[Adopted 8-21-2007 by Ord. No. 4-07]
This article is adopted pursuant to the authority
granted by Chs. 95, 250 and 252, Wis. Stats., and Wisconsin Administrative
Code § DHS 145.05(1) and (2).
Medical science has established that a number
of small animals, including dogs, cats and ferrets, carry an infection
commonly referred to as "rabies" which can be transferred to humans.
This article is enacted as a public health measure to protect persons
from infection as a result of a dog, cat or ferret bite.
The following definitions apply throughout the
entire article. All other words not specifically defined in this article
shall be defined as set forth in any applicable State of Wisconsin
regulations, and if not defined otherwise the standard dictionary
definition of the word shall apply.
ANIMAL
Any of the order Mammalian, all of which are capable of being
infected with and transmitting rabies.
ANIMAL SHELTER
A public facility that is maintained by a government entity,
or a private facility providing contractual services to a government
entity, for the purpose of impounding or harboring animals.
BITE
The breaking, tearing or puncturing of the skin by the teeth
of an animal.
CAT
Any domestic feline animal (Felis catus).
CURRENTLY VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES
Describes an animal that has received a primary rabies vaccine,
or has received a booster vaccine, administered in accordance with
the current Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control prepared
and updated annually by the National Association of State Public Health
Veterinarians. Rabies vaccination must be performed by or under the
direct supervision of a veterinarian who is licensed or legally permitted
to practice veterinary medicine in the state.
DOG
Any domestic canine animal (Canis familiaris).
FERRET
Any domestic mustelidae animal (Mustela putorius furo).
HUMANE OFFICER
An officer appointed under § 173.03, Wis. Stats.
[§ 95.21(1)(a), Wis. Stats.]
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
The owner's spouse and dependents as defined for federal
income tax purposes.
ISOLATION
Confinement of an animal exposed or potentially exposed to
rabies.
ISOLATION FACILITY
A humane society shelter, veterinary hospital, or municipal
pound, or any other place specified by an officer which is equipped
with a pen or cage which isolates the animal from contact with other
animals. [§ 95.21(1)(am), Wis. Stats.]
NONBITE EXPOSURE
Saliva from an animal has come in contact with an open wound
or a mucous membrane.
OFFICER
A peace officer, local health officer, as defined in § 250.01(5),
Wis. Stats., humane officer, warden, an employee designated by the
County Board of Supervisors or other person designated by the governing
body of the County, city, village or town.
OWNER
A person who keeps, harbors, or has charge or control of
or permits any animal to habitually be or remain on, or be lodged
or fed within, his or her house, yard, or premises. This term shall
not apply to veterinarians or kennel operators who have temporary
custody, for a period of less than 60 days, of animals owned by others.
PEACE OFFICER
Has the meaning designated under § 939.22(22),
Wis. Stats. [§ 95.21(1)(d), Wis. Stats.]
QUARANTINE
The strict confinement of an animal in a manner which precludes
direct contact with other animals not concurrently in quarantine or
persons other that the owner or caretaker. The quarantine shall be
conducted under an order issued by the public health official or rabies
control authority designating the specific place, manner and provisions
of the quarantine.
RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITY
A government agency or person who or which is legally authorized
and responsible for enforcement of this article.
VETERINARIAN
Has the meaning designated under § 453.02(7), Wis.
Stats. [§ 95.21(1)(e), Wis. Stats.]
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Has the meaning designated under § 453.02(12),
Wis. Stats. [§ 95.21(1)(em), Wis. Stats.]
WARDEN
Has the meaning designated under § 24.01(11), Wis.
Stats. [§ 95.21(1)(f), Wis. Stats.]
Owners of dogs who are temporarily visiting
Price County with their dog(s) or who are exhibiting a dog in competition
must carry with them and be prepared, upon demand of a legal authority,
to present a current certificate of rabies vaccination for each dog.
No collecting official, as defined in § 174.065(1),
Wis. Stats., shall issue a dog license unless the owner of said dog
presents an unexpired certificate of rabies vaccination.
