(A) No person (owner or keeper) shall fail to provide his or her animal(s) with sufficient, wholesome and nutritious food, water in sufficient quantities, proper air, shelter, space and protection from the weather, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering and humane care and treatment.
(B) If any animal, including, but not limited to dogs, and excluding fowl, is to be tethered, by a chain, cable tie-out, or similar restraint, the tether shall be attached to a properly fitting collar/harness designed to be a holding device. The tether and collar shall be of a weight and material appropriate for the species, breed, condition, and size of the animal; cannot be of weight which will cause burden to the animal; be no less than ten (10) feet in length and have swivels on both ends. An owner shall not wrap a tether directly around an animal's neck, and, the tether shall be attached to a fixed immobile point that allows freedom of movement, while withstanding the force necessary to restrain the animal. The area around the tethered animal shall be free of objects which could become tangled in the tether. If an animal is to be kept in an enclosure, the enclosure shall allow for freedom of movement, unless restricted by a veterinarian, and not allow the animal to stand in their feces and/or urine for prolonged periods. The enclosure shall be free of objects or contaminants which are likely to cause injury or be detrimental to the health of the animal, including, but not limited to, rusty or jagged metal objects, broken glass, or harmful chemicals solvents or agents.
(C) No person shall beat, cruelly treat, torment, overload, overwork, or otherwise chase any animal, or cause or permit any fight or other combat between animals. No person shall allow an animal, under their direct control by restraint or voice command, to intimidate, harass, or worry another animal which is upon its own property.
(D) No owner or keeper shall abandon an animal, abandonment consisting of leaving the animal for a period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours without providing for someone to feed, water and check on the animal's condition. In the event that an animal is found so abandoned, the animal may be taken by the Dog Warden, animal control officer or any peace officer and impounded in the animal shelter. The animal, if taken from private property, shall be kept at the Animal Control facility until either relinquished by the owner or keeper, or custody of the animal is determined by judicial process.
(E) This chapter does not preclude appropriate authorities or individuals from filing criminal charges under KRS 525.125 or KRS 525.130, statutes which relate to cruelty to animals.
(Ord. 2018-20, passed 7-3-18)