City of Princeton, WI Animals

It shall be unlawful for any person in the City of Princeton to own, harbor or keep any dog more than five months of age without complying with the provisions of §§ 174.05 through 174.10, Wis. Stats., relating to the listing, licensing and tagging of the same.

The owner of any dog more than five months of age on January 1 of any year, or five months of age within the license year, shall annually, or on or before the date the dog becomes five months of age, pay a license tax and obtain a license.

The minimum state license tax under this section shall be charged in accordance with § 174.05, Wis. Stats., as amended, as prescribed in Chapter 182, Fees. An additional City tax pursuant to § 174.05, Wis. Stats, shall be paid on each dog license issued and the amount of City tax shall not exceed the total cost of all dog licensing, regulating and impounding activities for the previous year, less any refund which may be received under § 174.09(2), Wis. Stats. The license year commences on January 1 and ends on the following December 31.

Upon payment of the required license tax and upon presentation of evidence that the dog is currently immunized against rabies, as required by § 124-2 of this chapter, the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer shall complete and issue to the owner a license for such dog containing all information required by state law. The City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer shall also deliver to the owner, at the time of issuance of the license, a tag of durable material bearing the same serial number as the license, the name of the county in which issued and the license year.

The owner shall securely attach the tag to a collar and the collar with the tag attached shall be kept on the dog for which the license is issued at all times, except as provided in § 124-2E.

The fact that a dog is without a tag attached to the dog by means of a collar shall be presumptive evidence that the dog is unlicensed. Any law enforcement or humane officer shall seize, impound or restrain any dog for which a dog license is required which is found without such tag attached.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, every dog specifically trained to lead blind or deaf persons is exempt from the dog license tax, and every person owning such a dog shall receive annually a free dog license from the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer upon application therefor.

Kennel licenses.

Any person who keeps or operates a kennel may, instead of the license tax for each dog required by this chapter, apply for a kennel license for the keeping or operating of the kennel. Such person shall pay for the license year a license tax as prescribed in Chapter 182, Fees, for a kennel of four dogs or more. Upon payment of the required kennel license tax and, if required by the Common Council, upon presentation of evidence that all dogs over five months of age are currently immunized against rabies, the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer shall issue the kennel license and a number of tags equal to the number of dogs authorized to be kept in the kennel. Kennels (both use and related structures) may only be located on properties following approval by the Common Council; the Common Council may attach conditions to such approval as a conditional use under Chapter 430, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Princeton.

The owner or keeper of a kennel shall keep at all times a kennel license tag attached to the collar of each dog over five months old kept by the owner or keeper under a kennel license but this requirement does not apply to a show dog during competition, to a dog securely confined indoors or to a dog securely confined in a fenced area. These tags may be transferred from one dog to another within the kennel whenever any dog is removed from the kennel. The rabies vaccination tag or substitute tag shall remain attached to the dog for which it is issued at all times but this requirement does not apply to a show dog during competition, to a dog securely confined indoors or to a dog securely confined in a fenced area. No dog bearing a kennel tag shall be permitted to stray or to be taken anywhere outside the limits of the kennel unless the dog is in leash or temporarily for the purposes of hunting, breeding, trial, training or competition.

The term "kennel" means any establishment or place where not more than four dogs are boarded for fee on a recurrent basis or a place where more than four adult dogs are kept for any purpose.

No kennel license shall be issued to the keeper or operator of a kennel who fails to provide proper food and drink and proper shelter for the dogs in said kennel or who neglects or abandons said dogs. Designated officials shall investigate any complaints regarding the failure to maintain proper standards or investigate any kennel premises upon their own initiative. Expressly incorporated by reference in this section as minimum standards for kennel keepers or operator are the relevant provisions of Ch. 951, Wis. Stats.

A condition of a kennel license shall be that the licensed premises may be entered and inspected at any reasonable hour by appropriate City officials without any warrant, and the application for a license hereunder shall be deemed a consent to this provision. Any refusal to permit such inspection shall automatically operate as a revocation of any license issued hereunder and shall be deemed a violation of this section. Should any kennel be found to constitute a public nuisance, the license shall be revoked and the nuisance abated pursuant to City ordinances.

§ 124-4 Late fees.

[Amended 11-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-26; 5-10-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-05; 2-23-2016 by Ord. No. 01-2016[1]]

The City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer shall assess and collect a late fee per pet, according to the Schedule of Fees referred to in Chapter 182, Fees, from every owner of a dog five months of age or over if the owner failed to obtain a license prior to April 1 of each year, or within 30 days of acquiring ownership of a licensable dog or if the owner failed to obtain license on or before the dog reached licensable age. Said late fee shall be charged in addition to the required license fee.

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

§ 124-5 Rabies quarantine.

Dogs and cats confined. If a district is quarantined for rabies, all dogs and cats within the City shall be kept securely confined, tied, leashed or muzzled. Any dog or cat not confined, tied, leashed or muzzled is declared a public nuisance and may be impounded. All officers shall cooperate in the enforcement of the quarantine. The Chief of Police shall promptly post in at least three public places in the City notices of quarantine.

Exemption of vaccinated dog or cat from City quarantine. A dog or cat which is immunized currently against rabies, as evidenced by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination or other evidence, is exempt from the City quarantine provisions of Subsection A if a rabies vaccination tag or substitute tag is attached to the dog's or cat's collar.

Quarantine or sacrifice of an animal suspected of biting a person or being infected or exposed to rabies.

Quarantine or sacrifice of dog or cat. An officer or animal warden shall order a dog or cat quarantined if the officer has reason to believe that the animal bit a person, is infected with rabies or has been in contact with a rabid animal. If a quarantine cannot be imposed because the dog or cat cannot be captured, the officer may kill the animal. The officer shall attempt to kill the animal in a humane manner and in a manner which avoids damage to the animal's head.

