[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ledgeview 7-21-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-023.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 7, Animals, which consisted of Art. I, Dogs, adopted 1-2-1979, as amended.
A. 
The following regulations shall apply to all animals as defined in this chapter found within the Town of Ledgeview, subject to the exceptions listed within this chapter.
B. 
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a regulatory means for the keeping of animals in the Town of Ledgeview, subject to reasonable restrictions, which will preserve the public health, safety, and welfare.
[2-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-03]
As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ADEQUATE CARE
Care of an animal to include, but not be limited to, a clean, safe shelter that provides protection from the weather, sufficient heat and ventilation, wholesome food and water, and exercise consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal's size, species and breed.
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY
The person or persons designated by the Town of Ledgeview to enforce this chapter including the Humane Officer.
AT LARGE
An animal shall be deemed to be at large when off the property of the owner and not under restraint or control.
AT-RISK ANIMAL
An animal that:
A. 
Is found to menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive behavior, or otherwise threaten or endanger the safety of any person;
B. 
Causes physical injury to any domestic animal while at large; or
C. 
Repeatedly runs at large.
CRUELTY
An overt act committed with the intent to harm or needlessly kill an animal, or committed out of depraved indifference for the animal's well-being, including but not limited to, torture, maiming, beating or otherwise committing violence that causes injury or death.
DANGEROUS (VICIOUS) ANIMAL
Any animal that:
A. 
Without justification attacks a person or domestic animal causing physical injury or death; or
B. 
Behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of serious injury or death to one or more persons or domestic animals; or
C. 
Is used for dog fighting or other illegal activity; or
D. 
Escalates behavior that caused it to be adjudicated as an at-risk animal.
DOG
Any canine five months older or older.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
Any animal that has been bred or raised to live in or about the habitation of humans and is dependent on people for food and shelter, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, turtles, and the like.
ENCLOSURE
A fence or structure suitable to prevent the escape of the animal or the entry of young children.
EXOTIC ANIMAL
An animal of a nondomesticated species not commonly kept as a household pet or for food and fiber production. Exotic animals may or may not be native to the area and may or may not be governed by existing wildlife regulations.
KENNEL
A facility serving as temporary or permanent housing for dogs and maintained for the purpose of breeding, selling, training or boarding dogs. A kennel can be maintained within a household premises or may occupy a different property and may be operated as a hobby or business.
MENACING FASHION
Demonstrating an intent or desire to cause injury by one or more of the following actions:
A. 
An attempt to bite or claw a person or another animal in such a fashion to show plainly to a reasonable person an unfriendly intent and put them in fear of attack; or
B. 
Growling or barking in an unfriendly manner while approaching or chasing a person or another animal; or
C. 
Growling or barking in an unfriendly manner while making physical contact with a person or another animal.
NEGLECT
An overt act involving failure to provide for an animal's health or safety, including but not limited to failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, exercise or necessary veterinary care to an animal or to adequately confine an animal in a manner appropriate to its species, breed, age and condition.
OWNER
A person having the right of property or custody of an animal or who keeps or harbors an animal or knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied, owned or controlled by that person.
PERSON
Any owner, person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind.
POSSESS
To own, keep, harbor, bring into the Town, act as a custodian, or have custody or control of an animal.
PROVOKED
Any attack by an animal or physical injury caused by an animal shall be considered provoked if at the time the attack occurs or the injury is inflicted:
A. 
The person who was attacked or injured was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the animal; or
B. 
The animal was protecting a person, itself, its young or another animal from an attack by a human being or another animal; or
C. 
The person who was attacked or injured was committing a crime on the property of the animal's owner or caretaker.
PUPPY
Any canine under the age of five moths old.
RESTRAINT
An animal shall be considered under restraint if it is confined within the real property limits of its owner, is secured by a leash or lead or is otherwise under the control of a responsible person, or is confined within a vehicle in a manner that prevents escape.
VACCINATION
The inoculation of an animal against rabies in accordance with state law and the "Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control" published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and published annually in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
WILD ANIMAL
Any animal, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians of a wild nature, that is normally found in the wild and which is not a domestic animal.
The animals described in § 7-4, whether bred in the wild or in captivity, and any or all hybrids of same, shall be defined as "exotic animals" pursuant to the Town of Ledgeview Code of Ordinances. Except as specifically noted, no person shall possess any exotic animal in the Town of Ledgeview. The animals listed in parentheses are intended to act as examples and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list or limit the generality of each group of animals, unless otherwise specified. The following list is subject to change and may be updated at any time.
