(a) No person shall:
(1) Torture an animal, deprive one of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, or impound or confine an animal without supplying it during such confinement with a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food and clean fresh drinkable water. All food and water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary;
(2) Impound or confine an animal without affording it, during such confinement, access to shelter from wind, rain, snow or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the animal would otherwise become sick or in some other way suffer. For the purpose of this section, “shelter” means a man made enclosure, windbreak, sunshade or natural windbreak or sunshade that is developed from the earth’s contour, tree development or vegetation. The shelter shall be elevated off the ground no less than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches and sufficient for the animal to stand to their full height, turn around and lie down in areas that are clean and sanitary with appropriate bedding material;
(3) Dogs that are continuously maintained on a restrictive chain, rope or other kind of tether shall be deemed to be improperly confined. Tethering may be acceptable in certain cases where adequate daily socialization and exercise off the tether has been afforded and verified. If the dog is confined on a tether, excepting periods of time that are brief and incidental, the tether shall be at least fifteen feet in length and positioned to prevent tangling and hanging. The tether, collar and/or harness shall be of appropriate size and weight for the animal in order to prevent discomfort and/or injury.
(4) Carry or convey an animal in a cruel or inhuman manner.
(5) Keep animals in an enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air;
(6) Fail to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for any animal that exhibits signs of diseased or severe parasitic infestation, infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition, hair loss, tremors, seizures, temperature fluctuation, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or any other sign of illness or injury.
(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. In addition, the Court may order the offender to forfeit the animal or livestock.
(Ord. 2004-11. Passed 4-20-04.)