A. Purpose: The owning, harboring and keeping by any person(s) of a large number of dogs, cats or combination thereof within the city, detracts from the quality of life within the city due to various noise, odor, health and safety problems which constitute a public nuisance.
B. Limitation: No person may own, harbor or keep in their possession, within the city, more than three (3) dogs, five (5) cats or combination not to exceed a total number of five (5) animals thereof, over the age of five (5) months, except when the person possesses a kennel license which is in full force and effect. However, a litter of pups and/or kittens, or a portion of a litter, may be kept for a period of time not exceeding five (5) months from birth.
C. Exemptions:
1. Any person owning, harboring or keeping in their possession within the city, on July 1, 2003, more than three (3) dogs or five (5) cats or combination not to exceed a total number of five (5) such animals thereof, over the age of five (5) months, shall be permitted to own, harbor or keep in their possession such dogs and/or cats provided that:
a. Required license fees for each dog and/or cat have been paid, the licenses are continually maintained in full force and effect, and proof thereof is furnished to city personnel empowered to enforce this chapter upon request;
b. Required and effective rabies immunization for each dog and/or cat has been procured, and effective level of rabies immunization has been continually maintained, and proof thereof is furnished to city personnel empowered to enforce this chapter upon request;
c. This exemption shall not authorize the replacement of any dog and/or cat until the specified limitation within this section is complied with. The burden of proving entitlement to this exemption is upon the party seeking the exemption.
2. This section shall not apply to properly licensed pet shops, commercial kennels, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics or hospitals. (1975 Code Ch. 11 § VIII)