Sacrifice of other animals. An officer may order killed or may kill an animal other than a dog or cat if the officer has reason to believe that the animal bit a person or is infected with rabies.

Quarantine of dog or cat.

Delivery to isolation facility or quarantine on premises of owner. An officer or animal warden who orders a dog or cat to be quarantined shall deliver the animal or shall order the animal delivered to an isolation facility as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the original order is issued or the officer may order the animal to be quarantined on the premises of the owner if the animal is immunized currently against rabies as evidenced by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination or other evidence.

Health risk to humans. If a dog or cat is ordered to be quarantined because there is reason to believe that the animal bit a person, the custodian of an isolation facility or the owner shall keep the animal under strict isolation under the supervision of a veterinarian for at least 10 days after the incident occurred. In this subsection, "supervision of a veterinarian" includes, at a minimum, examination of the animal on the first day of isolation, on the last day of isolation and on one intervening day. If the observation period is not extended and if the veterinarian certifies that the dog or cat has not exhibited any signs of rabies, the animal may be released from quarantine at the end of the observation period.

Risk to animal health.

If a dog or cat is ordered to be quarantined because there is reason to believe that the animal has been exposed to a rabid animal and if the dog or cat is not currently immunized against rabies, the custodian of an isolation facility or the owner shall keep the animal leashed or confined for 180 days. The owner shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies between 155 and 165 days after the exposure to a rabid animal.

If a dog or cat is ordered to be quarantined because there is reason to believe that the animal has been exposed to a rabid animal but if the dog or cat is immunized against rabies, the custodian of an isolation facility or the owner shall keep the animal leashed or confined for 60 days. The owner shall have the animal revaccinated against rabies as soon as possible after exposure to a rabid animal.

Destruction of a dog or cat exhibiting symptoms of rabies. If a veterinarian determines that a dog or cat exhibits symptoms of rabies during the original or extended observation period, the veterinarian shall notify the owner and the officer who ordered the animal quarantined and the officer or veterinarian shall kill the animal in a humane manner and in a manner which avoids damage to the animal's head. If the dog or cat is suspected to have bitten a person, the veterinarian shall notify the person or the person's physician.

Delivery of carcass; preparation; examination by laboratory of hygiene. An officer who kills an animal shall deliver the carcass to a veterinarian or local health department. The veterinarian or local health department shall prepare the carcass, properly prepare and package the head of the animal in a manner to minimize deterioration, arrange for delivery by the most expeditious means feasible of the head of the animal to the State Laboratory of Hygiene and dispose of or arrange for the disposal of the remainder of the carcass in a manner which minimizes the risk or exposure to any rabies virus. The Laboratory of Hygiene shall examine the specimen and determine if the animal was infected with rabies. The State Laboratory of Hygiene shall notify the City, the veterinarian or local health department which prepared the carcass and, if the animal is suspected to have bitten a person, that person or the person's physician.

Cooperation of veterinarian. Any practicing veterinarian who is requested to be involved in the rabies control program by an officer is encouraged to cooperate in a professional capacity with the City, the Laboratory of Hygiene, the local health department, the officer involved and, if the animal is suspected to have bitten a person, the person's physician.

Responsibility for quarantine and laboratory expenses. The owner of an animal is responsible for any expenses incurred in connection with keeping the animal in an isolation facility, supervision and examination of the animal by a veterinarian, preparation of the carcass for laboratory examination and the fee for the laboratory examination.

§ 124-6 Restrictions on keeping of dogs, cats, fowl and other animals; vicious animals.

Restrictions. It shall be unlawful for any person within the City of Princeton to own, harbor or keep any dog or cat which:

Habitually pursues any vehicle upon any public street, alley or highway in the City.

Assaults or attacks any person or destroys property.

Is at large within the limits of the City.

Habitually barks or howls to the annoyance of any person or persons.

Kills, wounds or worries any domestic animal.

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.

In the case of a dog, is unlicensed.

Is tied or leashed in a manner that prohibits or impairs the reading of utility meters.

Vicious dogs and animals — definitions.

A "vicious dog or other animal" shall be defined as follows: Any dog or other animal shall be deemed and be presumed to be vicious if, at any time, it bites and inflicts a serious injury to any person or persons two or more times during the dog's or animal's life under unprovoked circumstances and while off the dog's or animal owner's, keeper's or caretaker's premises or property. If the dog or other animal inflicts serious injury in a manner other than biting, said dog or other animal shall also be deemed and presumed to be vicious under this section.

A "serious injury" shall be defined as any abrasions, bruising, cuts, broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, torn or pulled ligaments or muscles, head injuries, or any other such similar condition.

No vicious dog or other animal as defined herein shall be allowed to be owned, kept, harbored, maintained, or cared for within the City of Princeton corporate limits, by any person or legal entity.

Penalty for keeping vicious dogs or animals in violation of Subsection B.

Any person convicted of violating Subsection B above shall pay a forfeiture of $500 together with all costs and assessments. Each day that a person owns, harbors, keeps, maintains or cares for any vicious dog or other animal in violation of this section may be deemed a separate and distinct violation, subject to separate citations and convictions. Furthermore, any violation of Subsection B above shall result in a further penalty of having the subject animal or dog impounded by any law enforcement or animal control officer of the City of Princeton, or any law enforcement or animal control officer of any jurisdiction authorized by the City of Princeton to enforce or effectuate the City of Princeton's ordinances.