It shall be the duty of the Price County District
Attorney to prosecute violations of this article. The District Attorney
may also seek an injunction or other judicial process to enforce the
provisions of this article.
Rabies vaccinations may be recommended for animals
other than dogs for which a United States Department of Agriculture
licensed vaccine is available; however, a current vaccination history
may not eliminate the need for euthanasia and rabies testing if the
animal bites a human.
[Adopted 2-19-2008 by Ord. No. 1-08]
This article shall be known and cited as the
"Price County Animal Welfare and Control Ordinance."
The purpose of this article is to promote the
health, safety and general welfare of animals and the people around
them by requiring that animals be cared for in such a manner that
they will not become a public nuisance, requiring that animals be
properly fed, sheltered and cared for, requiring the removal of animal
defecation from public property and ensuring licensing and rabies
vaccination of all dogs in Price County.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONMENT (OF AN ANIMAL)
The act of any person who:
A.
Abandons an animal by leaving an animal unattended
for a period of time in excess of 24 hours without food, water, adequate
ventilation or shelter on public or private property, including but
not limited to the property of the owner/custodian;
B.
Puts out, leaves, abandons, or in any other
way discards any animal on public or private property, including but
not limited to the property of the owner/custodian, and including
but not limited to leaving an animal contained in a box, bag, fence,
house or other structure or tethered; or
C.
Places an animal in the custody of state-licensed
entity, such as but not limited to a veterinary clinic, grooming facility,
boarding facility, or pet sitter, for treatment, boarding, or other
care and fails to reclaim the animal by the agreed upon time.
ABUSED ANIMAL
Any animal that has been harmed by an act, an omission or
neglect, including but not limited to any animal that has been:
A.
Deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation,
care, space, or veterinary care.
B.
Physically harmed, tortured, mutilated, beaten,
or illegally killed.
C.
Trained/used for fighting other animals.
D.
Used to bait, to train/lure other animals to
fight/kill.
ADEQUATE
Sufficient; commensurate; equally efficient; equal to what
is required; suitable to the case or occasion; satisfactory.
ANIMAL
Any mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird (including all
fowl and poultry) or any animal commonly accepted as a part of the
animal kingdom. Animals shall be classified as follows:
A.
Domestic. "Domestic animals" shall mean those
animals as are habituated to live in or about the habitations of human
beings and which are kept, cared for, sheltered, fed or harbored for
use as a pet or as a source of food, raw materials, or income. Unless
otherwise defined, such animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds,
gerbils, hamsters, guineas pigs, domesticated rabbits, fish, nonpoisonous,
nonvenomous and nonconstricting reptiles or amphibians, members of
the equine family or bovine family, sheep, poultry, fowl, swine, goats,
bees, and other similar animals.
B.
Nondomestic. "Nondomestic animals" shall mean
those animals commonly considered to be naturally wild and not naturally
trained or domesticated or which are commonly considered to be inherently
dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of people. Unless otherwise
defined, such animals shall include:
(1)
Any member of the large cat family (family felidae),
including lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, leopards and jaguars, but
excluding commonly accepted domesticated house cats.
(2)
Any naturally wild member of the canine family
(family canidae), including wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, and jackals,
but excluding commonly accepted domesticated dogs.
(3)
Any crossbreeds such as the crossbreed between
a wolf and a dog, unless the crossbreed is commonly accepted as a
domesticated pet.
(4)
Any member or relative of the rodent family,
including any skunk (whether or not descented), raccoon, or ferret,
but excluding those ferret members otherwise defined or commonly accepted
as domesticated pets.
(5)
Any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently
dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian family, including rattlesnakes,
boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles and alligators.
ANIMAL BITE
Any physical contact of the teeth of the animal with human
flesh, including but not limited to a puncture, pierce, scratch or
tear.
ANIMAL BITE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Bites are classified alphanumerically. The alpha designation
indicates the victim, geographic location, and if the animal has bitten
previously. The numeric designation indicates severity, with one the
least severe and five the most severe.
