(A) Kennel Fees: Any person conducting, operating or maintaining a "kennel" as herein defined shall pay to the city of Twin Falls, for the privilege of conducting, operating or maintaining such kennel an annual license fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00). All license fees are renewable each year on March 1, and a license may be obtained for a fraction of a year, but the fee shall remain the same for any fraction of a year.
(B) Qualifications For Issuance Of Kennel License:
1. Permit: A kennel must have a current valid kennel license, obtained by application; approved through the code enforcement officer and subsequently inspected by a Twin Falls animal control officer. Such kenneling permits are required to be displayed and readily available for inspection by any authorized person.
2. Residentially Zoned Areas: No person shall harbor or possess more than four (4) dogs and four (4) cats within residential zones within the city of Twin Falls. Kennels shall be permitted only in commercial or industrial zones within the city of Twin Falls.
3. Records: A kennel record must be kept available for inspection. Such record to show: the name, current address, and telephone number of the owner of the dog/cat, the date entered the kennel, the reason for its being in the kennel, i.e., for boarding, sale, breeding, grooming, etc., the description of the dog/cat (age, breed, sex, color, etc.). On any dog/cat over four (4) months of age, a current valid rabies certificate shall be maintained as a part of this record, as long as the dog/cat is maintained in the kennel.
4. Purpose: The basic intent of these regulations is to see that all animals receive proper care, that they are being treated kindly, properly fed, and that their surroundings are being kept in a sanitary condition.
5. Animal Rooms; Dogs: Cage length and width shall exceed the animal's length from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose by at least six inches (6"). Cage height shall exceed the animal's height by at least four inches (4"). Small puppies may be caged together using their combined length according to the above formula. Cages shall be so constructed and be of nonporous material and such that is to be maintained in a sanitary condition. Animals shall be removed from and be provided with an exercise yard for their use for such periods as determined by the size, age, and condition of the animal. Diseased animals must be maintained apart from healthy animals in suitable and separate quarters.
(a) General: Walls and floors shall be of material easily cleaned and kept in a sanitary condition. The room shall be properly screened, insect and vermin proof. It shall be properly ventilated to prevent drafts and remove odors. Heating and cooling should be provided as required, with sufficient light (preferably natural) to allow observation of animals, and sanitation.
6. Animal Rooms; Cats: Similar to dogs except allowance for increased respiratory disease and increased climbing agility. (Cages need roofs and sneeze barriers.) Cat kennels should have a double door system to prevent escape. Runs should not be built facing each other as cats become anxious when in view of other cats. Cat cages should be of correct size, contain a cat bed, toys, water and food bowls, and litter trays.
7. Outdoor Facilities: Outdoor facilities shall be provided with windbreaks, roofing, and shelter adequate to protect the animals from the weather. They shall be adequately drained and maintained in a sanitary manner. Adequate and sanitary means of disposing of droppings shall be provided. Kennel runs shall have a minimum free and clear area of ten (10) square feet per dog. Indoor shelter, except where animals are caged, shall have a minimum of six (6) square feet per dog. When the minimum area is provided it should be supplemented with exercise yards for dogs which are maintained for extended periods. For purposes of this subsection, an "exercise yard" is defined as an area enclosed by a fence of at least six feet (6') in height wherein dogs are allowed to run and exercise. Unless otherwise authorized, fencing shall be constructed of commercial chainlink, carried on solid posts set in concrete. Suggested minimums for fencing include 11-gauge wire, two inch (2") steel posts set on no greater than ten foot (10') spans. Kennels shall not be left unattended for a period in excess of twenty four (24) hours. All animals shall be supplied with sufficient good and wholesome food and fresh water as the feeding habits of such animals require.
8. Sick Animals: Sick animals shall be separated from those appearing healthy and normal. Sick animals shall be removed from display or sale and kept in isolation quarters with adequate ventilation to keep from contaminating well animals.
9. Sale Of Animals; Open Store Hours: If the operation of the kennel includes the sale of animals, then there shall be an employee or owner on duty at all times during the hours any store is open whose responsibility in that shop or department shall be the care and welfare of the animals held for sale or display.
10. Sale Of Animals; Closed Store Hours: If the operation of the kennel includes the sale of animals, then an employee or owner shall come in to feed, water and do necessary cleaning of animals on days the store or shop is closed.
11. Selling Sick Or Injured Animals Prohibited: No person, persons, association, firm or corporation shall knowingly sell a sick or injured dog or cat.
12. Misrepresentation Prohibited: No person, persons, association, firm or corporation shall knowingly misrepresent a dog or cat to a customer in any way.
(C) Revocation Of License:
1. The animal control officer may recommend to the code enforcement officer the revocation of any kennel license upon evidence that any of the conditions set forth in this chapter as a prerequisite to the issuance of a license have been violated.
2. All areas of kennel runs, yards, food storage, and auxiliary buildings shall be subject to inspection of authorized persons. The code enforcement officer or designee, animal control officer or authorized city official, fire department and the police may at reasonable hours, inspect or cause to be inspected, any structure or premises and issue any such order as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section and to enforce state statutes pertaining to neglected or abused animals. An emergency name, address, and phone number must be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property for use by authorized persons.
3. The code enforcement officer may revoke any kennel license issued under this chapter for violation of any of the provisions of this code or ordinance of the city or laws of the state of Idaho. Prior to revocation by the code enforcement officer, the animal control officer or administrator shall notify the applicant in writing, setting forth specifically the grounds of the complaint and the time and place of the hearing. Such notice shall be personally served upon the licensee, or mailed postage prepaid to the licensee at his/her last known address at least three (3) days prior to the date set for the hearing.
(D) Appeal Of Code Enforcement Officer's Decision: If the applicant is aggrieved by the decision of the code enforcement officer, the applicant may appeal such decision to the city council within fifteen (15) days of notice of the decision of the code enforcement officer. The applicant must, in writing, appeal to the city council and set forth the reasons therefor why the applicant should not be denied a license. The city council shall set the time and place for a hearing a reasonable period of time subsequent to applicant's written notice of appeal. Notice of such hearing shall be personally served upon the applicant, or mailed postage prepaid to the applicant at his/her last known address, at least three (3) days prior to the date of the hearing. The order of the city council shall be final. (Ord. 3085, 1-5-2015)