[R.O. 2008 §5-25; Ord. No. 1879 §1, 8-11-1997; Ord. No. 5185 §1, 3-28-2011]
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person at any time to own, harbor, shelter, keep, control, manage or possess in or on his/her premises more than three (3) dogs or a combination of six (6) dogs and cats as long as there are not more than three (3) dogs.
B.
No residential structure or lot shall house or contain more than six (6) pet units as hereinafter defined as long as there are no more than three (3) dogs total. A dog, cat or rabbit shall constitute one (1) pet unit. Five (5) chinchillas, guinea pigs or other rodents, over the age of three (3) months, or any combination thereof, shall constitute one (1) pet unit. Ten (10) hamsters, mice or other small rodent-related mammals over the age of three (3) months shall constitute one (1) pet unit.
C.
Upon the birth of a litter of puppies, kittens or other animals, it shall be permissible to allow such litter to stay together with their mother until they reach the age of four (4) months without violating the limitations of this Section.
D.
This Section shall not apply to a pet shop, pet spa (as defined in Section 405.120), or a veterinarian's office.
E.
Transition Provision. Any owner who on July 1, 1996 is in possession of more than three (3) dogs or a combination of six (6) dogs and cats or who is in the possession of any other animal(s), the possession of which is restricted or prohibited by this Chapter, shall be permitted to retain the animal(s) owned until the animal's death or other disposition. However, no such animal may be replaced or added to the premises if the addition of the animal exceeds the limitations established in Subsection (A) or if the replacement of such animal violates the provisions of this Chapter.