog over the age of six (6) months shall, within thirty (30) days after obtaining the dog or first bringing said dog into Lyon County, obtain and continuously maintain for said dog a current and valid animal services tag issued by the Lyon County animal services department.
1. Authority To Impound: The animal services officer or his authorized representatives and every peace officer, while on duty, are authorized to take up, seize and impound:
a. Subject to the provisions of this chapter, all dogs found trespassing on private property or running at large on any street, alley, court, park, school playground, right of way or private street open for use to the general public.
b. All dogs in the county which are endangering private or public property, public safety, themselves or other animals.
2. Notice Of Impoundment; Disposition Of Unclaimed Dogs:
a. Where the identity of the owner of an impounded dog is discovered, such owner shall be given notice of the impoundment. Seven (7) days after written notice is mailed, or actual notice is given, the impounded dog may be destroyed in a humane manner under the direction of the animal services officer; provided however, any such dog authorized for destruction may be released for adoption in accordance with applicable law.
b. In the event the identity of the owner of an impounded dog cannot be ascertained and notice given, then such dog may be disposed of pursuant to this subsection C five (5) days after impoundment.
3. Reclaiming Impounded Dogs:
a. The owner or person entitled to the custody or possession of any impounded dog may, at any time before the disposition thereof, reclaim or redeem such animal by complying with the provisions of this chapter and regulations hereunder and by paying to the animal services officer all charges imposed for the impounding of the dog and any license fees due as set forth by the fee schedule.
4. Regulations For Costs; Disposition:
a. Lyon County is authorized to set forth reasonable regulations for charging owners or persons having the care, custody or possession of dogs impounded under this chapter for all costs and maintenance incurred by the county. (Ord. 475, 3-18-2004, eff. 4-9-2004)
Notes
| 1 | 1. See also section 7.01.06 of this chapter. |