A.
Section I – Victim.
|
H
|
=
|
Human
|
|
D
|
=
|
Other animal (domestic)
|
|
W
|
=
|
Other animal
|
B.
IIon II — Confined/Stray.
|
C
|
=
|
Confined at the time of the bite
|
|
S
|
=
|
Stray, roaming, off property, or not legally
restrained
|
C.
|
R
|
=
|
Repeat biter, previous information on file
|
|
O
|
=
|
No previous bites
|
D.
|
1.
|
Minor scratch
|
|
2.
|
Minor punctures (4 or fewer)
|
|
3.
|
Moderate puncture
|
|
4.
|
Severe puncture (4 or more), deep, may include
crushing or tears from shaking broken bones.
|
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
An individual authorized by local law or by Price County
to carry out the duties imposed in this article.
ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER
Those facilities designated by Price County for the housing
and care of animals pursuant in this article.
ANIMAL MILL
An individual or entity that keeps and/or breeds animals
in conditions where animals are frequently caged for extended periods
of time, do not receive adequate care, and/or are not kept in a environment
conducive to the health and well-being of the animals.
ATTACKING OR BITING ANIMAL
Any animal which poses a physical threat to human beings
or to other animals by virtue of an attack that caused property damage
and/or bodily harm. An animal shall not be an "attacking or biting
animal" within the meaning of this article if:
A.
It inflicts an injury upon a person when the
animal is being used by a law enforcement officer to carry out the
law enforcement officer's official duties.
B.
The injury inflicted by the animal was sustained
by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or
other tort; was tormenting, abusing or assaulting the animal; had
in the past been reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the
animal; or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
BEDDING (ADEQUATE)
Sufficient quantity of dry, noncontaminated, safe bedding,
which is appropriate to the animal's age, size, species, and breed
requirements.
BREEDER
A person or entity that owns an animal and allows it to reproduce,
whether planned or unplanned.
CARE (ADEQUATE/HUMANE)
Attention to the needs of an animal, including but not limited
to the provision of adequate water, food, shelter, bedding, sanitary
conditions, ventilation, heating/cooling (temperature control), space,
exercise, and veterinary medical attention necessary to maintain the
health of the animal with regard to the specific age, size and breed
of animal.
CONFINEMENT
Restriction of an animal to a home, basement, garage, building,
pen, or other escape-proof enclosure. Confinement by a rope, chain,
tether, fenced yard or other area accessible by other animals or persons,
other then the caretaker, is not considered confinement.
COST
Confiscation costs on dangerous dogs or vicious animals are
set by Price County and shall be paid by the owner to Price County.
DANGEROUS DOG
A.
Any dog that, according to the records of the
County, has without provocation either inflicted body harm on a human
being on public or private property or bitten, attacked or endangered
the safety of humans after the dog has previously bitten others. The
owner will be notified of such classification.
B.
A dog shall not be a dangerous dog within the
meaning of this article if:
(1)
The dog inflicts an injury upon a person when
the dog is being used by a law enforcement officer executing official
duties.
(2)
The injury inflicted by the dog was sustained
by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or
other tort; was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog; had in
the past been reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the
dog; or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
DEAD ANIMAL
A deceased domestic animal, including the carcass or parts
of a carcass.
DISPOSAL
A.
The sale of any live animal at public or private
sale, the giving or adopting of a live animal to an individual/entity,
or the transference of ownership of a live animal to Price County
or any licensed humane society, licensed rescue group or licensed
veterinarian.
B.
Appropriate burial or cremation of a dead animal
as directed in this article.
EFFLUENT
An outflow or discharge of waste.
EUTHANASIA
The legal act of putting animals to death using humane methods
approved by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection or at the discretion of law enforcement to end the suffering
of an animal.
EXERCISE (ADEQUATE)
Bodily exertion suitable to the age, size, species and breed
of animal to maintain normal good health, muscle tone, nonaggressive
temperament, and normal behavior.
