Editor's Note — Ord. no. 03-2008, adopted February 11,
2008, repealed ch. 210 and enacted new provisions set out herein.
Former ch. 210 derived from Code 1968 §§4-1 — 4-9,
4-11 — 4-14, 4-16 — 4-17; CC 1988 §§4-3, 4-5
— 4-6, 4-26 — 4-38; ord. no. 6484A, 7-8-1996; ord. no.
6485A §4-34, 7-8-1996; ord. no. 6507, 11-12-1996; ord. no. 6589
§§1 — 5, 8-9-99; ord. no. 6590 §1, 8-9-1999;
ord. no. 6591 §§1 — 5, 8-9-1999; ord. no. 6645 §1,
3-11-2002; ord. no. 6665, 10-14-2002; ord. no. 6668 §1, 11-12-2002;
ord. no. 24-2004, 8-9-2004; ord. no. 03-2005, 3-14-2005.
Cross References — Persons riding animals to obey traffic regulations, §
310.030; vehicle drivers to take precautions approaching visually handicapped persons with guide dogs, §
345.120.
[R.O. 2008 §210.010; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
26-2016 § 1, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 32-2016, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 03-2022, 2-28-2022; Ord. No. 07-2023, 8-14-2023; Ord. No. 10-2022, 5-23-2022; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these
prescribed meanings:
ABANDON
To forsake entirely, neglect, or refuse to provide or perform
the legal obligations for care and support of an animal.
ADEQUATE CONTROL
A reasonably sufficient restraint on an animal so as to prevent
that animal from harm or to prevent that animal from causing harm
to the general public or property.
ANIMAL
Any legally authorized domestic pet, farm or work animal as permitted by this Chapter and Chapter
405, Zoning Code of Louisiana.
AVIARY
Any commercial operation and/or facility purposely designed
to provide cover or protection for birds against injury, danger or
discomfort.
COMMUNITY CAT
Any unowned, free-roaming cat living in an outdoor environment
forming part of a cat colony.
COMMUNITY CAT CAREGIVER
A person who, in accordance with and pursuant to a Community
Cat Management Program, consents to provide volunteer care, including
controlled access to food, temporary shelter, or medical care, to
a community cat only on their person's private property, non-public
land, while not being considered the owner, custodian, controller,
harborer, or keeper of a community cat.
COMMUNITY CAT COLONY
A group of community cats that congregate, more or less,
together as a unit and share a common food source.
COMMUNITY CAT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
A program for monitoring and managing the population of free-roaming, unowned cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return, within and around the City of Louisiana for the purposes of maintaining a stable or declining population, minimizing negative interactions between unowned cats and humans, property, and owned animals, and providing data on the unowned cat population. Such a plan may be elaborated and adopted by the Council or an Animal Control, Public Safety, or Ordinance Committee of that Council, in order of preference. Such plan shall inform any agreement concluded under Section
210.115 with a non-profit Community Cat Organization.
CONSUMER
Any person purchasing an animal.
EAR TIPPING
The removal of a one-quarter-inch tip of a community cat's
ear, performed while the cat is under anesthesia, in compliance with
any applicable Federal or State law, under the supervision of a licensed
veterinarian, designed to identify the community cat as being sterilized
and lawfully vaccinated for rabies.
FERAL
An unowned animal that has returned to an untamed state not
socialized to human contact and which is no longer considered domesticated.
FOWL
Any type or kind of bird.
HARBORING
Purposefully providing food or shelter to any domestic animal.
HUMANE SHELTER
Any facility purposely designed to provide cover or protection
for animals against injury, danger or discomfort.
KENNEL
Any facility purposely designed or used for the care, keeping,
confining or breeding of animals.
PERSON
An individual, owner, keeper, firm, partnership, corporation,
or any combination thereof
PET DEALER
Any person which engages in the sale of any animals to the
consuming public for any purpose at any time. (Such definition shall
further include duly incorporated humane shelters or societies dedicated
to the care of unwanted animals which make such animals available
for adoption whether or not a fee for such adoption is charged.)
QUARANTINE
To hold in segregation from the general population any animal
because of the presence or suspected presence of a contagious or infectious
disease.
RUN AT LARGE
Any animal owned by a person not on the property of such
person without some sort of verbal or physical restraint. Does not
include Trap-Neuter-Return.
TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN
The process of humanely trapping, sterilizing, vaccinating
for rabies, ear tipping, and returning community cats to the trapping
location.
[R.O. 2008 §210.020; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
33-2016, 9-20-2016]
A. Trap-Neuter-Return
does not constitute abandonment.
B. All provisions of State Statute Section 578.009, RSMo., Animal neglect — penalties, are hereby adopted as municipal ordinance, and violations of which shall be punishable in accordance with Section
100.170 of the Municipal Code.
[Ord. No. 34-2016, 9-20-2016]
All provisions of State Statute Section 578.011, RSMo., Animal Trespass — Penalty, are hereby adopted as municipal ordinance, and violations of which shall be punishable in accordance with Section
100.170 of the Municipal Code.
[R.O. 2008 §210.030; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
35-2016, 9-20-2016]
All provisions of State Statute Section 578.012, RSMo., Animal abuse — penalties, are hereby adopted as municipal ordinance, and violations of which shall be punishable in accordance with Section
100.170 of the Municipal Code.
[R.O. 2008 §210.040; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
04-2011 §1, 4-11-2011; Ord. No. 36-2016, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 28-2021, 10-25-2021; Ord.
No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. Any person who purposely lets out, turns out, sets free, or in any way permits any animal under its control to be at large, uncontrolled and unobstructed within the corporate limits of the City of Louisiana for any purpose shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation, and may be punished as provided in Section
100.170 of the City Code.
B. It
is hereby made the duty of the City's Animal Control Officer or his/her
designee, on his/her own view or when notified by any other person,
that any such animal is running at large, to restrain such animal
forthwith, and such Animal Control Officer or his/her designee shall
within three (3) days give notice thereof to the owner, if known,
stating therein that such animal has been impounded and whether or
not such animal has caused any damage or harm to any person, property
or thing.
C. It
shall be an affirmative defense to any prosecution under this Section
if the animal escapes the keeper's custody by way of any accident
on a public road or highway, or as a result of no fault or negligence
of a person; provided, however, that such a person shall be held financially
liable for any damage or harm to any person, property or thing caused
by said animal.