In the event that any vicious dog or animal has been impounded, said dog's or animal's owner shall be required to make arrangements to have said animal removed from the corporate limits of the City of Princeton within seven days of impoundment. In the event any impounded animal has not had arrangements made to remove said animal from the corporate limits of the City of Princeton within said seven-day period, any law enforcement officer or animal control officer for the City of Princeton shall be authorized to destroy said animal.[1]

Editor's Note: Original Sec. 7-1-6(d), Potentially Dangerous Dog or Other Animal, and original Sec. 7-1-6(e), Penalty for Violations of Subsection (d)(2), of the City Code and which immediately and respectively followed this subsection, were repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Unleashed dogs or other animals running at large.

No owner, keeper, harborer or caretaker of any dog or other animal shall permit the same to be unleashed or unrestrained at any time said dog or other animal is not on the owner's, keeper's, harborer's, or caretaker's property or premises and which is upon any public street, alley, right-of-way or any school ground, public park, cemetery or other public or private property without the permission of the owner or occupier of the property.

A dog or other animal which is leashed or otherwise restrained by any device that is less than 10 feet in length, which is of sufficient strength to restrain and control said dog or other animal, and is held by a person competent to govern and control said animal, who has obtained the age of 10 years or more, and is able to prevent said dog or animal from annoying or worrying pedestrians or from trespassing on private or public property. Furthermore, a dog or other animal is not unleashed or uncontrolled and at large if it is properly restrained within a motor vehicle.

Any person or entity who violates this Subsection D shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $25 and not more than $100, together with any impoundment under § 124-9.

Owner's liability for damage caused by dogs or other animals; penalties. The provisions of § 174.02, Wis. Stats., relating to the owner's liability for damage caused by dogs and other animals together with the penalties therein set forth are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference.

Animals restricted on public grounds and cemeteries. No dog or cat and other animals shall be permitted in any public playground, school grounds, public park, or swimming area within the City unless permission is granted by owner. Dogs and cats are prohibited from being in cemeteries, except that dogs are allowed only if confined in a vehicle. Every dog specially trained to lead blind persons shall be exempt from this section.[2]

[2]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Barking dogs or crying cats.

Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to keep or harbor any dog which habitually barks, howls or yelps, or any cat which habitually cries or howls to the great discomfort of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood who are of ordinary sensibilities. Such dogs and cats are hereby declared to be a public nuisance. A dog or cat is considered to be in violation of this section when complaints are filed with the Police Department pursuant to Subsection G(2) below.

Enforcement.

Upon any written complaint to the Police Department, warnings may be issued to the owner of a dog or other animal engaging in the above conduct, that said animal may be in violation of this section.

Upon any two written complaints in one year by one or more persons, a citation may be issued to the owner of a dog or other animal engaging in the above conduct, subject to forfeiture as provided in § 124-24.[3]

[3]

Editor's Note: Original Sec. 7-1-6(j), Owner’s Liability for Damage Caused by Dogs; Penalties, of the City Code, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

§ 124-7 Regulated dogs and animals.

Keeping of certain animals prohibited. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the corporate limits of the City of Princeton:[1]

Regulated dogs and animals. Any regulated dog or other animal provided that regulated dogs complying with the provisions of this section may be kept within the City subject to the standards and requirements set forth in Subsection B of this section. "Regulated dog or other animal" as that term is used in this section shall mean the following:

[Amended 3-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-05]

Any dog or other animal which, when unprovoked, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog.

Any dog or other animal which, when unprovoked, bites a person, causing a severe injury. A "serious injury" shall be defined as any abrasions, bruising, cuts, broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, torn or pulled ligaments or muscles, head injuries, or any other such similar condition.

Any dog or other animal which, when unprovoked, bites a person, causing a less severe injury than those defined in Subsection A(1)(b) above.

(d)

Any dog or other animal which, when unprovoked, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury or otherwise caused injury to a domestic animal off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog.

Editor's Note: Original Sec. 7-1-7(a)(1), Exotic Animals, and original Sec. 7-1-7(a)(2), Poisonous Animals, of the City Code and which immediately and respectively followed this subsection, were repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Keeping of regulated dogs. The provisions of Subsection A are not applicable to parties who own, keep or harbor regulated dogs within the City of Princeton, provided there is full compliance with the following conditions:

Leash and muzzle. No person shall permit a regulated dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length. No person shall permit a regulated 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. Such dogs may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. In addition, all regulated dogs on a leash outside the animal's kennel or pen must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.

Confinement. All regulated dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel except when leashed and muzzled as provided in Subsection B(1). All pens or kennels shall comply with all zoning, building and health regulations of the City and shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

Confinement indoors. No regulated dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition.

Insurance.

[Added 9-13-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-07]

All owners, keepers or harborers of regulated dogs must within 30 days of the effective date of this section provide proof to the City Administrator of public liability insurance in the amount of:

One million dollars for general liability resulting from any one incident/accident; and

[2]

Five hundred thousand dollars for bodily injury or death to any one person with the limit, however, of $1,000,000 for bodily injury or death resulting from any one incident/accident.

The City of Princeton shall be named as an additional insured under such insurance and a copy of the current in-force policy shall be deposited with the City Administrator. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation of the policy will be made unless 10 days' written notice is first given to the City Administrator.

Registration. All owners, keepers or harborers of regulated dogs shall within 30 days after the effective date of this section register said dog with the City by filing with the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer two color photographs of the dog clearly showing the color and approximate size of the dog. There shall be a registration fee as prescribed in Chapter 182, Fees.

Reporting requirements. All owners, keepers or harborers of registered regulated dogs must within 10 days of the incident, report the following information in writing to the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer:

The removal from the City or death of a registered regulated dog.

The birth of offspring of a registered regulated dog.

The new address of a registered regulated dog should the dog be moved within the City of Princeton.

(d)

If the registered regulated dog is sold, the name and address of the new owner.

Animals born of registered dogs. All offspring born of registered regulated dogs registered within the City must be removed from the City within six weeks after the birth of said animal.