FENCE
A structure of wire, wood, stone or other materials, including
invisible fencing, which is of sufficient height and strength to act
as a barrier against the passage of the animal it is intended to enclose.
A.
"Fence" does not include an invisible fence
if the fence is:
(1)
Turned off or the animal is not wearing a properly
operating signaling device;
(2)
Ineffective for any animal that has learned
it can cross the fence line;
(3)
Intended to be a means of keeping people or
animals out of an enclosed area; or
(4)
Buried in or adjacent to the County right-of-way.
B.
An invisible fence is not an acceptable means
of control for an animal that is classified as vicious or dangerous
or that is in estrus/heat.
FIGHTING ANIMAL/GAME ANIMAL
Any animal that has been bred and/or trained to:
A.
Exhibit aggressive qualities.
B.
Have no instinct to withdraw from a fight or
to display signs of submission.
C.
Fight to the point of complete exhaustion or
death with minimal provocation.
D.
Suppress the animal's instinct for self-preservation.
E.
Inflict maximum damage to the animal's opponents.
F.
Offer little or no indication that an attack
is imminent before attacking.
G.
Be ready/willing for combat and unyielding in
combat.
FOOD (ADEQUATE)
Sufficient quantity of noncontaminated and nutritionally
adequate food, fed according to age, size, species and breed requirements,
or as directed by a veterinarian, which is sufficient to prevent starvation,
malnutrition or risk to the animal's health. Garbage or spoiled/rancid
food is not considered adequate food.
GARBAGE
All refuse matter/effluent. "Garbage" includes but is not
limited to animal or vegetable refuse, by-product of a restaurant,
kitchen, or meat/poultry processing establishment, spoiled/rancid
food and refuse accumulation of animal, fruit, or vegetable matter,
liquid or otherwise (that is normally discarded). For the purpose
of this article commercial feed for any animal that is prepared with
vegetable or animal by-products is not part of this definition.
GRID
A manufactured type of wood, plastic, or wire flooring specifically
designed to be used in an area where an animal is housed.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
The Price County Health and Human Services or its authorized
representatives, which shall include officers of the Price County
Sheriff's Department.
HEALTH OFFICER
The Price County Director of Health or a duly designated
representative of the Price County Health and Human Services Department.
HOARDER
A person or entity that:
A.
Collects animals and fails to provide them with
humane/adequate care;
B.
Collects dead animals that are not properly
disposed of as required by this article; or
C.
Collects, houses, or harbors animals in filthy,
unsanitary conditions that constitute a health hazard to the animals
being kept and/or to the animals or residents of adjacent property.
IMPOUNDMENT
The taking into custody of an animal by Price County.
KENNEL
A.
Any premises where a person owns or engages in the business,
service or hobby of boarding, breeding, buying, selling, letting for
hire or trading more than 12 adult dogs per year solely on one premises
or a combination of premises.
B.
The breeding or selling of more than one litter, per owner or
business, per premises per year.
LICENSING AUTHORITY
The municipality (township, village or city treasurer) or
its delegated collecting agent.
LURE
An animal used to bait/teach/encourage another animal to
chase, fight or kill other animals.
NEGLECT
Absence of adequate care that is unintentional.
NEGLECT (WILLFUL)
The intentional withholding of adequate food, water and humane
care required by an animal to prevent starvation, dehydration, death,
or other harmful/debilitating conditions.
NUISANCE ANIMAL
Any animal that:
A.
Damages, soils, defiles, eliminates or defecates
on private property other than its owner's property or on public property;
B.
Causes unsanitary or offensive conditions or
otherwise endangers public health, welfare or safety;
C.
Has had repeated verified complaints to law
enforcement on noise disturbance because of barking;
D.
Repeatedly chases vehicles, bicycles, or people;
E.
Is in estrus and not confined in a manner which
can keep it away from intact males of the same species; or
F.
Causes serious annoyance to a neighboring residence
and interferes with the reasonable use and enjoyment of that property.