D. Habitual Offender.
1.
A "habitual offender" is a person who has three (3) prior convictions
for letting an animal run at large for events occurring at three (3)
separate times within a five-year period.
2. Any such person who habitually violates the provision of this Section
may, at the discretion of the Animal Control Officer or his/her designee,
also be charged with animal neglect or abandonment and/or animal abuse
and upon conviction be punished as provided herein.
3.
Penalty. As a condition to any probation, the defendant shall
be ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined by the
Municipal Court to any victim for any property damage or injury to
any person. Any person convicted as a habitual offender shall may
be sentenced to at least forty-eight (48) hours in the City jail and/or
fines up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per incident, and such
jail sentence may only be suspended if the animal in question is permanently
and effectively removed from the defendant's control, or right to
control and the defendant will lose all rights to own or perform as
a caregiver to any animal within City limits under any circumstance
or pretense.
E. This Section shall not apply to community cats.
[Ord. No. 37-2016, 9-20-2016]
The parent or guardian of a minor child is responsible for compliance with all provisions of Chapter
210 for any animal owned by, in the control of, or harbored by that minor child.
[R.O. 2008 §210.050; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
35-2015 §1, 9-14-2015; Ord. No. 24-2017, 10-23-2017; Ord. No. 01-2022, 2-28-2022; Ord.
No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. It shall be unlawful to keep or harbor horses, cattle, swine, goats, sheep, turkey, guinea fowl, geese, or any livestock or fowl other than, pygmy goats, hen chickens, ducks, and/or turkey in any lot or enclosure in the City of Louisiana, except in agricultural zones as provided in Chapter
405, Zoning Regulations, and any person, firm or corporation owning or occupying any such tract of land who shall be convicted of permitting the maintenance of such unlawful act shall be declared guilty of an ordinance violation. In addition to any remedial provisions required by the City, any person, firm or corporation owning or occupying any such tract of land who shall be convicted of permitting the maintenance of such nuisance shall be declared guilty of an ordinance violation and may be punished as provided in Section
100.170 of the City Code.
B. Keeping of eight (8) or less hen chicken(s), ducks and/or turkey
(or any combination) allowed for by annual permit.
1.
A chicken permit must be obtained annually from the City Clerk.
Any violation of the listed regulations for keeping chicken(s) may
result in revocation of the chicken permit and no future permit(s)
issued.
a.
Chicken, duck, and/or turkey permit fees shall be four dollars
($4.00) per chicken, duck, and/or turkey annually, and may by modified
by City Council.
b.
All appropriate enclosure locations must be constructed, including
all chicken, duck, and/or turkey tractors, houses, pens, etc. prior
to owning the animals.
c.
The permit holder is responsible for timely renewal of the permit;
no notifications will be sent upon expiration.
d.
Any person keeping or harboring chickens in violation of this
section shall be subject to penalties as set out in Section 210.0S0(A).
2.
The maximum number of chickens, ducks, and/or turkey allowed
is eight (8) per tract of land regardless of how many dwelling units
are on the tract.
a.
Chicken permits are allowed only upon owner-occupied properties
or by tenants when there is written and notarized consent by the landowner.
3.
Only female chickens, ducks, and/or turkey shall be allowed.
There shall be no restriction on chicken, duck, and/or turkey breeds.
4.
It shall be unlawful to engage in chicken, duck, and/or turkey
breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes.
5.
Slaughter may occur for personal use provided it is conducted
in a sanitary manner, does not generate noise that creates a nuisance,
and is not visible from adjacent properties or any public area right-of-way.
6.
Chickens, ducks, and/or turkey shall be kept in a secured enclosure
or fenced area at all times. Chickens, ducks, and/or turkey shall
be secured within a hen house or chicken tractor during non-daylight
hours.
7.
Enclosures shall be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat and
sanitary condition at all times.
8.
No dog or cat which kills a chicken, duck, and/or turkey shall,
for that reason alone, be considered a dangerous or aggressive animal.
9.
All other applicable City codes shall apply.
C. Keeping of four (4) or less pygmy goats allowed for by annual permit.
1.
A pygmy goat permit must be obtained ammally from the City Clerk.
Any violation of the listed regulations for keeping pygmy goat(s)
may result in revocation of the pygmy goat permit and no future permit(s)
issued.
a.
Pygmy Goat permit fees shall be thirty ($30) per pygmy goat
annually, and may by modified by City Council.
b.
All appropriate enclosure locations must be constructed, including
all pygmy goat tractors, houses, pens, etc. prior to owning the animals.
c.
The permit holder is responsible for timely renewal of the permit;
no notifications will be sent upon expiration.
d.
Any person keeping or harboring pygmy goats in violation of this section shall be subject to penalties as set out in Section
210.050(A).
2.
The maximum number of pygmy goats allowed is four (4) per tract
of land regardless of how many dwelling units are on the tract.
a.
Pygmy goat permits are allowed only upon owner-occupied properties
or by tenants when there is written and notarized consent by the landowner.
3.
Only female pygmy goats shall be allowed. There shall be no
restriction on pygmy goat breeds.
4.
It shall be unlawful to engage in pygmy goat breeding or fertilizer
production for commercial purposes.
5.
Slaughter may occur for personal use provided it is conducted
in a sanitary manner, does not generate noise that creates a nuisance,
and is not visible from adjacent properties or any public area right-of-way.
6.
Pygmy goats shall be kept in a secured enclosure or fenced area
at all times. Pygmy goats shall be secured within a pygmy goat tractor
during non-daylight hours.
7.
Enclosures shall be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat and
sanitary condition at all times.
8.
All uses shall operate in accordance with City noise standards.
9.
No dog or cat which kills a pygmy goat shall, for that reason
alone, be considered a dangerous or aggressive animal.
10. All other applicable City Codes shall apply.
D. Any
Potbellied pigs presently residing in the City of Louisiana and current
on their required registration within thirty (30) days of the passing
of this Section shall be able to remain within City limits to the
end of their lives so long as they remain properly registered and
vaccinated.
[R.O. 2008 §210.060; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
10-2009 §§1 — 2, 6-8-2009; Ord. No. 54-2016, 12-12-2016; Ord. No. 17-2021, 6-28-2021; Ord. No. 28-2021, 10-25-2021; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. Definitions Of Dangerous Animals. For the purposes of this Section,
a "dangerous animal" shall be any animal with any of the following
characteristics:
1.