Failure to comply. It shall be unlawful for the owner, keeper or harborer of a registered regulated dog registered with the City to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this section.

§ 124-8 Wolf/dog hybrid regulation and confinement.

Definitions. A "wolf/dog hybrid" is defined as any cross-breed resulting from the mating of a domesticated dog and a wolf, coyote, jackal or dingo or resulting from the mating of any wolf/dog hybrid and another wolf/dog hybrid or a domesticated dog. As used herein:

Canine animal: includes all members of the family Canidae except foxes.

Domesticated dog: Canis familiaris.

Wolf: includes both Canis lupus and Canis niger.

Coyote: Canis latrans.

Jackal: Canis aureus.

Dingo: Canis dingo.

Prohibition on unregistered animals. No person shall harbor, keep or maintain within the City of Princeton any wolf/dog hybrid which has not been registered pursuant to Subsection K below on or before January 30, 2003. This prohibition shall not apply to animals being transported through the limits of the City of Princeton within a one-hour period of time. A pup born to a female wolf/dog hybrid so registered shall be removed from the City of Princeton before it has reached the age of five months. Wolf/dog hybrids permitted in the City of Princeton shall be confined as set forth in this section.

Removal; impoundment. Whenever any person is charged with harboring, keeping or maintaining a wolf/dog hybrid in the City of Princeton which has not been registered on or before January 30, 2003, that person shall, to the satisfaction of the Court, remove said animal from the City of Princeton until a trial on the citation. If said animal has not been so removed within 48 hours of the service of the citation, said animal may be impounded as directed by the Police Department until the trial on the citation. In that case, the owner of any such animal shall pay all expenses incurred due to such impoundment, including but not limited to the cost of shelter, food, handling and veterinary care. If it is determined by plea or trial that said animal is a wolf/dog hybrid not registered pursuant to Subsection K on or before January 30, 2003, it shall be removed from and not returned to the City of Princeton.

Confinement requirements. The owner of any wolf/dog hybrid permitted to be kept in the City of Princeton, and the owner of any property on which such wolf/dog hybrid is kept, shall see that the animal is at all times confined according to the minimum requirements of this section. A wolf/dog hybrid may be kept only in enclosures that meet the following minimum requirements:

The first enclosure shall be constructed of not less than nine-gauge galvanized chain-link fencing, with mesh openings not greater than two inches, which shall be securely anchored by stainless steel or copper rings, placed at intervals not greater than six inches apart, to a poured concrete base as described herein. Such enclosure shall be not less than 500 square feet in area, plus 250 square feet for each additional canine animal kept therein. Such enclosure shall be the location in which any wolf/dog hybrid is primarily kept.

The first enclosure shall extend to a height of not less than eight feet, and shall be surrounded from ground level to a height of not less than four feet by one-fourth-inch galvanized mesh screening.

The first enclosure shall have a full top, which shall also be constructed of not less than nine-gauge chain-link fencing with mesh openings not greater than two inches, and which shall be securely anchored to the sides of the enclosure. The entire base of the first enclosure shall be a poured concrete slab floor at least four inches thick.

The second enclosure shall consist of a securely anchored fence at least six feet in height, which shall entirely surround the first enclosure, and no part of which shall be nearer than six feet from any part of the first enclosure. Said fence shall be a "vision barrier" fence, no more than 5% open for through vision, except, however, that the portion of said fence facing the dwelling of the owner of said animals or of the property on which they are kept shall be constructed of not less than nine-gauge chain-link fencing, to provide for observation of said animals. If any portion of said fence is made of wood, the finished or painted side thereof shall face outward from the first enclosure.

Both enclosures shall be kept locked with case hardened locks at all times when an animal is unattended by an adult. The first (innermost) enclosure shall have double entrance gates or doors situated and constructed in such a fashion as to prevent an animal from escaping past an open gate or door. The gates or doors providing access to the first (innermost) enclosure shall be spring-loaded, so as to shut on their own accord behind anyone entering that enclosure.

Within the first enclosure, shelter shall be provided adequate to protect the animals confined against weather extremes. The first enclosure shall be regularly cleaned to remove excreta and other waste materials, dirt and trash, in a manner adequate to minimize health hazards and avoid offensive odors.

The above-described enclosures shall be located in the rear yard of any property on which a wolf/dog hybrid is kept, as defined in Chapter 430, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Princeton.

Transportation and muzzling of animals. A wolf/dog hybrid may be transported only if confined in a secure, locked container, covered with one-fourth-inch galvanized fine mesh screen. This subsection shall not prohibit the walking of such animals, provided they are muzzled and restrained by a leather lead, at least one inch in diameter and not exceeding three feet in length, attached to a metal choker-type collar, under the control of an adult. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the wolf/dog hybrid or unduly interfere with its vision or respiration, but will prevent it from biting any person or animal.

Right of inspection. To insure compliance with this section, any person possessing any registration papers, certificate, advertisement or other written evidence relating to the bloodlines or ownership of a canine animal found within the City shall produce the same for inspection on demand of any law enforcement, conservation or public health officer or court.

Limitation on numbers. No person shall own, harbor or keep in his/her possession on any one parcel of property more than three wolf/dog hybrids over five months of age at any one time, nor shall any person retain a litter or portion of a litter of wolf/dog hybrids longer than five months.

Veterinary exception. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to doctors of veterinary medicine in temporary possession of wolf/dog hybrids in the ordinary course of their practice.

Abandonment or negligent release. No person shall willfully or negligently release or abandon a wolf/dog hybrid as defined herein within the City.

Nonconforming enclosures. As to any person keeping wolf/dog hybrids in existing enclosures in the City of Princeton on the date of passage of this section, Subsection D shall take effect on January 30, 2003; for all other persons, said subsection shall take effect and be in force from and after passage and publication as provided by law. The remaining provisions of this section shall take effect and be in force from and after passage and publication as provided by law.

