(a) Definitions: Kennel or kennel-like operation - A "kennel or kennel-like operation" shall be deemed to exist when four (4) or more dogs are kept at any single address within the corporate limits of the City of Summersville.
(b) Regulations:
(1) Any person, any business or any other entity who owns, keeps or operates a kennel or kennel-like operation shall apply to the City for a permit and register such kennel or kennel-like operation with the City of Summersville prior to the date that any kennel or kennel-like operation shall be commenced.
No person or entity may operate a kennel or kennel-like operation without first obtaining a permit unless such operation shall have been operating with a permit prior to the effective date of this section. Permits shall be renewable annually provided such operation is in compliance with all rules and regulations hereof.
(2) Any kennel or kennel-like operation shall be subject to the following requirements:
A. Any person who owns, keeps or boards four (4) or more dogs shall be deemed to be operating as a kennel or kennel-like operation.
B. All dogs shall be kept in a secure pen or enclosure of suitable size for the number of dogs; alternatively each dog shall be kept in a separate penned enclosure of suitable size; each dog shall be housed in a warm, dry roofed enclosure of wood, concrete or other suitable flooring.
C. All dogs shall be exercised on a regular basis. Such kennel and exercise area shall be separate from any human residence on the premises. All pens, animal houses, and exercise areas shall be properly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized at least once every three (3) days.
D. All dogs within the kennel or kennel-like operation shall be provided with appropriate food, water, medical care, protection from the elements, and such dogs shall further be protected from any mistreatment.
E. All food stored in areas outside of the kennel or kennel-like operation shall be stored in air-tight metal containers at all times.
F. In the event that problem odor is not controlled by regular cleaning of the kennel or kennel-like operation, then the owner and operator of such kennel shall be responsible for any additional cleaning or treatment of the kennel or kennel-like premises with sawdust, straw or lime to effectively eliminate any problem odor.
G. All dogs within any kennel or kennel-like operation shall be appropriately licensed and appropriate medical treatment records for each dog shall be kept available at all times which records shall include the history of all lawfully required shots for disease control.
H. The City of Summersville by any authorized agent, servant or employee shall have the right to investigate and inspect any kennel or kennel-like operation wherever kept within the City limits and said City shall have the right, in the City's sole discretion, to authorize a 24 hour period for any kennel or kennel-like operation to remedy any unlawful condition without penalty.
I. All owners or operators of a kennel or kennel-like operation shall pay an annual fee of Five Dollars ($5.00) per each dog which is at least six (6) months old or older. No owner or operator of a kennel or kennel-like operation may increase the number of dogs owned, maintained or boarded from that number for which the permit was obtained and fee paid without first making written application for a modification of their permit and paying such additional fee as may be required.
J. Each violation of any single regulation herein cited shall be subject to a $50.00 fine up to a maximum fine of $250.00 for any 24 hour period.
K. Repeated violations within any 60 day period shall result, for each subsequent violation of any single regulation hereinabove cited, in a fine of up to $100.00 to a maximum of $500.00 and, in the sole discretion of the City, revocation of kennel permits and registration and impoundment of all dogs, at the owner's or keeper's expense.
L. In the event any dogs are impounded under the provisions of this section, the City shall have the right to dispose of such impounded dogs in any humane manner. Any costs involved with the impounding and subsequent care, treatment or disposal of any dogs shall be assessed against the owner and/or keeper of said animals.
(3) This section shall apply to all current, or hereafter existing, kennel or kennel-like operations within the City limits.
(Ord. 9-27-99)