Any animal which has inflicted severe or fatal injury on a human
being. "Severe injury" means any physical injury which results in
broken bones or lacerations requiring stitches or in-patient hospitalization;
2.
Any animal which has maimed, attacked or killed a domestic animal,
or livestock without provocation while outside the owner's property;
3.
Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose
of animal fighting or any animal trained for fighting;
4.
Any animal which, while on public or private property to include
the property of the owner, has bitten, without provocation, a human
being other than the owner or a member of the owner's family who normally
resides at the place where the animal is kept;
5.
Any animal which, when unprovoked, chases or approaches a person
upon the streets, sidewalks or any public grounds or private property,
other than the property of the owner in an apparent attitude of attack,
regardless of whether a person is injured by said animal.
B. Procedure For Declaring A Dangerous Animal.
1.
Should a complaint be made to the Animal Control Officer or a Police Officer by an offended party alleging any of the circumstances as set forth in Subsection
(A) hereof, the Animal Control Officer or Police Officer shall prepare a report and issue a notice to the owner or possessor of said animal that proceedings will be initiated to declare the animal dangerous. The Animal Control Officer or Police Officer will advise the owner or possessor of said animal that, unless said owner or possessor appears, the Court's action may include destruction of the subject animal.
2.
If the Animal Control Officer or Police Officer has probable
cause to believe that the animal in question is a dangerous animal
within the meaning of this Section, the Animal Control Officer or
Police Chief may then take possession of the animal, or order that
the animal be taken into possession, and put in the City Pound. At
the discretion of the Animal Control Officer or the Police Officer,
the animal may be removed from City limits if this is likely to remove
the danger to the public. When an animal is taken into custody by
the City, the City will take proper care of the animal but assumes
no liability nor will there be a daily fee to hold such animal.
3.
The Municipal Court shall determine whether the animal in question
is dangerous within the meaning of this Section after hearing testimony
of witnesses.
4.
Should a hearing be held by the Municipal Court and the Court
determines that the animal is a dangerous animal, then the animal
and its owner/possessor shall be subject to the provisions of this
Section, and the Court shall make such orders as will effectuate the
terms of this Section.
5.
Any animal found not a dangerous animal by the Municipal Judge
may be returned to the City limits upon such determination if said
animal was removed prior to the hearing.
C. Action To Be Taken For Dangerous Animals.
1.
An animal responsible for an unprovoked severe or fatal injury
shall be destroyed.
2.
In all other cases, a dangerous animal shall be removed from
the City and shall not be permitted to be harbored, kept or possessed
within the City limits of Louisiana, Missouri.
D. Penalty For Non-Compliance.
1.
It shall be unlawful for a person to keep a dangerous animal
within the City limits of Louisiana, Missouri, and fail to comply
with the provisions of this Section. Persons found guilty of violating
the provisions of this Section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed
five hundred dollars ($500.00) or a jail sentence not to exceed thirty
(30) days, or both such fine and confinement.
2.
Any animal found to be a dangerous animal and kept in the City
of Louisiana, Missouri, in violation of the provisions of this Section
shall be seized and impounded until the owner thereof complies with
the provisions of this Section. If the owner fails to comply with
the provisions of this Section within ten (10) days of the seizure
of the animal, the animal shall be destroyed.
[R.O. 2008 §210.070; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008]
Every animal owner or keeper is responsible for the actions
of such animal and for any damage it may do to any person, property
or thing.
[R.O. 2008 §210.090; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
01-2011 §1, 1-10-2011]
A. A person
commits the offense of allowing prohibited animals on public property,
private property belonging to others, the City Cemetery or City Parks
if:
1. Being the owner, keeper or possessor of any dog, cat or other domestic
animal, he/she allows such animal to enter or remain in/on public
property, private property belonging to others, the City Cemetery
or any City Park of the City of Louisiana without such animal being
under restraint or on leash; and/or
2. Such owner, keeper or possessor as aforesaid in Subsection
(1) of this Section shall be required to have on his/her person a device to retrieve, cover, store and dispose of such domestic animal's solid waste and such owner, keeper or possessor further shall be required to retrieve, cover, store and dispose of such waste if excreted by such animal immediately upon excretion while within the confines of a park of the City of Louisiana, the City Cemetery, public property or the private property of others.
3. Any person guilty of violating this offense shall be held to the
standard of strict liability whereby knowledge as to the presence
of the animal in such cemetery, park, public property or private property
of others is not a necessary element to this offense.
4. Any person deemed guilty of violating this Section shall be guilty
of an ordinance violation and shall be punished by a fine not less
than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than one hundred fifty
dollars ($150.00).
5. This Section specifically excludes the presence of any animal used
to assist a handicapped person in his/her daily activities, to include,
but not be limited to, dogs used to assist the blind.
[R.O. 2008 §210.100; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008]
Any person, firm, partnership or corporation keeping or harboring
any dog or cat shall be deemed the owner thereof and responsible for
such dog's or cat's actions.
[R.O. 2008 §210.110; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008]
A. It shall be an unlawful act for any owner or keeper of any animal within the corporate limits of the City of Louisiana who fails to provide the herein described minimum standards of animal care. In addition to the remedial provisions set forth in this Chapter, anyone convicted of a violation of this Section shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation, and may be punished as provided in Section
100.170 of the City Code.
[Ord. No. 28-2021, 10-25-2021]
B. Minimum Standards Of Animal Care. The owners of animals,
kennels, pet shops, humane shelters, aviaries and animal dealers shall
comply with the following minimum standards of care for every animal
owned or in their custody or possession.
1. Housing.
a. Animals shall be housed in primary enclosures, pens or cages, appropriate
to the species, which shall be constructed so as to be structurally
sound. Such enclosures shall be maintained in good repair to contain
the animal housed inside and protect it from injury. Surfaces shall
have an impervious surface so as not to permit the absorption of fluids
and which can be thoroughly and repeatedly cleaned and disinfected
without retaining odors.