Wolf/dog hybrid registration. All owners of any wolf/dog hybrid in the City of Princeton shall, on or before January 30, 2003, and annually thereafter on or before January 30 of each year, register such animal and provide a current color photograph of such animal with the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer's office and pay a registration fee as prescribed in Chapter 182, Fees. At the time of registration, each owner of any wolf/dog hybrid kept within the City limits shall provide to the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer proof of liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 for any acts of property damage, personal injury or other liability incurred by virtue of any injury or damage inflicted by such wolf/dog hybrid. Such insurance shall name the City of Princeton as co-insured solely for the purpose of notice of cancellation of such insurance policy.

Warning sign. The owner or keeper of a wolf/dog hybrid shall display on the premises on which such animal is kept signs warning that there is a wolf/dog hybrid on the property as provided herein. Such signs shall be visible and capable of being read within at least 20 feet of their placement, but shall not be more than two square feet in area, and shall state in bold, capital letters, on a white background, the following: "WARNING — WOLF/DOG HYBRIDS PRESENT". One such sign shall be placed in the front yard of any property on which any wolf/dog hybrid is kept, and additional such signs shall be placed on all gates or doors providing access through the second (outermost) enclosure required above.

§ 124-9 Impoundment of animals.

Animal control agency.

The City of Princeton may contract with or enter into an agreement with such person, persons, organization or corporation to provide for the operation of an animal shelter, impoundment of stray animals, confinement of certain animals, disposition of impoundment animals and for assisting in the administration of rabies vaccination programs.

The City of Princeton does hereby delegate to any such animal control agency the authority to act pursuant to the provisions of this section.

Impounding of animals. In addition to any forfeiture penalty hereinafter provided for a violation of this chapter, a law enforcement or animal control officer may impound any dog, cat or other animal which habitually pursues any vehicle upon any street, alley or highway of this City, assaults or attacks any person, is at large within the City, habitually barks, cries or howls, kills, wounds or worries any domestic animal, or is infected with rabies or otherwise violates any provision of this chapter.

Claiming animal; disposal of unclaimed animals.

Seizure. A law enforcement officer or any animal control officer appointed by the Common Council may attempt to capture and restrain dogs or other animals running at large or in other violation of this chapter, and shall confine and capture or restrain animals in a suitable dog pound or other enclosure. After seizure of animals under this section by a law enforcement or animal control officer, the animal shall be impounded.

Retention and disposition of unclaimed animals. All dogs or other animals apprehended shall be kept for no less than seven days at the dog pound or other enclosure and if such animal is not claimed by the rightful owner, representative or keeper, within such time, said animal shall be transferred to the Humane Society or other designated animal control facility to be handled in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes and the policies of that facility. Generally, the City's policy is to impound such dogs for 24 hours; after this time such dogs are transferred to the custody of the Green Lake Animal Shelter or other approved animal humane shelter.[1]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Notification. A person who captures or restrains a dog or other animal shall notify or deliver the dog or other animal to the pound or humane society or to any officer within 12 hours of capture or restraint. Any police officer or City official to whom a dog or other animal is delivered shall attempt to notify the owner as soon as possible if the owner is known or can be ascertained with reasonable effort.

Claiming animals. The owner or representative, or keeper of any dog or other animal so confined may reclaim such animal from the Police Department at any time before transfer to the pound, if:

The owner, representative or keeper gives his or her name and address.

The owner, representative or keeper presents evidence that the dog is licensed and presents evidence that the dog is vaccinated against rabies, or a receipt from a licensed veterinarian for repayment of a rabies inoculation.

The owner, representative or keeper pays the cost of apprehending, boarding fees, necessary medical treatment and impounding fees, if any.

Payment of costs. Payment of costs and charges shall be made to the City of Princeton and may be paid directly through the Princeton Police Department. Upon identification of the owner of a dog or other animal so apprehended or confined, all City costs and charges shall be billed to said owner.

City not liable for impounding animals. The City and/or its animal control agency shall not be liable for the death of any animal which has been impounded or disposed of pursuant to this section.

§ 124-10 Duty of owner in case of animal bite.

If any animal, for which the owner holds a current rabies certificate, is involved in a bite or a scratch incident, the owner shall isolate and confine the animal, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian for at least 10 days from the date of the incident. Supervision of a veterinarian includes at a minimum, examination of the animal, on the first day, on the tenth day, and on one intervening day. If the animal is confined at the residence of the owner, it must not be allowed to come in contact with other animals or people. It cannot be left unattended outside.

The animal can be taken outside of the residence only to relieve itself, under restraint and under the supervision of an adult.

Any animal involved in a bite or scratch incident that has not been vaccinated, or has not been revaccinated within the prescribed times, must be confined at a veterinary hospital, under the supervision of a veterinarian for 10 days.

Under no circumstances can the owner sell, give away, or destroy the animal until it has been released by a licensed veterinarian after the ten-day confinement (quarantine) period.

§ 124-11 Wild and other dangerous animals.

It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the corporate limits of the City of Princeton:

Any warm-blooded, carnivorous or omnivorous, wild or exotic animal, including but not limited to nonhuman primates, raccoons, skunks, foxes and wild and exotic cats.

Any animal having poisonous bites.

§ 124-12 Animal feces.

Removal of fecal matter. The owner or person in charge of any dog, cat, horse, or other animal shall not permit solid fecal matter of such animal to deposit on any street, alley or other public or private property, unless such matter is immediately removed therefrom by said owner or person in charge. This section shall not apply to a person who is visually or physically handicapped.

Accumulation of fecal matter prohibited on private yards. The owner or person in charge of the dog or cat must also prevent accumulation of animal waste on his/her own property by regularly patrolling and properly disposing of the fecal matter.