[Amended 10-6-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-006]
Class Mammalia
Order Chiroptera (any bat species) excluding those in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Order Artiodactyla (hippopotamuses, giraffes); excludes domestic cattle, swine, sheep, goats, alpaca, and llama, buffalo, and bison
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae (lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, ocelots, servals), excluding domestic cats, which shall be permitted
Family Canidae ( wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals), excluding domestic dogs, which shall be permitted, and excluding foxes in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Family Ursidae (all bears)
Family Mustelidae (weasels, skunks, martins, minks), excluding ferrets
Family Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis) excluding racoons in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Family Hyaenidae (hyenas)
Family Viverridae (civets, genets, mongooses)
Order Edentatia (anteaters, armadillos, sloths)
Order Lagmorpha
Family Leporidae (hares, pikas, rabbits), excluding domestic rabbits, which shall be permitted, and eastern cotton tail rabbits in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Order Marsupialia (opossums, kangaroos, wallabies, sugar gliders) excluding opossums in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Order Perissodactyla (rhinoceroses, tapirs), excluding horses, donkeys, mules
Order Primates (lemurs, monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas)
Order Proboscidae (elephants)
Order Rodentia (squirrels, beavers, porcupines, prairie dogs), excluding guineas pigs, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, which shall be permitted, and excluding squirrels, chipmunks, or flying squirrels in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Helodermatidae (gila monsters and Mexican beaded lizards)
Family Varanidae (any monitor which will normally grow over two feet in length)
Family Iguanaidae excluding green iguanas and rock iguanas, which shall be permitted
Family Boidae (all species whose adult length may exceed eight feet)
Family Colubridae (boomslangs and African twig snakes)
Family Elapidae (coral snakes, cobras, mambas)
Family Nactricidae, excluding keelback snakes, which shall be permitted
Family Viperidae (copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes)
Order Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gavials)
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes (eagles, hawks, vultures) excluding birds used for hunting by those lawfully permitted by the Wisconsin DNR as a Falconer of any class (Apprentice, General, Master) OR a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program
Order Rheiformes (rheas)
Order Casuariiformes (cassowaries)
Order Strigiformes (owls) excluding those in the care of a wildlife rehabber that is licensed or subpermitted by one or more of the following: USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, Wisconsin DNR or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary R-Paws Program. Maximum possession would be 180 calendar days unless otherwise approved
Class Arachnida
Order Scorpiones, Family Buthidae
Arabian fat-tailed scorpion—Androctonus crassicauda
Arizona centruroides scorpion—Centruroides exilicauda
Death Stalker—Leiurus quinquestriatus
Egyptian yellow scorpion—Androctonus amoreuxi
Israeli black scorpion—hottentotta judaicus
S. A. giant fat-tailed scorpion—Parabuthus transvaalicus
Sinai desert scorpion—Androctonus bicolor
Yellow desert scorpion—Androctonus Australia
Order Araneae, Family Therididae
Argentina red widow spider
Brown widow spider—Latrodectus geometricus
Red-black widow spider—Latrodectus hasselti
Red-widow spider—Latrodectus bishopi
Southern black widow spider—Latrodectus mactans
Western widow spider—Latrodectus Hesperus
Class Chilopoda
Order Scolopendromorpha, Family Scolopendridae
Amazon giant banded centipede—Scolopendra giganea
Arizona tiger centipede—Scolopendra viridis
Florida Keys centipede—Scolopendra alternans
A. 
The keeping of fowl, including pigeons, in other than an approved coop, aviary or loft as described herein, is prohibited. "Pigeons" shall be defined to include racing pigeons, fancy pigeons and sporting pigeons.
B. 
All coops, aviaries and lofts shall be kept and maintained in such a way that they are kept clean and free from filth, garbage and other substances which attract rodents or other vermin. No coops, aviaries or lofts shall be maintained or operated in any manner which violates any Town building code.
C. 
Building designs. Aviaries, coops or lofts shall be completely enclosed with wire netting or equivalent material that will prevent the fowl from escaping the confines of the structure. Structures shall not exceed 200 square feet in size and shall be of such a design as to conform with the symmetry of the existing principal structures on the lot and shall be sided in similar fashion to the principal structure on the property. All aviaries and housing of pigeons shall be elevated a minimum of six inches and a maximum of 12 inches above the grade to ensure a freeway beneath the aviary. Further, the aviary shall rest upon and be anchored to a foundation or piers made of concrete or other suitable foundation material. No aviary may exceed 12 feet in height. The property upon which the fowl are kept shall have established a principal use conforming with the zoning district.
§ 7-6.1. 
     Licensing of dogs; rabies vaccinations.
