(A) Required; term; prerequisites; fee.
(1) Restrictions. No person, group of persons, or business entity in the municipality may own, keep or harbor more than 4 dogs of 3 months of age or older, without maintaining a hobby breeder license. Foster placements, arranged through the Raton Humane Society or other non-profit animal welfare organization, are exempt from this restriction if they are fostering animals for that agency.
(2) License required. A hobby breeder must obtain a non-transferable hobby breeder license, which shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the breeder's residence. A hobby breeder license shall expire on December 31 of each year and shall be renewed by January 31 of the following year. No hobby breeder license shall be issued without an inspection certificate issued by the Animal Control Officer. The annual hobby breeder license fee shall be $150.
(B) Denials, suspensions, and revocations.
(1) A hobby breeder license may be denied, suspended, or revoked by the Animal Control Officer upon a determination that the operator of the breeding operation is in violation of this chapter.
(2) An opportunity for a hearing on any denial, suspension, or revocation shall be provided at a time and place determined by the City Commission.
(3) Based upon the record of the hearing, the Commission shall make a finding and shall sustain, modify, or rescind the action considered at the hearing. Any hobby breeder whose license has been suspended or revoked may make application for reinstatement of the license. If, following inspection, the applicant has complied with the requirements of this chapter, the license shall be reinstated.
(Ord. 995, passed 8-22-2017)