§ 124-13 Injury to property by animals.

It shall be unlawful for any person owning or possessing an animal, dog or cat to permit such animal, dog or cat to go upon any parkway or private lands or premises without the permission of the owner of such premises and break, bruise, tear up, crush or injure any lawn, flowerbed, plant, shrub, tree or garden in any manner whatsoever, or to defecate thereon.[1]

Editor's Note: Original Sec. 7-1-14, Animals in Parks and Cemeteries, of the City Code and which immediately followed this section was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

§ 124-14 Prohibited and protected animals, fowl, reptiles and insects; farm animals.

Protected animals.

Possession and sale of protected animals. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, or buy or attempt to buy, within the City any of the following animals, alive or dead, or any part or product thereof: all wild cats of the family Felidae, polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus), red wolf (Canis niger), vicuna (Vicugna vicugna), gray or timber wolf (Canis lupus), sea otter (Enhydra lutris), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Atlantic green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Mexican ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi).

Compliance with federal regulations. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to buy, sell or offer for sale a native or foreign species or subspecies of mammal, bird, amphibian or reptile, or the dead body or parts thereof, which appears on the endangered species list designated by the United States Secretary of the Interior and published in the Code of Federal Regulations pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1969 (Public Law 135, 91st Congress).

Regulating the importation of certain birds. No person, firm or corporation shall import or cause to be imported into this City any part of the plumage, skin or dead body of any species of hawk, owl or eagle. This subsection shall not be construed to forbid or restrict the importation or use of the plumage, skin, body or any part thereof legally collected for use by the American Indians for ceremonial purposes or in the preservation of their tribal customs and heritage.

Exceptions. The provisions of Subsections A and C shall not be deemed to prevent the lawful importation, possession, purchase or sale of any species by any public agency, institute of higher learning, persons holding federal permits, or by a person holding a scientific collectors permit issued by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources of the state, any party so authorized by the Common Council, or to any person or organization licensed to present a circus, except that such parties shall also have a conditional use permit issued by the Common Council.

Wild animals; prohibition on keeping. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his/her possession or under his/her control within the City any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal, insect or reptile, any vicious or dangerous domesticated animal or any other animal or reptile of wild, vicious or dangerous propensities. Specifically, it shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his/her possession or under his/her control within the City any of the following animals, reptiles or insects:

All poisonous animals and reptiles including rear-fang snakes.

Apes: chimpanzees (Pan); gibbons (Hylobates); gorillas (Gorilla); orangutans (Pongo); ans siamangs (Symphalangus).

Baboons (Papoi, Mandrillus).

Bears (Ursidae).

Bison (Bison).

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Crocodilians (Crocodilia).

Constrictor snakes.

(9)

Coyotes (Canis latrans).

(10)

Deer (Cervidae); includes all members of the deer family; for example, white-tailed deer, elk, antelope and moose.

(11)

Elephants (Elephas and Loxodonta).

(12)

Game cocks and other fighting birds.

(13)

Hippopotami (Hippopotamidac).

(14)

Hyenas (Hyaenidae).

(15)

Jaguars (Panthera onca).

(16)

Leopards (Panthera pardus).

(17)

Lions (Panthera leo).

(18)

Lynxes (Lynx).

(19)

Monkeys, old world (Cercopithecidae).

(20)

Pumas (Felis concolor); also known as "cougars," "mountain lions" and "panthers."

(21)

Rhinoceroses (Rhinocero tidae).

(22)

Sharks (class Chondrichthyes).

(23)

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia).

(24)

Tigers (Panthera tigris).

(25)

Wolves (Canis lupus).

(26)

Poisonous insects.

Exceptions; pet shops. The prohibitions of Subsection C above shall not apply where the creatures are in the care, custody or control of: a veterinarian for treatment; agricultural fairs; shows or projects of the 4-H Clubs; a display for judging purposes; an itinerant or transient carnival, circus or other show; dog or cat shows or trials; public or private educational institutions; licensed pet shops; zoological gardens; if:

Their location conforms to the provisions of Chapter 430, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Princeton.

All animals and animal quarters are kept in a clean and sanitary condition and so maintained as to eliminate objectionable odors.

Animals are maintained in quarters so constructed as to prevent their escape.

No person lives or resides within 100 feet of the quarters in which the animals are kept.

Farm animals; miniature pigs. Except as provided in § 124-23 regarding miniature pigs and on properties zoned in an agricultural classification, no person shall own, keep, harbor or board any cattle, horses, ponies, swine, goats, sheep, fowl (more than two including ostriches) or rabbits (more than two).

§ 124-15 Sale of rabbits, chicks or artificially colored animals.

No person may sell, offer for sale, raffle, give as a prize or premium, use as an advertising device or display living chicks, ducklings, other fowl or rabbits that have been dyed or otherwise colored artificially.

Sale of baby rabbits, chicks and other fowl.

No person may sell, offer for sale, barter or give away living chicks, ducklings or other fowl without providing proper brooder facilities for the care of such chicks, ducklings or other fowl during the time they are in such person's care, custody or control.

No retailer, as defined in § 100.30(2)(g), Wis. Stats., may sell, offer for sale, barter or give away living baby rabbits, baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl under two months of age, in any quantity less than six, unless the purpose of selling these animals is for agricultural, wildlife or scientific purposes.

§ 124-16 Providing proper food and drink to confined animals.

No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may refuse or neglect to supply the animal with a sufficient supply of food and water as prescribed in this section.

The food shall be sufficient to maintain all animals in good health.

If potable water is not accessible to the animals at all times, it shall be provided daily and in sufficient quantity for the health of the animal.

§ 124-17 Providing proper shelter.

