A. Permit Required: No person, partnership, or corporation shall operate a commercial animal establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with this section.
B. Authority To Regulate And Require Humane Care: The licensing authority shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits and shall include requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this title and other applicable laws. The licensing authority may amend such regulations from time to time as deemed desirable for public health and welfare and for the protection of animals.
C. Permit Issuance; Payment Of Fee:
1. Upon a showing by an applicant for a permit that he is willing and able to comply with the regulations promulgated by the licensing authority, a permit shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee.
2. Annual permits shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee in such sum as set by the city council by motion or resolution.
D. Permit Period; Renewal Application: The permit period shall begin with the calendar year and shall run for one year. Renewal applications for permits shall be made thirty (30) days prior to, and up to sixty (60) days after, the start of the calendar year. Application for permit to establish a new commercial animal establishment under the provisions of this chapter may be made at any time.
E. Change In Ownership: If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner must purchase a permit in his name.
F. Breeding Kennels; Licensing Of Animals: Persons operating kennels for the breeding of dogs or cats may elect to license such animals individually.
G. Exception To Fee Requirement: No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or government operated zoological park.
H. Change In Permit Category: Any person who has a change in the category under which a permit was issued shall be subject to reclassification and appropriate adjustment of permit fee shall be made.
I. Failure To Obtain Permit; Penalty: Failure to obtain a permit before opening any facility covered in this section shall result in punishment as provided in section of this code. (2000 Code § 4-151)