(A) For purposes of this chapter, CRUELTY means any act prohibited by this section. No person shall cause infliction of pain or any form of bodily injury or death to an animal by:
(1) Striking, beating, dropping, throwing, kicking, dragging, choking, or by the use of an object or weapon;
(2) Means of caustic, flammable, chemical, boiling, or heated substances; causing suffering; or any form of bodily injury or death by suffocation or drowning;
(3) Failing to provide adequate food, water, and shelter.
(4) Failing to detect the need for or withholding veterinary care, including care and maintenance of skin and coat, or creating or allowing unhealthy living conditions whether by intentionally or by severe omission.
(B) No person shall engage, participate, or be present in any acts or actions as defined as cruelty in this chapter. No person shall cruelly treat or torment any animal.
(C) In the event there is a reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is being a victim of cruelty or neglect, custody of such animal may be taken by an animal control officer and impounded at the animal shelter. If claimed by its owner within the time limit as defined in this chapter, the animal may be held as evidence and confined in a humane manner. Upon a court finding that the animal has been a victim of cruelty, the animal shall become the property of the animal shelter. Any owner or caretaker shall be responsible for all fees as defined in this chapter.
(D) For the purpose of this section, cruelty of an animal shall also be defined as a failure by a person to adhere to the remedies and requisites ordered by an animal control officer to comply with the requirements and provisions of any sections of this chapter.
(E) Any person or entity who violates this section shall be subject to the penalty provided in § 91.99 of this chapter.
(Ord. G-13-11, passed 5-16-2013) Penalty, see § 91.99