(1)
The primary dwelling of the owner shall be considered the primary
enclosure for any privately owned house pets.
b. Primary enclosures, pens or cages housing the animals shall provide
sufficient space to allow each animal adequate freedom of movement
to make normal postural adjustments, including the ability to stand
up, turn around and lie down with its limbs outstretched. If the flooring
is constructed of metal strands, such strands must either be greater
than one-eighth (1/8) inch in diameter (nine (9) gauge wire) or shall
be coated with a material such as plastic or fiberglass and shall
be constructed so as not to allow passage of the animal's feet through
any opening in the floor of the enclosure. Such flooring shall not
sag or bend substantially between structural supports.
c. Housing facilities shall be adequately ventilated at all times to
provide for the health and well-being of the animal. Ventilation shall
be provided by natural or mechanical means such as windows, vents,
fans or air conditioners. Ventilation shall be established to minimize
drafts, odors and moisture condensation.
d. The temperature surrounding the animal shall be compatible with the
health and well-being of the animal. Temperature shall be regulated
by heating and cooling to sufficiently protect each animal from extremes
of temperature and shall not be permitted to fall below or rise above
ranges which would pose a health hazard to the animal. This shall
include supplying shade from sunlight by natural or artificial means.
e. The indoor facilities housing the animals shall be provided with
adequate lighting sufficient to permit routine inspection and cleaning
and be arranged so that each animal is protected from excessive illumination
which poses a health hazard to the animal.
f. The indoor and outdoor facilities housing the animals, including
the primary enclosure or cage, shall be designed to allow for the
efficient elimination of animal waste and water in order to keep the
animals dry and prevent the animal from coming into contact with these
substances. If drains are used, they shall be constructed in a manner
to minimize foul odors and back-up of sewage. If a drainage system
is used, it shall comply with Federal, State and local laws relating
to pollution control.
g. In the event that a pet dealer has a pregnant or nursing animal on
his/her premises, the pet dealer shall provide a birthing box for
such animal.
C. Sanitation. Housing facilities, including primary enclosures
and cages, shall be kept in a clean condition in order to maintain
a healthy environment for the animal. This shall include removing
and destroying any agents injurious to the behalf of the animal and
periodic cleanings. The primary enclosure or cage shall be constructed
so as to eliminate excess water, excretions and waste material. Under
no circumstances shall the animal remain inside the primary enclosure
or cage while it is being cleaned with sterilizing agents or agents
toxic to animals or cleaned in a manner likely to threaten the health
and safety of the animal. Trash and waste products on the premises
shall be properly contained and disposed of so as to minimize the
risks of disease, contamination and vermin.
D. Feeding And Watering.
1. Animals shall be provided with wholesome and palatable food, free
from contamination and of nutritional value sufficient to maintain
each animal in good health.
2. Animals shall be adequately fed at intervals not to exceed twelve
(12) hours or at least twice in any twenty-four (24) hour period in
quantities appropriate for the animal species and age, unless determined
otherwise by and under the direction of a duly licensed veterinarian.
3. Food receptacles shall be provided in sufficient number, of adequate
size and so located as to enable each animal in the primary enclosure
or cage to be supplied with an adequate amount of food.
4. Animals shall be provided with regular access to clean, fresh water
supplied in a sanitary manner sufficient for its needs, except when
there are instructions from a duly licensed veterinarian to withhold
water for medical reasons.
E. Handling. Each animal shall be handled in a humane manner
so as not to cause the animal physical injury or harm.
F. Veterinary Care.
1. All animals shall be inoculated as required by State and local law.
Veterinary care appropriate to the species shall be provided without
undue delay when necessary. Each animal shall be observed each day
by the pet dealer or by a person working under the pet dealer's supervision.
2. Within five (5) business days of receipt, but prior to the sale of
any animal, the pet dealer shall have a duly licensed veterinarian
conduct an examination and tests appropriate to the age and breed
to determine if the animal has any medical conditions apparent at
the time of the examination that adversely affect the health of the
animal.
a. For animals eighteen (18) months of age or older, such examination
shall include a diagnosis of any congenital conditions that adversely
affect the health of the animal. Any animal found to be afflicted
with a contagious disease shall be treated and caged separately from
healthy animals.
3. If an animal suffers from a congenital or hereditary condition, disease
or illness which, in the professional opinion of the pet dealer's
veterinarian, requires euthanasia, the veterinarian shall humanely
euthanize such animal without undue delay.
4. In the event an animal is returned to a pet dealer due to a congenital
or hereditary condition, illness or disease requiring veterinary care,
the pet dealer shall, without undue delay, provide the animal with
proper veterinary care.
G. Humane Euthanasia. Humane euthanasia of an animal shall
be carried out in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter.
H. Records Of Purchase And Sale. Each pet dealer shall keep
and maintain records for each animal purchased, acquired, held, sold
or otherwise disposed of. The records shall include the following:
1. The name or address of the person from whom each animal was acquired.
If the person from whom the animal was obtained is a dealer licensed
by the United States Department of Agriculture, the person's name,
address and Federal dealer identification number. In the case of any
animal in the custody or possession of the pet dealer and the source
of origin is unknown, the pet dealer shall state the source of origin
as unknown, accompanied by the date, time and location of receipt.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection, no pet dealer shall
knowingly buy, sell, exhibit, transport or offer for sale, exhibition
or transportation any stolen animal. No pet dealer shall sell any
animal that is not of good health and physical condition unless the
facts and details of such health and/or physical problems are presented
to the prospective buyer in writing before the purchase of such animal,
further no pet dealer knowingly sell any cat or dog younger than eight
(8) weeks of age.
2. The origin source of each animal if different than the person recorded in Subsection
(H)(1) one of this Section.
3. The date each animal was acquired.
4. A description of each animal showing age, color, markings, sex, breed
and any inoculation, worming or other veterinary treatment or medication
information available. Records shall also include any other significant
identification, if known, for each animal, including any official
tag number, tattoo or implant.
5. The name and address of the person to whom any animal is sold, given
or bartered or to whom it is otherwise transferred or delivered. The
records shall indicate the date and method of disposition.
6. Records for each animal shall be maintained for a period of two (2)
years from the date of sale or transfer, whichever occurs later. During
normal business hours, the records shall be made available to any
person authorized by law to enforce the provisions of this Article.
a. Records for private sales or trades between individuals shall be
kept and maintained and be made available to all authorized persons
for the specified period of liability of six (6) months.
[Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. Feral
Cats Definitions.