Proper shelter. No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to provide the animal with proper shelter as prescribed in this section. In the case of farm animals, nothing in this section shall be construed as imposing shelter requirements or standards more stringent than normally accepted husbandry practices in the particular county where the animal or shelter is located.

Indoor standards. Minimum indoor standards of shelter shall include:

Ambient temperatures. The ambient temperature shall be compatible with the health of the animal.

Ventilation. Indoor housing facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical means to provide for the health of the animals at all times.

Outdoor standards. Minimum outdoor standards of shelter shall include:

Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion of an animal tied or caged outside, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to protect the animal from direct sunlight. As used in this subsection, "caged" does not include farm fencing used to confine farm animals.

Shelter from inclement weather.

Animals generally. Natural or artificial shelter appropriate to the local climatic conditions for the species concerned shall be provided as necessary for the health of the animal.

Dogs. If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under weather conditions which adversely affect the health of the dog, a shelter of suitable size to accommodate the dog shall be provided.

Confinement in vehicles. Animals shall not be confined in vehicles with inadequate ventilation or in temperature conditions that pose a health/safety risk to the animal.

Space standards. Minimum space requirements for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include:

Structural strength. The housing facilities shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals.

Space requirements. Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of debility, stress or abnormal behavior patterns.

Sanitation standards. Minimum standards of sanitation for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include periodic cleaning to remove excreta and other waste materials, dirt and trash so as to minimize health hazards.

§ 124-18 Neglected or abandoned animals.

Neglected or abandoned animals.

No person may abandon any animal.

Any law enforcement or animal control officer may remove, shelter and care for an animal found to be cruelly exposed to the weather, starved or denied adequate water, neglected, abandoned or otherwise treated in a cruel manner and may deliver such animal to another person to be sheltered, cared for and given medical attention, if necessary. In all cases the owner, if known, shall be immediately notified, and such officer, or other person, having possession of the animal shall have a lien thereon for its care, keeping and medical attention and the expense of notice.

If the owner or custodian is unknown and cannot, with reasonable effort, be ascertained or does not, within five days after notice, redeem the animal by paying the expenses incurred, it may be treated as a stray and dealt with as such.

Whenever, in the opinion of any such officer, an animal is hopelessly injured or diseased so as to be beyond the probability of recovery, it shall be lawful for such officer to kill such animal, and the owner thereof shall not recover damages for the killing of such animal unless he/she shall prove that such killing was unwarranted.

Section 173.10, Wis. Stats., Investigation of cruelty complaints,, and § 173.24, Wis. Stats., Reimbursement for expenses, are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter.

Injured animals. No person who owns, harbors or keeps any animal shall fail to provide proper medical attention to such animal when and if such animal becomes sick or injured. In the event the owner of such animal cannot be located, the City or any animal control agency with whom the City has an agreement or contract shall have the authority to take custody of such animal for the purpose of providing medical treatment, and the owner thereof shall reimburse the person or organization for the costs of such treatment.

§ 124-19 Cruelty to animals and birds prohibited.

Acts of cruelty prohibited. No person except a law enforcement or animal control officer in the pursuit of his/her duties shall, within the City, shoot or kill or commit an act of cruelty to any animal or bird or disturb any bird's nests or bird's eggs.

Leading animal from motor vehicle. No person shall lead any animal upon a City street from a motor vehicle or from a trailer or semi-trailer drawn by a motor vehicle.

Use of poisonous and controlled substances. No person may expose any pet animal owned by another to any known poisonous substance or controlled substance listed in § 961.14, Wis. Stats., whether mixed with meat or other food or not, where it is reasonable to anticipate the substance may be eaten by such animal or for the purpose of harming the animal. This subsection shall not apply to poison used on one's own premises and designed for the purpose of rodent and pest extermination, nor the use of a controlled substance used in accepted veterinarian practice or in research by persons or organizations regularly engaged in such research.

Use of certain devices prohibited. No person may directly or indirectly, or by aiding, abetting or permitting the doing thereof either put, place, fasten, use or fix upon or to any animal used or readied for use for a work purpose or for use in an exhibition, competition, rodeo, circus or other performance any of the following devices: a bristle bur, tack bur or like device; or a poling device used to train a horse to jump which is charged with electricity or to which have been affixed nails, tacks or other sharp points.

Shooting at caged or staked animals. No person may instigate, promote, aid or abet as a principal, agent, employee, participant or spectator, or participate in the earnings from or intentionally maintain or allow any place to be used for the shooting, killing or wounding with a firearm or any deadly weapon any animal that is tied, staked out, caged or otherwise intentionally confined in a man-made enclosure, regardless of size.

§ 124-20 Limitation on number of dogs.

Purpose. The keeping of a large number of dogs within the City of Princeton for a considerable period of time detracts from and, in many instances, is detrimental to, healthful and comfortable life in such areas. The keeping of a large number of dogs is, therefore, declared a public nuisance.

Number limited.

No person or family shall own, harbor or keep in its possession more than three dogs in any residential unit without the prior issuance of a kennel license by the Common Council except that a litter of pups or kittens or a portion of a litter may be kept for not more than 16 weeks from birth.

VIETNAMESE POTBELLIED PIG

The above requirement may be modified with the approval of the Common Council when a kennel license has been issued by the City pursuant to § 124-3B. Such application for waiver shall first be made to the Police Department.

§ 124-21 Trapping of animals.

In the interest of public health and safety, it shall be unlawful for any person, in or on City-owned land within the City of Princeton to set, place or tend any trap for the purpose of trapping, killing, catching, wounding, worrying or molesting any animal, except by use of live box-type traps only. "Live box-type traps" shall be defined as those traps which capture and hold an animal in an alive and unharmed condition.

This section shall prohibit the use of all traps other than live traps as described above, including, but not limited to, traps commonly known as "leg traps," "pan-type traps" or other traps designed to kill, wound or close upon a portion of the body of an animal.

