All animals shall be maintained with an appropriate level of care. This means the care sufficient to reasonably preserve the physical health and condition of the animals, and except for emergencies or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the owner and practices of good animal husbandry, includes but is not limited to the following requirements:
1. A quantity of wholesome feed suitable for the animal’s species and age, sufficient to maintain reasonable levels of nutrition, shall be provided at intervals of not more than 24 hours or longer if the dietary requirements of the animal require.
2. Reasonable access to an adequate supply of clean, fresh water provided for drinking in amounts suitable for the species on a continuous basis.
3. If the animal is a pet, adequate access to a shelter sufficient to ensure that the pet does not suffer unreasonable distress due to natural elements, including but not limited to wind, rain, snow, sun, cold, or dampness. Pet taxis, steel drums, bushes, etc. do not qualify. A doghouse with adequate space for the dog to be houses in, a shed, or building free of the elements of temperature and weather extremes.
4. If the animal is livestock, there must be access to a natural or constructed barrier sufficient to offer reasonable protection against temperature extremes, wind, rain, or snow. These would include natural windbreaks such as bush or tree lines, large hay bales, pole building, shed, or barn.
5. If the animal is restricted in a confinement area for an extended period, the areas shall be kept clean and free from contaminates, including animal waste, which may threaten the health of the animal. Enclosures that include fencing must be designed and maintained so as to minimize bruising, injuries, and provide safety for human beings and other animals.
6. Veterinary or farrier care, when necessary, to relieve distress from injury, disease or neglect shall be provided.
7. If the animal is a pet, a confinement area with adequate space for the exercise necessary to preserve the health of the animal and which provides a dry area for the animal to rest. The air temperature or ventilation in the confinement area shall be suitable to preserve the health of a normal animal of the same species.
8. If an animal is fastened by a leash, including a rope or chain, which restricts the movement of the animal, a leash shall be attached to the animal by a well-fitting collar or harness that is fastened to the animal in a manner designed to prevent injury or entanglement. A leash shall not restrict an animal from access to adequate shelter or sufficient food or water.
In the event that the ACO finds an animal in neglected or suffering conditions, the ACO shall have the right to remove or cause to have removed such animal to a safe place for care, the cost to be borne by the owner, providing a reasonable attempt to notify the owner be made. Return shall not be permitted until the owner shall have made full payment for all expenses so incurred and issues addressed that had the animal confiscated. Said payments shall not be considered in lieu of criminal charges which may be filed.