OWNER
Any person owning, possessing, harboring, keeping or having
custody or control of any animal subject to this article. This definition
is intended to embrace any person who is a custodian.
PRIMARY ENCLOSURE
Any structure or device used to restrict an animal to a limited
amount of space, such as a fence, building, room, pen, run, cage,
stall, paddock, or pasture that provides adequate space and shelter.
PROPER ENCLOSURE
An enclosure for keeping a dangerous dog or vicious animal
securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen,
fence, or structure suitable to prevent the entry of another animal
or any person other than the owner or caretaker. The enclosure must:
A.
Be designed to prevent the animal from escaping
and:
(1)
If the enclosure is a fence, the fence must
be high enough to keep the animal from climbing over and must be secured
at the bottom to keep the animal from digging under.
(2)
If the enclosure is a pen or structure other
than a fence, the pen or structure must have secure sides, top and
bottom constructed or secured in such a manner to prevent the animal's
escape and be of a height and strength to maintain the animal within
it.
B.
Provide adequate shelter.
C.
Provide adequate space for the animal.
PROVOKED ATTACK
An attack resulting when a domestic animal is placed in a
situation such that an expected reaction would be to bite or attack.
RELINQUISHED
Written transfer of ownership of an animal by the owner to
Price County.
RESCUE ANIMAL
A dog, cat, or other animal temporarily maintained by a licensed
rescue group until the animal can be placed in a permanent home.
RESCUE GROUP (LICENSED)
Any individual or entity that houses and cares for rescue
animals until permanent homes can be located and that maintains all
required federal, state and local licenses/registrations.
RESTRAINT OF ANIMAL
Complete and immediate control of an animal by a physical
device while under the direct supervision of a competent person.
RUNNING AT LARGE
Any domestic animal is considered to be running at large
if it is off the premises of its owner and not under control of the
owner or some other person.
SALE OF ANIMAL
The transfer of ownership of an animal through verbal or
written agreement to a new owner in exchange for money, goods, services,
or fees.
SANITARY CONDITIONS
Animal living space free from health hazards, irritants,
or conditions that may endanger or pose a significant risk to an animal's
health. In the case of farm animals, nothing in this section shall
be construed as imposing sanitation requirements or standards more
stringent than normally accepted animal husbandry and humane practices
as defined by this article and Wisconsin state law as regulated by
the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
SEVERE INJURY
Any physical injury resulting in any of the following:
C.
Lacerations, with or without sutures.
SHELTER (ADEQUATE)
Protective cover for a domestic animal appropriate for the
species and providing adequate space to maintain the animal in good
health, which also prevents pain, suffering or a significant risk
to the animal's health.
A.
Adequate shelter includes but is not limited
to the following:
(1)
Sufficient coverage and insulation (depending
on the breed) to protect an animal from extreme hot and cold temperatures;
(2)
Sufficient protection from the elements to keep
the animal dry;
(3)
Sufficient shade and ventilation to prevent
an animal from overheating and/or dehydrating; and
(4)
Adequate bedding or resting area suitable for
the breed, species, age, size, and medical condition of the animal.
B.
Adequate shelter is structurally sound housing
which provides an animal with:
(2)
Four solid walls, lean-tos or an igloo type
of structure depending on the breed of the animal;
(4)
A dry floor that is either:
(b)
Grids, provided that the animal can easily stand,
walk, lay and sit on the grids without its feet or body parts being
caught, damaged, or injured. The grids and area under the grids must
be designed so that they can be cleaned and sanitized;
(6)
Adequate space for the number of animals on
the property.
C.
Materials not suitable for shelters include
but are not limited to:
(1)
Inadequately insulated containers;
(2)
Crates with exposed sharp edges;
(4)
Abandoned or parked vehicles;
(6)
Any other structure that fails to provide sufficient
protection from the elements; and
(7)
Any other structure that is not safe or suitable
for housing the species.
SPACE (ADEQUATE)
A.
