[Ord. No. 413-00 Art. II, 4-17-2000; Ord. No. 783, 10-17-2016]
The following words, when used in this Chapter, shall have the
meanings set out herein:
Any animal which has inflicted severe or fatal injury on a human
being without provocation whether on public or private property.
Any animal which has killed a domestic animal without provocation
while off the owner's property.
Any animal which is kept or owned primarily or in part for the
purpose of fighting.
Any animal kept and trained primarily for the purpose of guarding
public or private property, specifically excepting all animals owned
by governmental agencies for the purpose of law enforcement.
Any animal with a known propensity, tendency or disposition
to attack human beings or domestic animals without provocation.
Any animal which, unprovoked, in a vicious or terrorizing manner
chases or approaches any person in a menacing fashion or apparent
attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks or any other public
grounds or place.
All wild and/or domesticated animals are considered dangerous
unless the animals have been registered and/or immunized as needed
and required.
Any member of the canine species.
Any person who shall allow an animal to habitually remain,
be lodged or be fed within any house, store, yard, enclosure or place
or who shall have any ownership interest in the animal shall be deemed
and considered as keeping said animal within the meaning of this Chapter.
Care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of
an animal and, except for emergencies or circumstances beyond the
reasonable control of the guardian, includes, but is not limited to,
the following requirements:
Food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal
growth or maintenance of body weight.
Open or adequate access to potable water of a drinkable temperature
in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs.
Access to a barn, house or other enclosed structure sufficient
to protect the animal from wind, rain, snow, or sun and which has
adequate bedding to protect against cold and dampness.
Veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonable, prudent person
to relieve distress from injury, neglect or disease.
An animal is provoked under this Chapter if its action is
in direct response to being tormented, abused or if its action was
in direct response to protecting itself, its owner, its owner's property
or its offspring.
[Ord. No. 783, 10-17-2016]
A.
A person is guilty of animal neglect when he/she has custody or ownership,
or both, of an animal and fails to provide minimum care or adequate
control which results in substantial harm to the animal.
B.
A person is guilty of animal abandonment when he/she has knowingly
abandoned an animal in any place without making provisions for its
minimum care.
C.
Animal neglect or animal abandonment are ordinance violations. For
a first offense of either violation, a term of imprisonment not to
exceed fifteen (15) days, or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars
($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment may be imposed. For
a second or subsequent violation of either offense, a term of imprisonment
not to exceed ninety (90) days or a fine not to exceed five hundred
dollars ($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment, may be imposed.
All fines and penalties for a first conviction of animal neglect or
animal abandonment may be waived by the court, provided that the person
found guilty of animal neglect or abandonment shows that adequate,
permanent remedies for the neglect or abandonment have been made.
Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected
or abandoned animals may not be waived.
D.
In addition to any other penalty imposed by this Section, the court
may order a person found guilty of animal neglect or animal abandonment
to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:
1.
The care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals within
the person's custody or ownership;
2.
The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's
custody or ownership;
3.
The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate
area of the neglect or abandonment; and
4.
The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created
by the neglect or abandonment of the animals.
E.
Under the provisions of Section 125.625 (Administrative Search Warrants)
of the Strafford Municipal Code, any police officer or other person
designated by the Board of Aldermen shall have the authority to enter
upon any premises within the City and inspect said premises for discovery
of animal neglect or abandonment.
[Ord. No. 783, 10-17-2016]
A.
A person is guilty of animal abuse when a person:
1.
Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not
allowed by or expressly exempted from the provisions of Sections 578.005
to 578.023 and 273.030, RSMo.;
2.
Purposely or intentionally cause injury or suffering to an animal;
or
3.
Having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to
provide minimum care or adequate control.
[1]
Note — Under certain circumstances this offense can
be a felony under state law.
[Ord. No. 783, 10-17-2016]
A.
A person commits the offense of knowingly releasing an animal if
that person, acting without the consent of the owner or custodian
of an animal, intentionally releases any animal that is lawfully confined
for the purpose of companionship or protection of persons or property
or for recreation, exhibition or educational purposes.
B.
As used in the Section, "animal" means every living creature, domesticated
or wild, but not including Homo sapiens.
C.
The provisions of the Section shall not apply to a public servant
acting in the course of such servant's official duties.
