[Ord. No. 6.002 §1, 3-10-2008]
As used in this Chapter, the following words shall have the definition ascribed in this Section unless the context otherwise indicates:
ADEQUATE CARE
Reasonable and prudent attention to the needs of an animal including wholesome food, clean water, shelter and health care as necessary to maintain good health for the given species of animal.
ADEQUATE CONTROL
To reasonably restrain or govern an animal so that the animal does not injure itself, any person, another animal or property.
ANIMAL
Every living vertebrate except a human being.
ANIMAL SHELTER
Any premises designated by action of the City for purposes of impounding and caring for all animals subject to this Chapter.
AT LARGE
Any animal shall be deemed to be "at large" when the animal is:
1. 
Located upon the real property of the owner and not effectively restrained or not in the presence and control of the animal's owner; or
2. 
Not located upon the real property of the owner and the animal is not effectively restrained.
CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION (CAFO)
An animal production facility where animals are stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of forty-five (45) days or more in a twelve (12) month period and a ground cover of vegetation is not sustained over at least fifty percent (50%) of the animal confinement area.
CONFINEMENT
Confinement, confined or confines as used in this Chapter shall mean constant, continuous, sole and segregated, physical enclosure of the animal.
DOG
All members of the canine species both male and female.
EFFECTIVE RESTRAINT
Physically restrained on a chain or leash or behind a suitable fence or other proper method of physical restraint from which it cannot escape.
EXOTIC OR WILD ANIMAL
Any mammal, fowl, fish, reptile or other species not commonly considered as pets or commonly raised for food or agricultural purposes, which poses a possible threat to the life or health of humans. The Chief of Police shall be responsible for determining the applicability of this definition to any mammal, fowl, fish, reptile or other species. A person desiring to possess any mammal, fowl, fish, reptile or other species which, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, is prohibited under this definition shall have the right to request a hearing before the Board of Aldermen which shall make the final decision.
FARM ANIMAL
Includes cattle, buffalo, horses, mules, swine, goats (including "fainting goats"), sheep, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks (excluding exotic animals).
HARBOR
To feed or to shelter an animal in the same location for three (3) or more consecutive calendar days.
LIVESTOCK
Cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and other animals or fowl which are being produced primarily for use as food or food products for human consumption.
OWNER
In addition to its ordinary definition, any person who owns, keeps or harbors an animal or professes to own, keep or harbor an animal.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust, estate or other legal entity.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any animal or fowl (or groups of animals or fowl) shall be considered a public nuisance if it:
1. 
Molests any passerby or chases passing vehicles including bicycles;
2. 
Attacks any other animal;
3. 
Is at large;
4. 
Is continually barking, howling, whining or yelping in excessive fashion to disturb the rest, peace or quiet of an individual;
5. 
Continually fights with other animals;
6. 
Is ridden on public property and obstructs or interferes with vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
7. 
Causes injury to any person;
8. 
Threatens or causes a condition which endangers public health;
9. 
Impedes refuse collection by ripping any bag or tipping any container of such;
10. 
Damages private or public property, soils, defiles or defecates on private property other than the owner's or on public walks and recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
Any animal, which attacks a human or bites a human or attacks or bites other domestic animals.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §2, 3-10-2008]
The provisions of this Chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department or any Animal Control Officer(s) commissioned by the City of Weston, Missouri.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §3, 3-10-2008; Ord. No. 6.002.1 §1, 3-8-2010]
A. 
All dogs in the City of Weston, Missouri, except a dog visiting the City with a non-resident owner, shall be licensed and registered within thirty (30) days of its arrival. A written application for a license shall be made to the City Collector and shall list the name, address and telephone number of the owner and name, breed, color, sex and distinguishing marks of the dog. The owner shall produce evidence that the dog has a current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian. The license fee, hereinafter provided for, shall be paid to the City Collector at the time of presenting the application. The City Collector shall issue a receipt and a numbered metallic or plastic tag for each dog license and shall maintain for three (3) years, two (2) records of such receipts and tags: one (1) listed alphabetically by name of the owner of the dog and one (1) listed numerically by tag numbers. These records shall be open to public inspection during business hours. All dog licenses shall be issued for one (1) year beginning on January first (1st). Each year during the month of January, the yearly license fee shall be five dollars ($5.00) for neutered/spayed dogs and ten dollars ($10.00) for non-neutered dogs; on or after February first (1st) each year, the yearly license fee shall increase fifty percent (50%) to seven dollars fifty cents ($7.50) for neutered/spayed dogs and fifteen dollars ($15.00) for non-neutered dogs. If the applicant becomes the owner of the dog after January first (1st), the license fee shall be prorated to the nearest quarter and the fifty percent (50%) penalty shall be added thirty (30) days after the date the owner procures the dog. If the ownership of the dog is transferred within the City, the new owner may have the current license transferred to the new owner's name upon payment of the fee of one dollar ($1.00). The owner shall place on the dog, at all times when the dog is not inside a private building, a collar or harness with the tag affixed to the collar or harness in such a manner that the tag can easily be seen. No tag issued for a specific dog shall be placed upon a different dog for which the tag was not issued. If the license or tag is destroyed or lost, a duplicate or replacement shall be obtained from the City Collector for the fee of one dollar ($1.00).