ABANDONED
A cat that is socialized to humans and is appropriate as a companion to humans. The responsibilities of owners of domesticated cats are set forth in Article
II, Section
210.105 and Section
210.110.
EAR TIPPING
Straight-line cutting of the tip of the left ear while the
cat is anesthetized.
FERAL CAT
A cat that is:
1.
Born in the wild or is the offspring of an owned or feral cat
and that is not socialized; or
2.
Is a formerly owned cat that has been abandoned and is no longer
socialized.
FERAL CAT CAREGIVER
Any person other than an owner who provides food, water or
shelter to, or otherwise cares for a feral cat.
NUISANCE
For purposes of this Chapter, means conduct by stray or feral
cats that disturb the peace. Stray or feral cats may create a nuisance
by:
1.
Habitually or continually howling, crying or screaming; or
2.
Habitually and significantly destroying, desecrating or soiling
property against the wishes of the owner of the property.
SPONSOR
Any animal welfare provider that agrees to comply with the
requirements of this Section for sponsors provides written notice
to and is approved by Animal Control and the majority of any other
approved sponsor(s).
STRAY CAT
A cat that is regularly off the property of the owner, is
not under the physical control and restraint of the owner and/or has
no apparent owner.
TNR
Trap, neuter and return.
TNR PROGRAM
A program in which feral and stray cats are trapped, neutered
or spayed, vaccinated against rabies, and returned to the location
where they congregate, in accordance with this Section.
TNR TASK FORCE
An advisory task force comprised of TNR experts appointed
by and at the discretion of the Director of Health to advise Animal
Control on current TNR practices and policies.
B. The
following actions shall be permitted in pursuance of the Trap-Neuter-Return
Program:
1. Trapping, for the sole purpose of sterilizing, vaccinating for rabies,
and ear tipping community cats.
2. An ear-tipped cat received by local shelters will be returned to the trapping location unless veterinary care is required. A trapped ear-tipped cat will be released on site unless veterinary care is required. In the case that the animal is suspected to be dangerous or a nuisance under Subsection
(F)(3) of this Section, such community cat shall be delivered to the City Pound or referred to the Animal Control Officer.
3. Community cat caregivers are empowered to reclaim impounded community
cats, without proof of ownership solely for the implementation of
the process of the Trap-Neuter-Return Program.
C. The
Mayor will enter into a mutual agreement with a non-profit, 501(c)3
organization at the term of no less than five (5) years for the initial
term. Subsequent terms may have variable time lengths. The non-profit
organization will be held to the task of overseeing the Community
Cat Management Program, including a Trap-Neuter-Return Program. The
mutual agreement must be approved by the City Council prior to the
Mayor entering into said agreement. Such agreement shall include the
reporting of such metrics to Mayor and Council as are commonly accepted
within the TNR community.
D. Community
cats which are reported to be dangerous animals within the meaning
of this Code, or which are destroying property, including personal
property, fixtures upon real property, plants, planting beds, etc.,
may be picked up by the Animal Control Officer or a Police Officer
for purposes of evaluation and possible re-homing for a period of
up to ten (10) days. If such cat is determined to be a persistent
threat to life, health, or property, it may be euthanized.
E. Feral
Cat Colonies.
1. Feral cat colonies shall be permitted and feral cat colony caregivers shall be entitled to maintain and care for feral cats by providing food, water, shelter and other forms of sustenance, provided that the feral cat colonies are registered with an Animal Control approved sponsor, as defined in Section
210.115, and that the feral cat colony caregiver takes all appropriate and available steps to meet the terms and conditions of this Section.
2. Sponsorship Of Colony TNR Programs. Any animal welfare group shall
be eligible to act as a sponsor, if approved by Animal Control and
the majority of any other approved sponsor(s). Any animal welfare
group intending to undertake the responsibilities of sponsor shall
so advise Animal Control in writing and provide its address and telephone
number, and electronic mail address.
3. Sponsor Requirements. It shall be the duty of the sponsor to:
a. Review, and in its discretion, approve of feral cat colony caregivers.
b. Help to resolve any complaints over the conduct of a feral cat colony
caregiver or of cats within a colony.
c. Maintain records provided by feral cat colony caregivers on the approximate
size and location of the colonies by address, as well as the vaccination
and spay and neuter records of cats in the sponsor's colonies.
d. Provide, at a minimum, written educational training for all caregivers
addressing uniform standards and procedures for colony maintenance.
e. Report annually to Animal Control:
(1)
The approximate number of cats in colonies;
(2)
The approximate location of all cats in colonies;
(3)
The number of cats in colonies vaccinated, spayed and neutered;
and
(4)
The number of cats and kittens from colonies placed in permanent
homes.
f. Use due consideration to prevent feral cat colonies from being maintained
on lands managed for wildlife or other natural resources, such as,
but not limited to, nature preserves, where the presence of a feral
cat colony is a proven threat, and to avoid the taking of rare, threatened
or endangered species under State and Federal law.
g. Provide any forms or other documentation necessary to allow feral
cat colony caregivers to receive any public or private subsidies,
medical care or other forms of assistance for their feral cat colonies
which may be available to them.
h. Animal Control has the right to the address of a colony where feral
cat colony caregivers have regularly failed to comply with this Section,
where the sponsor has been unable to resolve a nuisance behavior situation,
and/or where the sponsor or caregiver has refused to work with the
TNR Task Force and Animal Control.
F. Disposition
Of Feral Cat Colony Cats.
1. Animal Control, its designee, or a licensed veterinarian, in accordance
with the enforcement of this Section and the entire Animal Control
Code, shall be the only persons permitted to destroy a feral cat.
No person may knowingly poison or cause to be poisoned, or cause the
destruction by other means, of a feral cat. The only exception will
be by written order of the Municipal Judge for the purpose of controlling
diseases which have been medically proven to be transmissible to humans
or other animals and only when all other methods and means have been
exhausted. Such an order shall name a person or persons to conduct
this course of action, specify any products to be used, give the boundaries
of the area involved and specify the precautionary measures to be
employed to ensure the safety of humans and other animals. Any drugs
used for euthanasia shall be by or under the direction of a licensed
veterinarian.
2. Any ear tipped cats found or turned in to any City animal shelter,
animal welfare organization or veterinarian may notify Animal Control
or sponsor(s), if known, via mail, email, or telephone.