Sufficient safe space for adequate exercise
suitable to the age, size, species and breed of animal;
B.
Sufficient space during periods of confinement,
suitable to the age, size, species and breed of animal, to permit
the animal to turn about freely, stand, sit, or lie, move, etc., in
a comfortable and normal position; or
C.
For sick or injured animals, confinement as
directed by a veterinarian.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL (ADEQUATE)
Maintaining temperatures recommended for animals by the Department
of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection guidelines for shelters
and farm animals. Temperature does not necessarily mean heated buildings
or air-conditioned buildings. Temperature should be appropriate for
the breed of animal.
TETHER
Any chain, rope, leash, tie out or wire designed to restrain
an animal which is attached to an animal's collar or halter and is
also attached to a stationary object. Acceptable temporary tethers
include an appropriate size chain, leash, rope or other tethering
device that is of adequate length to satisfy the space and exercise
requirements for the animal. Tethering devices, as referred to in
this article, are the type commonly used for the size animal involved
and are attached to the animal by means of a properly fitted collar
or harness with a swivel attachment to prevent entanglement. The animal
should have sufficient space to exercise at least 10 feet in diameter.
UNSANITARY CONDITIONS
Animal living space, including shelter and exercise area,
contaminated by health hazards, irritants, items or conditions that
endanger or pose a risk to an animal's health, including but not limited
to:
B.
Garbage, trash or effluent;
C.
Standing water or mud (this is not the usual
spring mud unless other conditions exist);
D.
Rancid/contaminated food or water;
E.
Fumes, foul or noxious odors, contaminated air,
hazardous chemicals or poisons;
F.
Decaying materials (this does not include dry
bedding appropriate for the breed);
G.
Uncontrolled parasite or rodent infestation;
and
H.
Areas that contain nails, screws, broken glass,
broken boards, pits, poisons, sharp implements or other items that
could cause injury, illness or death to an animal.
VETERINARIAN
A doctor of veterinary medicine licensed to diagnose and
treat diseases and injuries in animals.
VETERINARY CARE (ADEQUATE)
Medical care of an animal from or under the direction of
a licensed veterinarian and necessary to maintain the health of an
animal based on the age, species, breed, etc., of the animal or to
prevent an animal from suffering from ongoing infections, infestation
of parasites, disease, or any other medical condition/injury where
withholding or neglecting to provide such care would:
A.
Endanger the health or welfare of the animal;
or
B.
Promote the spread of communicable diseases.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
A.
Any animal which:
(1)
Constitutes a physical threat to human beings
or other animals by virtue of an attack of such severity or intensity
as to cause severe property or physical damage;
(2)
Makes an unprovoked attack on animals or on
human beings; or
(3)
Intentionally attacks physical property in an
effort to cause harm to a human or other animal.
B.
An animal shall not be a vicious animal within
the meaning of this article if:
(1)
It inflicts an injury upon a person when the
animal is being used by a law enforcement officer carrying out official
duties; or
(2)
The injury inflicted by the animal was sustained
by a person who was committing a willful trespass or other tort; was
tormenting, abusing or assaulting the animal; had in the past been
reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the animal; or was
committing or attempting to commit a crime.
WATER (ADEQUATE)
Clean, fresh water sufficient to prevent dehydration, properly
sustain health, and prevent significant risk to the animal's health.
For the purposes of this article, snow, ice or rancid/contaminated
water is not considered adequate water. The use of baited water in
the winter is an acceptable practice.
It is required that all owners of a dog more
than four months of age on January 1 of any year or four months of
age within the license year shall annually, or on or before the date
the dog becomes four months of age, pay the dog license tax and obtain
a license. As part of the requirement of obtaining a dog license the
owner of a dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian
within 30 days after the dog reaches four months of age and revaccinated
within one year after the initial vaccination. If the owner obtains
the dog or brings the dog into Price County after the dog has reached
four months of age, the owner shall have the dog vaccinated against
rabies within 30 days after the dog is obtained or brought into the
County, unless the dog has been vaccinated as evidenced by a current
certificate of rabies vaccination from another county within this
state or another state. The owner of a dog shall have the dog revaccinated
against rabies by a veterinarian before the date that the immunization
expires as stated on the certificate of vaccination or, if no date
is specified, within three years after the previous vaccination.
