(A) No owner or keeper shall fail to provide his or her animal(s) with good and wholesome food, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, and humane care and treatment. At all times, the owner or keeper shall provide his or her animal(s) with water, adequate shelter and protection from the weather.
(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 a weight which will cause burden to the animal; be no less than ten feet in length, and have swivels on both ends. An owner or keeper 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 the owner or keeper shall not allow the animal to stand in the animal’s feces and/or urine for prolonged periods. The enclosure shall be free of objects or contaminants which are likely to cause injury to, 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 his or her direct control by restraint or voice command, to intimidate, harass, or worry another animal which is upon its owner’s or keeper’s property.
(D) No owner or keeper shall abandon an animal, abandonment consisting of leaving the animal for a period in excess of 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 Woodford County Animal Control Shelter. The animal, if taken from private property, shall be kept at the Animal Control Shelter until either relinquished by the owner or keeper, or custody of the animal is determined by judicial process.
(Ord. 2-96, passed 6-25-1996; Am. Ord. 2018-01, passed 3-27-2018) Penalty, see § 90.99