License fees, as provided in this Section, may be waived upon proof that a dog to be licensed is trained as a service dog for a handicapped person and is regularly used for such service.
B. 
No person shall own, keep or harbor any exotic or wild animal within the City limits of Weston, Missouri, unless such animal is licensed as herein provided. Written application for a license shall be made within thirty (30) days to the City Collector and shall list the name, address and telephone number of the owner and the name, species, color, sex and distinguishing marks of the animal. The license fee, hereinafter provided for, shall be paid to the City Collector at the time of presenting the application. The City Collector shall issue a receipt and a numbered metallic or plastic tag for each animal licensed and shall maintain for three (3) years, two (2) records of such receipts and tags: one (1) listed by alphabetical order with the name of the owner and one (1) listed numerically by tag number. These records shall be open to public inspection during business hours. All exotic or wild animal licenses shall be issued for one (1) year beginning on January first (1st). Each year during the month of January, the yearly license fee shall be twenty dollars ($20.00) for each exotic or wild animal; on or after February first (1st) each year, the yearly license fee shall increase fifty percent (50%) to thirty dollars ($30.00) for each exotic or wild animal. If the applicant becomes the owner of the exotic or wild animal after January first (1st), the license fee shall be prorated to the nearest quarter and the fifty percent (50%) penalty shall be added thirty (30) days after the date the owner procures the exotic or wild animal. If the ownership of the exotic or wild animal is transferred within the City, the new owner may have the current license transferred to the new owner's name upon payment of the fee of twenty dollars ($20.00). The owner shall place on the exotic or wild animal, at all times when the exotic or wild animal is not inside a private building, a collar or harness with the tag affixed to the collar or harness in such manner that the tag can easily be seen. No tag issued for a specific exotic or wild animal shall be placed upon a different exotic or wild animal for which the tag was not issued. If the license or tag is destroyed or lost, a duplicate or replacement shall be obtained from the City Collector for the fee of one dollar ($1.00).
C. 
No person shall allow any dog or exotic wild animal, not registered and licensed as required by this Section, to be or remain in or about the premises occupied by the person.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §4, 3-10-2008]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons owning, keeping or harboring any dog to permit such dog to run at large within the City. Provided, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, any dog which shall trespass upon the private property of another person or any dog which causes a person to be put in fear of injury by jumping upon such person or threatening or biting such person upon the public streets or sidewalks shall be deemed to be running at large and shall be in violation of this Section.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons owning any dog to allow such animal to defecate upon any sidewalk, gutter, street, park or other public area, recreation area, any subdivision or residential common ground or private property of another, unless such feces is immediately removed by the person responsible for the animal and removed in a reasonable manner by depositing the excreta in a practical waste container.
C. 
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the owner, keeper or harborer of any "seeing eye" or "service" dog or any person handling a dog in the course of any organized dog training program.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §5, 3-10-2008]
A. 
Any animal or fowl (or groups of animals or fowl) shall be considered a public nuisance if it:
1. 
Molests any passerby or chases passing vehicles including bicycles;
2. 
Attacks any other animal;
3. 
Is at large;
4. 
Is continually barking, howling, whining or yelping in excessive fashion to disturb the rest, peace or quiet of an individual;
5. 
Continually fights with other animals;
6. 
Is ridden on public property and obstructs or interferes with vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
7. 
Causes injury to any person;
8. 
Threatens or causes a condition which endangers public health;
9. 
Impedes refuse collection by ripping any bag or tipping any container of such;
10. 
Damages private or public property, soils, defiles or defecates on private property other than the owner's or on public walks and recreation areas, unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner.
