(A) No owner or keeper shall fail to provide their animal(s) with sufficient, wholesome and nutritious food, water in sufficient quantities, proper air, shelter, space and protection from the weather, or veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering and humane care and treatment.
(B) If any animal, including, but not limited to dogs, is to be tethered by a chain, cable tie-out or similar restraint, the tether shall be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness designed to be a holding device. The tether and collar shall be of a weight and material appropriate for the species, breed, condition, and size of the animal. Furthermore, they cannot be of a weight which will cause a burden to the animal and must be no less than 10 feet in length. The tether must have swivels on both ends. The owner or keeper shall not wrap a tether directly around an animal's neck, and the tether shall be attached to a fixed immobile point that allows freedom of movement while withstanding the force placed upon it by the animal. The area around the tethered animal shall be free of objects which could become tangled in the tether. If an animal is to be kept in an enclosure, the enclosure shall allow for freedom of movement, unless restricted by a veterinarian, and not allow the animal to stand in their feces and/or urine for prolonged periods. The enclosure shall be free of objects or contaminants which are likely to cause injury or be detrimental to the health of the animal, including but not limited to, rusty or jagged metal objects, broken glass, or harmful chemicals, solvents or agents.
(C) No person shall beat, cruelly treat, torment, overload, overwork, or otherwise chase any animal, or cause or permit any fight or other combat between animals. No person shall allow an animal under their control to intimidate, harass, or worry another animal which is upon its owner's property.
(D) No owner or keeper shall leave an animal for a period in excess of 24 hours without providing for someone to feed, water and check on the animal's condition. In the event that an animal is found so abandoned, the animal may be taken by an animal control officer, or any peace officer, and impounded in the animal shelter. The animal, if taken from private property, shall be kept at the Animal Control Facility until either relinquished by the owner or keeper, or custody of the animal is determined by judicial process.
(E) This chapter does not preclude appropriate authorities or individuals from filing criminal charges und KRS 525.125 or KRS 525.130 which relate to cruelty to animals.
(Am. Ord. 2018-04, passed 7-2-2018; Am. Ord. 2020-10, passed 10-5-2020) Penalty, see § 90.99