3. Animal Control or its designee, in order to encourage the stabilization
of the feral cat population in the City of Louisiana, shall have the
following rights:
a. The right to direct that a sponsor remove a feral cat that is creating
a nuisance if the sponsor has failed to adequately resolve the nuisance
within ninety (90) days after being given written notice thereof.
In the event that Animal Control directs the sponsor to remove the
cat, the sponsor shall have thirty (30) days to do so. Failure of
the sponsor to remove the cat within said time period (or such longer
time than Animal Control may specify) shall constitute grounds for
Animal Control to remove the cat.
b. Animal Control Officers (ACO), Police Officers or sponsors shall
investigate any nuisance complaint allegedly caused by a feral cat.
c. In the event that an ACO or a Police Officer finds that a feral cat
or feral cat colony has created a nuisance, the ACO or Police Officer
shall advise the City of Louisiana and sponsor, in writing, of the
nuisance. If the sponsor fails to correct the nuisance, Animal Control
shall have the right to remove the cat.
d. If a caregiver cannot be found for all or parts of a colony, the
sponsor shall make reasonable efforts to relocate the cat(s) to another
location.
e. If a sponsor fails to perform its duties as set forth in this Section,
the department may notify the sponsor that it must comply with the
requirements of this Section within thirty (30) days. If the sponsor
fails to do so, Animal Control may remove this sponsor from the list
of City approved sponsors, and shall reassign the feral cat colonies
from this sponsor to another sponsor.
f. If a feral cat colony caregiver regularly fails to comply with this
Section, the sponsor may notify the feral cat colony caregiver that
he or she has thirty (30) days to make all reasonable efforts to fulfill
the responsibilities defined in this Section. If the feral cat colony
caregiver fails to comply within that time period, the sponsor may
identify and obtain replacement feral cat colony caregivers for the
feral cat colonies of the non-compliant caregiver. If no other feral
cat colony caregiver can be found within thirty (30) days, the sponsor
may notify Animal Control, and the City may reassign the colony to
another sponsor, undertake TNR or humanely remove all, or parts of,
the feral cat colonies and dispose of them in accordance with this
Section and the Animal Control Code of the City Louisiana.
[R.O. 2008 §210.120; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No. 30-2021, 12-22-2021; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. All
persons owning, keeping, harboring or protecting a dog or cat within
the City limits shall register and license the same with the City
Clerk on or before the first day of June of each year and shall keep,
upon or around the neck of such animal, the tag which shall be issued
by the City Clerk. It shall be the owner's responsibility to maintain
in compliance with this Chapter.
B. The
only exceptions to the above are as follows:
1. Dogs or cats under four (4) months of age; and
2. Dogs or cats brought into the City limits for dog or cat "shows."
[R.O. 2008 §210.130; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
09-2009 §1, 6-8-2009; Ord. No. 53-2016, 12-12-2016; Ord. No. 17-2022, 7-25-2022; Ord.
No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. In order that an owner or keeper of any dog or cat may have the same
registered, the following fee shall apply and be paid to the City
Collector on or before the first day of June:
1.
A one-year license for each dog and cat which has been spayed
or neutered for the sum of five dollars ($5.00); or
2.
A one-year license for each dog and cat which has not been spayed
or neutered for the sum of thirty-five dollars ($35.00).
B. Such license or registration shall not be issued for any dog or cat
unless such owner or keeper shall submit to the City Collector a certificate
by a licensed veterinarian that such dog or cat has been vaccinated
for rabies, and is designed to be effective for the full term for
which such license or certificate is issued. Any person or keeper
applying for a license or registration for a neutered male or spayed
female dog or cat shall first produce and show to the City Collector
a certificate from a licensed veterinarian setting forth that such
dog or cat has been neutered or spayed. Upon the payment of the above-stated
amount, the City Collector shall deliver to the owner or keeper of
such dog or cat a certificate, in writing, which certificate shall
show that such person has registered such dog or cat and which shall
contain a description of the dog or cat and a number by which it has
been registered. The City Collector shall also give to such owner
or keeper a metal tag or check upon which shall be stamped the year
for which such tax has been paid and a number corresponding with the
certificate of registration.
C. The fee specified for licensing any dog or cat which has not been
spayed or neutered shall be prorated, which can be verified with the
City Collector.
D. The certificate of registration referred to in this Section shall
entitle such person to keep such dog or cat for a period of one (1)
year from the first day of July of the year of such registration and
payment.
E. Duplicate tags or checks may be obtained from the City Collector
by the payment of the sum of one dollar ($1.00).
F. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or cause to be removed
from any dog or cat, without the consent of the owner or keeper of
such animal, the tag or check or other evidence of the payment of
and registration of such dog or cat.
G. It shall be the duty of each and every owner or keeper of a dog or cat to make certain that proper identification, as stated in Section
210.130, is on such dog or cat at all times, except when such dog or cat is within the confines of the owner's or keeper's or person's home, and that home must be the place in which the owner, person or keeper of such dog or cat reside.
[R.O. 2008 §210.140; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
39-2016, 9-20-2016]
A. No person, keeper or owner shall suffer or permit any dog or cat
not registered and licensed as provided in this Chapter to be or remain
in or about the premises occupied or inhabited by such person, owner
or keeper.
B. This Section shall not apply to community cats.
[R.O. 2008 §210.150; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No. 13-2020, 10-24-2020; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. A suitable
and appropriate animal shelter, as approved by the City Council, may
be provided by the City upon a site and at a cost determined by the
City Council.
B. Animal
Control shall be provided the necessary equipment and clothing by
the City required to execute the duties of his/her office. The cost
of such equipment and clothing shall be as provided by the City Council.
C. Animal
Control shall have the right to enter upon any private property or
public property within the City in order to examine or capture any
animal which such officer reasonably believes to be in violation of
this Chapter; provided, however, that such officer shall not have
the right to enter any house which is in use as a residence without
first having secured a search warrant.
D. No
person shall hinder, molest or interfere with Animal Control in the
performance of his/her duties.
E. The
Mayor, with consent and approval of a majority of the members elected
to the City Council, shall have the power to appoint a qualified person
to serve as Animal Control of the City.