[Amended 2-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-03; 10-6-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-006
A. 
All dogs over the age of five months must be individually licensed unless they are:
(1) 
Residents of the jurisdiction for less than 60 days;
(2) 
Residents of a veterinary clinic, research facility, animal shelter or impoundment facility; or
(3) 
Residents of a permitted kennel.
B. 
All dogs over the age of five months must be vaccinated for rabies, and a copy of the vaccination certificate must be presented with the license application.
C. 
Rabies vaccinations must be given by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with state law and the compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
D. 
Dog license fees will be set by the governing jurisdiction in which the dog is kept.
§ 7-6.2. 
     Limitation on number of dogs per residential lot.
[Amended 2-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-03]
A. 
No person shall own, harbor or keep more than three dogs at any residence, with the exception of a litter of puppies or a portion of a litter, which may be kept for a period not exceeding 10 weeks from birth.
B. 
The keeping of more than three dogs other than litters as described above shall require a conditional use permit, which may be granted by the Town Board. Any owner who owns, harbors or keeps more than three dogs is presumed to be operating a dog kennel and shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 135, Zoning.
§ 7-6.3. 
     Confinement.
A. 
Dogs must be securely confined, restrained, leashed or under control of an owner.
§ 7-6.4. 
     Nuisance dogs.
A. 
Owners shall prevent dogs from causing a nuisance by barking, howling or yelping in a habitual, consistent or persistent manner that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood.
B. 
Nuisances include but are not limited to frequent running at large, chasing cars, excessive noise or yelping, soiling of public property or of private property not owned or rented by the pet owner, and noxious odors or unsanitary conditions caused by failure to clean the dog's resident property.
C. 
Owners must remove feces deposited by their dogs on public property, public and private rights-of-way, and private property not owned or rented by the animal owner and prevent pets from spraying or depositing urine on lawns and landscaping that causes damage to grasses, flowers, shrubs, etc.
D. 
The animal control authority shall investigate each complaint and issue a warning letter to the dog owner on the first offense. A citation may be issued on subsequent offenses.
§ 7-6.5. 
     Restrictions on keeping dogs.
It shall be unlawful for any person in the Town of Ledgeview to own, harbor or keep any dog which:
A. 
Is deemed dangerous or vicious; or
B. 
Habitually pursues any vehicle upon any public street, alley, or highway of the Town; or
C. 
Assaults or attacks any person or animal; or
D. 
Is at large; or
E. 
Habitually barks or howls to the annoyance of any person or persons; or
F. 
Kills, wounds, or acts in menacing fashion toward any animals; or
G. 
Is known by such person to be infected with rabies or to have been bitten by an animal known to have been infected with rabies.
H. 
Exceeds the allowed number of dogs by this chapter or as specified in a conditional use permit for a kennel.
[Added 2-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-03]
§ 7-6.6. 
     Duty of owners in cases of dog bite.
[Amended 10-6-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-006]
Every owner, or person harboring or keeping a dog, who knows that such dog has bitten any person shall immediately report such fact to the Humane Officer and shall keep such dog confined for not less than 14 days or for such period of time as the Humane Officer shall direct. The owner or keeper of any such dog shall surrender the dog to the Humane Officer or any police officer upon demand for examination.
§ 7-7.1. 
     At-risk animals.
A. 
Procedure for classifying an animal as "at risk":
(1) 
The constable or his representative or the animal control authority shall investigate the circumstances of any complaint filed against an animal alleged to be at risk and notify the owner of the charge.
(2) 
The constable or his representative or the animal control authority shall have discretionary authority to refrain from classifying an animal as an at-risk animal if it can be determined that the behavior was:
(a) 
The result of the victim abusing or tormenting the animal; or
(b) 
Was directed towards a trespasser or a person committing or attempting to commit a crime; or
(c) 
Involved other similar mitigating or extenuating circumstances.
B. 
Sanctions for owning an at-risk animal. The owner must provide secure fencing or other appropriate secure enclosure to keep the animal confined on his own property. When off the owner's property, the animal must be kept on a secure leash of no more than four feet in length or in a fully secure traveling container and under control of a legally responsible person.
C. 
Repeated violations. Repeated violations that would earn an at-risk designation will result in classification of the animal as dangerous.
D. 
In the case of canines, if there have been no further incidents for a period of 18 months, and the owner can provide to the constable or his representative proof of successful completion of obedience training at a reputable club or business, the designation may be removed.
§ 7-7.2. 
     Dangerous animals.
[Amended 10-6-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-006]
A. 
