Subd. 1. Dog license period. The license period shall be for the whole or unexpired portion of the year ending on the ensuing December 31.
Subd. 2. Multiple dog license requirements.
a.
Within the limits of the city, no more than two dogs over the age of six months shall be allowed in any household unless the owners shall first obtain a multiple dog license. This license shall allow an owner to keep up to four dogs over the age of six months. Any person desiring a multiple dog license shall make written application upon a form prescribed by and containing the information as required by the city. Every owner is required to keep a valid, individual license tag securely fastened to the dog's collar or harness. The owner shall pay a fee for the multiple dog license as shown in the Master Fee Schedule adopted by the City Council. This license shall be valid for the period of one year, beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31, and is nontransferable. The application shall contain the following information:
(1) The number of dogs over the age of six months to be maintained on the premises;
(2) A description of the real estate property upon which the animals will be kept;
(3) Written authorization for the city to inspect the premises which shall be valid for the length of the license. Application for a renewal license shall be inspected upon receipt of complaints. The inspection shall be to confirm compliance with the following criteria:
(a) If an outdoor multiple dog shelter is provided, it must be constructed of suitable material to maintain and secure the keeping of dogs and to allow for sufficient space for the dogs. Standards for adequate shelter for dogs is specified in M.S. § 343.40 and is adopted by reference, including any amendments to that section. The space must be inspected and approved by the Animal Enforcement Officer. All surfaces must be constructed of material to provide for proper cleaning, drainage and maintenance and needs of the dogs. Multiple dog structures must be located within the prescribed setback requirements for the property and shall be located at least ten feet from the property boundary. All fences shall be located entirely upon the property of the fence owner. No boundary line fence shall be erected closer than three feet to an existing parallel boundary line fence;
(b) Owners must ensure that dogs kept on a licensed premises do not create a nuisance by excessive barking or by creating unsanitary conditions.
(4) Notification of any prior violations during the previous licensing period.
b. Denial of license. The city may deny any license request based upon one or more of the following:
(1) The Animal Enforcement Officer finds the multiple dog facilities inadequate;
(2) Conditions of the license are not met;
(3) A nuisance condition is found to be created by the dogs or owner; or
(4) The multiple dog facility creates a public health and safety hazard or has placed the animals in an unreasonable endangerment. The city shall investigate all complaints and may issue a citation for violations. After a complaint has been received and found to be valid regarding a multiple dog license, the holder of the license shall appear before the City Council to state or explain their position. The appearance shall be within 30 days of the initial complaint and after notification of all contiguous property owners. The City Council will then decide the status of the license.
c. Exceptions.
(1) An applicant may apply to the City Council for an exception to the maximum number of dogs allowed per property.
(2) This section shall not apply to nonresidents or dogs kept within the city for less than 30 continuous days.
d. Revocation of multiple dog license. In addition to any other sanctions herein provided, violation of any of the terms of this chapter shall be grounds for termination of the privilege of keeping up to four dogs, and the license may be revoked. Revocation may occur for a violation attributable to any dog kept by the owners.
Subd. 3. Animal nuisances. It shall be considered a nuisance for any animal to bark excessively, continuously or untimely, to chase vehicles, defile or destroy any property, public or private, or to defecate in or upon public property or the property of another without being cleaned up immediately by the person in charge of the animal. The person having custody of the dog is responsible for disposing of the dog feces in a sanitary manner. Failure on the part of the owner or custodian to prevent his animals from committing an act of nuisance shall subject the owner or custodian to the penalty hereinafter provided.
(Ord. 504, passed 10-28-2013; Am. Ord. 584, passed 10-25-2021)