F. The Animal Control Officer may be appointed for a salary, to be set at the discretion of the City Council, or for a definite term, if serving in a volunteer capacity, or both. Irrespective of salary or lack thereof, the Animal Control Officer shall be considered an appointive officer for purposes of Chapter
115 of this Code and Chapter 77, RSMo.
G. The
City Council may establish a Committee to recommend rules, policies,
and operating procedures for day-to-day management of the City Pound
and Animal Control generally for the City of Louisiana. Such committee
shall not be granted any power to take on any debt in the City's name
or to use the City's property as collateral, nor to raise money through
the sale of debt instruments such as bonds. The Animal Control Committee
must keep records of all expenditures and revenues of the Animal Control
Department, Pound and Animal Control Officer. Further, the Committee
shall maintain meeting minutes and other public records in accordance
with Chapter 610, RSMo. All proposed rules and recommendations made
by the Animal Control Committee shall be subject to approval of the
City Council.
[R.O. 2008 §210.160; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. It shall be a deceptive practice for any owner to sell or transfer ownership of animals within the corporate limits of the City of Louisiana without complying with the provisions and requirements of Chapter
210.
B. Within
five (5) days prior to the offering any animal for sale, the owner
shall have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian. The name
and address of the examining veterinarian, together with the findings
made and treatment, if any ordered as a result of the examination,
shall be noted on the animal history and health certificate for each
animal.
C. The
owner or operator of a kennel, pet shop or humane shelter shall have
any animal that has been examined more than fourteen (14) days prior
to the date of purchase re-examined by a veterinarian for the purpose
of disclosing its condition within seventy-two (72) hours of the delivery
of the animal to the consumer, unless the consumer has waived the
right to the reexamination in writing.
D. The
veterinarian shall provide to the consumer, in writing, and within
the seven (7) days after the consumer consults with the veterinarian,
any certification that is appropriate pursuant to this Section upon
the determination that such certification is appropriate. The certification
shall include:
2. The date or dates of examination;
3. The breed, color, sex and age of the animal;
4. A statement of the findings of the veterinarian;
5. A statement that the veterinarian certifies the animal to be "unfit
for purchase";
6. An itemized statement of veterinary fees incurred as of the date
of certification;
7. If the animal may be curable, an estimate of the possible cost to
cure or attempt to cure the animal;
8. If the animal has died, a statement establishing the probable cause
of death; and
9. The name and address of the certifying veterinarian and the date
of the certification.
E. The
City's Animal Control Officer may investigate and pursue enforcement
against any kennel, pet shop or humane shelter reported by a consumer.
[Ord. No. 40-2016, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. An owner may surrender a dog or cat to the animal pound if the following
conditions are met:
1.
Owner must reside in the City; and
2.
The dog or cat should have written proof that its vaccinations
are up-to-date; and
3.
The animal does not have any life-threatening disease(s); and
owner pays a surrender fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) or performs voluntary
community service in the amount of five (5) hours to have the surrender
fee waived.
[R.O. 2008 §210.170; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
02-2010 §1, 2-8-2010; Ord. No. 03-2011 §1, 4-11-2011; Ord. No. 41-2016, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 28-2021, 10-25-2021; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. Every
dog or cat, except community cats, found running at large within the
City shall be impounded within the City Pound and kept or restrained
in such shelter for a period of two (2) weeks, unless sooner claimed.
If any dog or cat so impounded has been registered with the City of
Louisiana, reasonable attempt to notify the owner or keeper of such
animal shall be made.
B. Any animal owner or keeper who receives actual or constructive notice of impoundment hereunder and fails to claim the animal within fourteen (14) days as provided in Subsection
(C) hereof shall be declared guilty of an ordinance violation, and may be punished as provided in Section
100.170 of the City Code.
C. If
an animal is not redeemed by the owner or appears to have no owner
within thirty (30) days after impoundment, the animal may be disposed
of in one (1) of the following ways, but no other way:
1.
Release for adoption by a new owner who shows evidence of ability
and intention to provide the animal with an appropriate home and humane
care; provided, that no unspayed female or unneutered male shall be
released for adoption until spaying or neutering has been performed
by a licensed veterinarian, or, if too young, the fee for such spaying
or neutering has been paid, with a certification letter received from
a licensed veterinarian so that it will be brought in for spaying
at the age of six (6) months; register the animal with the City if
residing in City limits, and by payment of thirty-five dollars ($35.00);
or
2.
Transferred to a recognized non-profit organization that relocates
animals; or
3.
Euthanasia, using a method approved by the Department of Agriculture.
D. Any owner or keeper claiming such impounded dog or cat shall be entitled
to redeem and reclaim such dog or cat during regular office hours
of the Court Clerk by paying an impoundment fee of fifteen dollars
($15.00) for the first day of confinement plus ten dollars ($10.00)
per each additional day for the boarding of such dog or cat.
E. No
dog or cat shall be released from impoundment unless the claimant
exhibits or purchases a current registration certificate, check or
tag for every such animal, nor without proof of all necessary vaccinations.
Impounded animals may be claimed at all other times through such person
so designated for processing claims by paying the aforementioned confinement
and impoundment fees and by exhibiting a current registration certificate,
check or tag as well as proof of necessary vaccinations for each impounded
animal claimed.
F. The Animal Control Officer shall make every reasonable effort to
determine the owner of any impounded dog or cat and notify said owner,
person or keeper. In an effort to accomplish this task, the Animal
Control Officer shall make a weekly report to the Chief of Police
of any and all dogs or cats impounded from the previous week, along
with an abbreviated description of the dogs or cats. Any person, owner
or keeper may inspect such dogs or cats at the animal shelter by making
suitable arrangements through the Chief of Police or with the Animal
Control Officer.
[R.O. 2008 §210.180; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
42-2016, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. The City Pound shall agree to give title, possession and control
of the animal so long as the adopter complies with the terms and conditions
of the adoption agreement as follows:
1.
Owner who shows evidence of ability and intention to provide
the animal with an appropriate home and humane care.
2.
Non-spayed female or unneutered male must be spayed or neutered
by a licensed veterinarian prior to release for adoption paid for
by the adoptee, or, if too young, the fee for such spaying or neutering
be paid, with a certification letter received from a licensed veterinarian
so that it will be brought in for spaying at the age of six (6) months.
3.
Register the animal with the City if residing in City limits.
4.
Payment of adoption fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).