Upon written complaint of a person, the owner of such animal or fowl shall be notified by the Police Department of the complaint and shall quiet the animal or fowl and shall keep the animal or fowl securely confined upon the owner's premises. Any owner failing or refusing to quiet or securely confine the animal or fowl after notification of the complaint by the Police Department shall be guilty of an ordinance violation and subject to the penalty Sections contained herein.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §6, 3-10-2008]
A. 
The Weston Police Department and/or Animal Control Officer shall have the authority to declare that a dog is vicious should the dog demonstrate behavior as defined in this Chapter.
B. 
If the Weston Police Department and/or Animal Control Officer has probable cause to believe that the dog in question is vicious and may pose a threat of serious harm to human beings or other domestic animals, the Animal Control Officer may seize and impound the dog pending the outcome of the investigation and the owner, keeper or harborer of the dog shall be liable to the City for the costs and expenses of keeping such dog.
C. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep and harbor within the City any vicious dog, knowing the same to be vicious, and suffer or permit the dog to be or run at large, upon any public street, sidewalk or thoroughfare or upon the premises of any person other than the owner or keeper, within the City without being properly muzzled and restrained by a leash of not more than (6) feet in length and of sufficient strength to restrain the dog. The leash must be securely held by a person capable of controlling the dog.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §7, 3-10-2008]
No person, whether the owner or other person having immediate charge or custody of any animal herein defined to be dangerous or of vicious propensity, shall suffer, allow or permit such animal to bite a human being or fail to prevent such animal from biting a human being or biting another domestic animal. Provided however, it shall be an adequate defense for violation hereof that at the time of its occurrence the person bitten shall be engaged in the commission of or attempting to commit any crime or ordinance violation or unauthorized entry upon the premises of the owner or custodian of the animal.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §8, 3-10-2008]
Any guard dogs used in the City by virtue of such use is hereby declared to be subject to the requirements of this Chapter; must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian; must be controlled by its keeper; and must not be used in a manner which, as determined by the Chief of Police, endangers individuals not on the premises guarded. Any person operating a guard dog service in the City shall register such business with the Chief of Police and shall list all premises to be guarded with the Chief of Police before such service begins.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §9, 3-10-2008]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to have the custody, ownership or possession of an animal and to fail to provide adequate care or control of the animal. It shall be unlawful for a person to abuse or neglect an animal by:
1. 
Intentionally or purposely killing any animal unless such person is the owner thereof, the agent of such owner or a veterinarian at the request of the owner and a reasonable motive exists for the killing of such animal, taking into consideration the humaneness as well as the interest of public safety;
2. 
Intentionally, purposely or recklessly causing injury, suffering or pain to an animal;
3. 
Abandoning an animal in any place without making provisions for the animal's adequate care; or
4. 
Having, ownership or custody of an animal and willfully failing to provide adequate care or control.
5. 
Failing to provide adequate care or adequate control, which results in substantial harm to the animal.
B. 
The parent or guardian of a minor child is responsible for the adequate care of any animal owned by or harbored by the minor child and the parent or guardian of the minor child shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §10, 3-10-2008]
A. 
Any dog not licensed pursuant to this Chapter found to be running at large and not under restraint or found to be dangerous or vicious or abandoned by the dog's owner may be seized or impounded by a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer designated by the City. Impoundment may be at any animal shelter designated by the City. If the dog wears a license tag or if the owner can by any other reasonable means be identified and located, the owner shall within twelve (12) hours be notified that the dog has been impounded. Prior to release of the impounded dog, the owner redeeming the dog shall pay the City Collector an amount equal to the cost charged to the City for boarding, incidental expenses of the dog plus a redemption fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Upon receipt of all dues, fees and charges, the City Collector shall issue a release receipt to the redeeming owner and the redeeming owner shall present the release receipt, during business hours, at the place of impoundment for the redemption of the dog.
B. 
If the dog is not redeemed by the owner within one (1) week after impoundment, the dog may be considered abandoned and may be disposed of by:
1. 
Euthanasia (using a method approved by the Humane Society of the United States); or
2. 
Released for adoption by a new owner who shows evidence of the ability and intention to provide the dog with an appropriate home and humane care. Provided however, no dog shall be released for adoption unless a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing that she/he has been paid in full for the neutering of the dog or will be performing the neutering procedure as soon as medically feasible thereafter.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §11, 3-10-2008]
A. 
Any Police Officer or Animal Control Officer of the City of Weston may impound any animal found within the City limits of Weston, Missouri, when such animal shows evidence of neglect, abuse, injury or appears to be abandoned.
1. 