It shall be unlawful to interfere with any animal
control officer/law enforcement officer by taking or attempting to
take any animal from any vehicle used to transport such animal, or
by taking or attempting to take any animal from the animal control
impounding areas, or by any other method which would block or hinder
any officer referred to in this section from performing his duties.
When, in the opinion of the Health Officer or
veterinarian, an animal in the custody of Price County is:
A. Diseased or injured and in need of immediate treatment
so as to lessen the animal's suffering or to prevent the spread of
communicable disease, the Health Officer or designee shall immediately
obtain the services of or place the animal with a licensed veterinarian
for the purpose of administering necessary treatment.
B. Suffering needlessly due to a life-threatening disease
or injury, and a licensed veterinarian recommends euthanasia as the
most humane course of action, and the Health Officer or designee agrees
that the best interest of the animal would be served by euthanizing
the animal, then the animal shall be humanely euthanized regardless
of whether or not the normally required impoundment period has expired.
The owner of any animal shall be in violation of this article if the animal exhibits any behavior or engages in any activity as defined in the definition of "nuisance animal" in §
223-19.
Any person having information that an animal
has bitten or attacked a person shall immediately report such information
to the Price County Sheriff's Department or the Price County Health
and Human Services Department.
It shall be unlawful to purchase, sell, own,
possess, harbor or breed skunks, foxes, prairie dogs, raccoons, coyotes,
wolves, hybrid wolves, any hybrid animal that is part wild animal,
exotic cats or any other wildlife unless licensed by the respective
federal or state department of agriculture to possess such animal.
European ferrets, Mustela putorius furo, may be sold, purchased, exhibited, or held as pets, provided that the ferret owner can provide valid documentation that the ferret was sexually spayed or neutered prior to seven months of age and is vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with a properly administered vaccine approved for use on ferrets by the United States Department of Agriculture. See Article
I, Rabies Control, of this chapter.
No person shall, for the purpose of any exhibition/occurrence
of animal fighting, training for animal fighting, or training of animals
to display aggressive behavior:
A. Build, make, maintain, or keep a pit or other animal
fighting arena or area, whether permanent or portable, on premises
owned or occupied by him;
B. Allow a pit or other animal fighting arena or area,
whether permanent or portable, to be built, made, maintained, or kept
on his premises; or
C. Build, make, maintain, or keep a pit or other animal
fighting arena or area, whether permanent or portable, on public or
private property.
No person shall possess, use, sell, give, trade,
or loan apparatus, paraphernalia, pit supplies, implements, programs,
drugs or equipment used to train or condition animals to be aggressive,
aggressive animals, game animals, or animals used to train other animals
to be aggressive.
Any person shall be in violation of this article
who:
A. Leaves an animal in a parked vehicle when temperatures
inside the vehicle may adversely affect the animal's health and welfare.
When the conditions inside a parked vehicle constitute an imminent
threat to the animal's health or safety, any animal left in a parked
vehicle may be removed from that vehicle by any law enforcement agency
or a designee of the Price County Health and Human Services Department.
B. Leaves an animal in any vehicle where it must stand,
sit or lie on extremely hot or cold surfaces, including but not limited
to truck beds.
Any animal that has not received humane care, which has been subjected to cruelty in violation of 223-33, or that is used or intended for use in any violation of §§
223-33 through
223-39 shall be immediately impounded by the Price County Sheriff's Department, the Price County Health and Human Services Department or their designee.
This article will be enforced by the Price County
Sheriff's Department and the Price County Health and Human Services
Department or their designee.
Anyone causing, creating or maintaining a violation of this article shall be subject to a forfeiture as provided in Chapter
290 of the County Code, together with the cost of prosecution.