[R.O. 2008 §210.200; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
44-2016, 9-20-2016]
If there is a doubt or question as to whether or not a dog or
cat is sick, diseased or rabid, the Mayor or the Animal Control Officer
shall request that such dog or cat be restrained by the owner or keeper
of said animal for a required number of days as recommended by a licensed
and practicing veterinarian.
[R.O. 2008 §210.210; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
20-2018, 10-22-2018; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. Any
person which harbors more than five (5) animals over the age of four
(4) months upon one (1) property, including "pet shops," for the purpose
of breeding or for sale, shall be deemed as operating a commercial
kennel. Any person desiring to operate a commercial kennel within
the City shall first apply for and must be granted a conditional use
permit for the purpose of operating a commercial kennel. The location
of the proposed commercial kennel shall be inspected by the Animal
Control Officer or his/her designee who will determine that such location
will not be a nuisance to the neighborhood. Upon approval of the location
by the Animal Control Officer or his/her designee, the applicant shall
procure a commercial kennel license by applying to Code Enforcement,
the applicant shall pay the current kennel license fee and such owner
must also obtain a City business license as required by City Code
Section 605.010(A). Code Enforcement shall then issue the commercial
kennel license. If, at a later date, the Animal Control Officer or
his/her designee shall find that the operation of such kennel has
become a nuisance to the neighborhood, such kennel license shall be
revoked.
B. All
animals offered for sale by such commercial kennel or pet shop shall
have all pertinent records concerning the animal's health and place
of origin readily available on the premises at all time and shall
produce the same upon demand.
C. All
animals within such kennel or pet shop which are over the age of four
(4) months shall have a rabies inoculation.
D. Any person having or conducting a licensed commercial kennel or pet shop shall keep the same and maintain the same in a clean and humane manner and keep the same free from offensive odors and failure to comply with this Subsection
(D) shall subject such person to the loss of such person's kennel/pet shop license.
E. The
Animal Control Office or his/her designee shall quarterly inspect
all licensed commercial kennels located within the corporate limits
of the City of Louisiana. The owner shall remit an inspection fee
of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to the City Clerk for each inspection.
Such fee shall be deposited with the account of the Animal Control
Department to be used for the operation and maintenance of the City
Pound. Failure to allow an inspection of the premises for which a
commercial kennel license has been issued shall be a violation and
cause for summary revocation of the kennel license, without need for
a prior hearing. If, upon an inspection, a commercial kennel premises
is found not be satisfactory, the Animal Control Officer or his/her
designee may, after opportunity for a hearing, revoke the license
issued therefore.
1. The Animal Control Officer or his/her designee shall immediately
impound any animal where there is suspected neglect or abuse and such
animal shall be housed within the confine of the City Pound.
2. If the Animal Control Officer or his/her designee have reason to
believe such animal impounded is in need of medical care, the Animal
Control Office or his/her designee shall arrange for a licensed veterinarian
to attend to such animal.
3. Any and all expenses in connection with the housing and medical care
of such impounded animals shall be charged to the owner of such animals.
a. In the event the owner refuses to pay such charges, Animal Control
shall certify the cost to the City Clerk who shall cause a special
tax bill to be prepared against the property for the cost of such
owner. Such special tax bill shall be issued by the City Clerk and
delivered to the City Collector on or before the first day of June
of the following year. The Collector shall collect such tax bill along
with other taxes assessed against the property. Such tax bill if not
paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of eight percent (8%)
per annum.
4. Appeals to the decision of the Animal Control Officer or his/her
designee shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk within two
(2) workdays of the notification of such decision. Such appeals shall
be heard by the City of Louisiana Appeal Board.
F. Where
an inspection reveals a violation of any City Code in connection with
the kennel, the Animal Control Officer or his/her designee shall issue
the owner thereof a citation specifying such violation and shall include
a reasonable time for such violation to be corrected. If the violation
is not corrected within said time, the Animal Control Officer or his/her
designee shall issue a second citation to such owner and refer the
matter to the City Attorney for prosecution.
G. Any
person whose kennel license has been revoked shall immediately remove
all animals connected with that kennel from the City.
[R.O. 2008 §210.230; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No.
45-2016, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
Any dog within the City limits which, by continual barking,
howling or yelping during the nighttime or daytime that annoys the
neighborhood is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and any person
keeping or harboring such a dog shall be subject to a fine, upon being
found guilty, by the Municipal Court and it is hereby unlawful for
any owner or keeper of such a dog to allow such a dog to become a
public nuisance or fail to prevent such dog from such actions. In
addition to any penalties that may be imposed under this Section,
the Animal Control Officer of the City or his/her designee shall have
the power to impound.
[R.O. 2008 §210.240; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No. 08-2023, 10-23-2023]
A. It
shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, possess, own or transport any wild,
exotic animal or fowl or any animal or fowl trained or used for fighting
or any deadly, dangerous, poisonous, endangered or protected animal
or fowl within the City limits of the City of Louisiana, Missouri,
whether gratuitously or for a fee. Provisions of this Section shall
not apply to properly maintained and accredited zoological parks,
State permitted animals, circuses, scientific or educational institutes,
research laboratories or veterinary hospitals or trained guard dogs;
further, the provisions of this Section shall not apply to the transportation
of any legally taken game or fur-bearing animal or the transportation
of any animal being removed as a danger or pest.
1. Guard dogs shall be exempt only when utilized in such a fashion that
such guard dog or dogs cannot, under any circumstance or condition,
gain access to the general public off the premises where they are
to be utilized or at such times when the general public has access
to said premises.
B. A "wild
animal" and/or "exotic animal" is defined as live non-human primate;
native and/or foreign wildlife; poisonous reptiles, venomous snakes,
constrictor reptiles six (6) feet or more in length, crocodilian reptiles
two (2) feet or more in length. An animal trained for fighting shall
be any animal or any type or kind that has been trained for or used
for the purpose of fighting or attacking other animals or people.
[R.O. 2008 §210.250; Ord. No. 03-2008, 2-11-2008; Ord. No. 28-2021, 10-25-2021]
In addition to the remedial provisions set forth in this Section in order to protect, promote and preserve the public health and safety, it is hereby declared that any person owning any animal, kennel, pet shop or humane shelter within the City and permitting any violation of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation and may be punished as provided in Section
100.170 of the City Code.