All such traps set, placed or tended shall comply with Ch. 29 of the Wisconsin Statutes as they relate to trapping.

This section shall not apply to trapping on private property.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit or hinder the City of Princeton or its employees or agents from performing their official or authorized duties.

§ 124-22 Keeping of bees.

It shall be unlawful for any person to establish or maintain any hive, stand or box where bees are kept or keep any bees in or upon any premises within the corporate limits of the City.

Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed to prohibit the keeping of bees in a hive, stand or box located within a school or university building for the purpose of study or observation.

§ 124-23 Vietnamese potbellied pigs.

Definitions. As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:

A purebred Vietnamese potbellied pig registered through a North American Vietnamese Potbellied Pig Registry, which does not exceed 100 pounds in weight.

License required; fee. It is unlawful for any person, party, firm or corporation to keep or maintain within the City of Princeton limits a Vietnamese potbellied pig without first having obtained a license from the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer and being in compliance with all provisions of this section. The fee for a license issued hereunder or renewal thereof shall be as prescribed in Chapter 182, Fees, per calendar year or fraction thereof. Excepted from the license requirement is any law enforcement agency or agency under contract with the City to care for stray or unwanted animals.

License; application.

Any applicant for a license or renewal thereof under this section shall file with the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer a fully executed application on a form prescribed by the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer, accompanied by the annual license fee.

No licenses or renewal thereof shall issue hereunder until:

A Certificate of purebred registration is filed with the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer.

There has been an inspection by a City law enforcement officer or the Building Inspector of the premises being licensed and a determination by said sanitarian that all requirements of this section, and other applicable general and zoning ordinances, have been met.

There is an adequate means of restraining animals from running at large or disturbing the peace.

Any license or renewal thereof issued hereunder shall be for a calendar year or portion thereof. Licenses must be renewed each calendar year on or before the 31st day of January. Licenses shall not be assignable or transferable either to another person, party, firm or corporation or for another location.

When issued, a license shall be kept upon the licensed premises and exhibited, upon request, to any City personnel requesting to examine it and having authority to enforce this section.

Only one Vietnamese potbellied pig may be at any premises.

License requirements. Licensee shall comply with the following as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a license:

Animal feces to be collected on a daily basis and stored in a sanitary receptacle. Animals shall not be brought, or permitted to be, on property, public or private, not owned or possessed by the owner or person in charge of the animal, unless such person has in his/her immediate possession an appropriate device for scooping excrement and an appropriate depository for the transmission of excrement to a receptacle located upon property owned or possessed by such person.

When sunlight is likely to cause overheating to discomfort, sufficient shade shall be provided to allow an animal kept outdoors to protect itself from the direct rays of the sun.

An animal kept outdoors shall be provided with access to shelter to allow it to remain dry during rain or snow. Animals may be kept outdoors only if contained in a fenced enclosure sufficient for purposes of restraint.

When the atmospheric temperature is less than 50° F., an animal shall be kept indoors at a temperature no less than 50° F., except for temporary ventures which do not endanger the animal's health.

An effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, avian and mammalian pests shall be established and maintained where a problem.

Animals shall be fed and watered at least once a day, except as otherwise might be required to provide adequate veterinary care. The food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal. Food receptacles shall be accessible to the animal and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. Feeding pans shall be durable and kept clean. The food receptacles shall be cleaned daily. Disposable food receptacles may be used, but must be discarded after each feeding. Self feeders may be used for the feeding of dry food and they shall be sanitized as needed, but at least once per week, to prevent molding, deterioration or caking of feed.

Animals may not be permitted to exceed 100 pounds in weight.

Animals shall be examined by a veterinarian within a period of 60 days prior to a new license application being filed. The animal may be licensed only upon a written statement from a veterinarian as to:

The animal's weight.

The animal has received all recommended vaccinations and boosters.

The animal is asymptomatic respecting disease or has a disease which is not contagious and is receiving appropriate treatment.

(d)

The animal's tusks, if any, have been removed or trimmed so as not to endanger any person or animal.

(e)

The animal has passed a pseudorabies test administered in accordance with application state regulations.

(9)

The animal shall not be permitted to run at large. "Run at large" shall mean the presence of an animal which is not on a leash of six feet or less on any public property or thoroughfare or on any private property. An animal may be unleashed on private property, with the permission of the property owner, in a fenced enclosure sufficient for purposes of restraint. Animals which are not leashed in a motor vehicle shall not be deemed to "run at large" if secured in a manner as will prevent their escape therefrom.

(10)

Animals shall not be kept in a manner as to disturb the peace of the neighborhood or of persons passing to and from upon the streets.

Suspension, revocation or denial of renewal of license. The Common Council shall have the right to suspend or revoke any license once granted or deny annual renewal thereof when it appears that any license has violated any of the provisions of this section, or any ordinance of the City, or law, rule or regulation of the State of Wisconsin, involving cruelty or mistreatment of the animal, or the unlawful possession of the animal. Prior to the suspension or revocation of any license or the denial of an application for a renewal thereof, written notice of the reason for such action shall be given to the applicant or licensee by the officer. Such notice shall state that the applicant may pursue an appeal to the Common Council by filing a request within 10 days of such notice.

§ 124-24 Violations and penalties.

Any person violating § 124-15, 124-16, 124-17, 124-18, 124-19, 124-20, 124-21, 124-22 or 124-23 shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $50 and not more than $200. This section shall also permit the City Attorney to apply to the court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating any aspect of this chapter.

Anyone who violates §§ 124-1, 124-2, 124-3, 124-4 and 124-5 of this chapter or Ch. 174, Wis. Stats., shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $25 and not more than $200 for the first offense and not less than $100 and not more than $400 for any subsequent offenses.