A dangerous animal is one that:
(1) 
Has previously been classified as at risk and exhibits escalating aggressive behaviors that result in further complaints; or
(2) 
An animal that, without provocation, inflicts severe injury on a human being; or
(3) 
Menaces, maims or kills domestic animals when off its owner's property; or
(4) 
Is used in the commission of a crime, including but not limited to animal fighting, menacing or guarding illegal operations.
B. 
Notwithstanding the above, the Animal Control Authority shall have discretionary authority to refrain from filing charges against the animal or animal owner, even if the animal has engaged in the specified behaviors, if it can be determined that the behavior was the result of the victim abusing or tormenting the animal, was directed toward a trespasser or a person committing or attempting to commit a crime or involved other similar mitigating or extenuating circumstances.
C. 
No person owning, harboring or having the care of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog may suffer or permit such dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless the dog is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length. No person may permit a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog to be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash. The dangerous or potentially dangerous dog may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts and buildings. A dangerous or potentially dangerous dog on a leash outside the dog's kennel shall be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent the dog from biting persons or other animals. A dangerous or potentially dangerous dog shall not be required to be muzzled when shown either in a sanctioned American Kennel Club show or upon prior approval of the Town Humane Officer.
D. 
All dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, except when leashed and muzzled as provided in § 7-7.2E. The pen, kennel or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top attached to all sides. A structure used to confine a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog shall be locked with a key or combination lock when the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog is within the structure. The structure shall have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen, or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet. All structures erected to house dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs shall comply with all zoning and building regulations of the Town. All structures shall be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
E. 
No dangerous or potentially dangerous dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog to exit the building on its volition. No dangerous or potentially dangerous dog may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
F. 
No dangerous or potentially dangerous dog may be kept within any portion of any multiple building.
G. 
All owners, keepers or harborers of dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words "Beware of Dog." A similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of the dog.
H. 
All owners, keepers or harborer of dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs may be required to provide proof to the Town Humane Officer or Law Enforcement Officer of public liability insurance. The Town may be required to be listed as an additional insured. This section does not apply to dogs kept by law enforcement agencies.
I. 
The Town Humane Officer shall investigate every dog complaint and make a determination as to whether or not such dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous as defined in § 7-7.2A(1) through (4). In the event the Town Animal Control/Humane Officer makes a determination that a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous, he shall inform the owner, keeper or harborer of such dog and provide such person with a copy of this chapter.
J. 
Any person aggrieved by the determination of the Town Humane Officer as provided in § 7-7.2I, may appeal such determination by submitting a written appeal to the Board within 10 days of such determination. The owner, keeper, or harborer of a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog shall comply with all provisions of this section while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.
K. 
Within 10 days of the determination that a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous, as provided in § 7-7.2I, the owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog shall either comply with all provisions of this chapter or dispose of such dog, or the owner shall comply awaiting appeal.
L. 
Any dangerous or potentially dangerous dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal may be ordered destroyed by a police officer or Town Humane Officer when, in the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog represents a continuing threat of serious harm to human beings or domestic animals.
A. 
No person, owner, or custodian shall permit any animal (including fowl) to be at large within the Town.
B. 
No person, owner, or custodian shall permit any animal (including fowl) to be left unattended within five feet of a public right-of-way. Such public rights-of-way include, but are not limited to, sidewalks, streets, alleys, and parking lots.
C. 
Animal owners must provide adequate care for animals in their keeping. Adequate care includes but is not limited to a clean, safe shelter that provides protection from the weather, sufficient heat and ventilation, wholesome food and water and exercise consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal's size, species and breed.
D. 
A constable or his representative shall impound cattle, horses, sheep, swine and other animals at large on the highways in violation of the Town ordinance.
A. 
Any person, firm or corporation, or agent, employee, or contractor of such, which violates, destroys, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with, or who resists enforcement of, any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, pay a forfeiture in accordance with § 1-16, Forfeiture Schedule, of this Code, together with the costs of prosecution, and in default of payment of such forfeiture and costs may be imprisoned in the county jail until payment of said forfeiture and costs of prosecution are made pursuant to § 800.095, Wis. Stats. Confinement to the county jail shall not exceed 30 days for each offense. Each violation and each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
B. 
This section shall not preclude the Town of Ledgeview from maintaining any appropriate action to prevent or remove a violation of this section or any other remedy available by law.
A. 
If a court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any section, clause, provision, or portion of this Code of Ordinances unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this chapter shall not be affected thereby.
B. 
If any application of this chapter to a particular structure, use, land, or water is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not be applicable to any other structure, use, land, or water not specifically included in said judgment.