If the owner of the animal can be ascertained by reasonable efforts and the animal is not diseased or disabled beyond recovery, the animal shall be held for recovery for the owner for five (5) calendar days after notification to the apparent owner, by telephone or mail, of the animal's location and redemption procedures. An animal unclaimed after ten (10) calendar days following notification to the apparent owner, by telephone or mail, may be disposed of by:
a. 
Euthanasia (using a method approved by the Humane Society of the United States); or
b. 
Released for adoption by a new owner who shows evidence of the ability and intention to provide the animal with an appropriate home and humane care.
2. 
If the owner of the animal cannot be ascertained by reasonable efforts or if the animal is determined by a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer of the City of Weston to be abandoned, the animal shall be placed in the care and custody of a veterinarian or animal shelter. The animal shall not be disposed of by euthanasia (using a method approved by the Humane Society of the United States) unless diseased or disabled beyond recovery or not suitable for adoption until after the expiration of a minimum of ten (10) calendar days during which time the public shall have access to inspect or recover the animal during regular business hours.
3. 
If the animal is diseased, disabled or abused beyond recovery or a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer of the City of Weston or a licensed veterinarian concludes that such an animal is not suitable for adoption, the animal may be disposed of by euthanasia (using a method approved by the Humane Society of the United States) prior to the passing of five (5) calendar days.
4. 
In all events, the owner or custodian of the animal, which has been neglected, injured, abused or abandoned, shall be liable for the reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of the animal.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §12, 3-10-2008]
It shall be unlawful to keep and harbor any female dog within the City limits of Weston, Missouri, during such times as the female is in heat unless the owner effectively confines the dog as that term is defined in Section 205.010. If the owner or keeper shall fail to do so, then the City shall impound said female dog as provided in this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §13, 3-10-2008]
It shall be unlawful for any person to bring an animal within the City limits of Weston, Missouri, and abandon the animal or allow the animal to run at large on the streets, sidewalks and alleys or at public places in the City.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §14, 3-10-2008; Ord. No. 6.003, 8-14-2017]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal or a person harboring an animal, when notified that the animal has bitten a person or has injured a person causing an abrasion or breakage of the skin, to sell or give away the animal or to permit or allow the animal to be taken beyond the limits of the City within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date the animal has bitten or injured any person, including the owner, except under the care of a licensed veterinarian.
B. 
Upon notice to the owner or keeper of an occurrence as listed in this Section, the owner or keeper shall immediately place the animal in a licensed veterinarian or hospital clinic, kennel or animal control facility where the animal shall be confined for a period of not less than ten (10) calendar days; and the owner or keeper of the animal shall notify the City Clerk of the location of said veterinary or hospital clinic, kennel or animal control facility and the date the animal was confined. If it's a weekend or holiday, the owner shall confine the animal the next business day.
C. 
If the owner is unable, fails, or refuses to have the animal placed in a licensed veterinarian or hospital clinic, kennel or animal control facility, then the Weston Police Department shall place the animal into the City authorized impound facility, following the rules of Subsections (A) and (B) above regarding the 15-days, and the 10-day confinement.
D. 
Whenever an animal bites or otherwise possibly transmits rabies or any zoonotic disease, the incident shall be immediately reported to the Weston Police Department.
E. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of an animal that bites or otherwise possibly transmits rabies or any zoonotic disease to knowingly fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order of the Police Department declaring a quarantine, isolation, impounding, testing, immunization or disposal of an animal.
F. 
It shall also be unlawful for an owner of an animal that bites or otherwise possibly transmits rabies or any zoonotic disease to sell, give away, transfer, transport to another area or otherwise dispose of an animal until the animal has been released by the Weston Police Department.
G. 
Liability Of Owner For Animal Bite. The owner of an animal that bites or otherwise possibly transmitted rabies or any zoonotic disease shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the animal and shall be responsible for all costs associated with the incident, including but not limited to:
1. 
The cost to test the animal for rabies or zoonotic disease;
2. 
The cost to test the exposed person for rabies or zoonotic disease; and
3. 
The cost to treat the person exposed to rabies or zoonotic disease; and
4. 
The cost to board or harbor the animal at a licensed veterinarian or hospital clinic, kennel or animal control facility, including any fees for legally required animal shots.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §15, 3-10-2008]
A. 
The following regulations apply for the keeping of farm animals and livestock in agriculture zoned districts within City limits:
1. 
Owners of more than five (5) acres of contiguous land will be allowed to keep livestock or farm animals within the City limits.
2. 
Commercial feed lots or concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) will not be allowed within the City limits.
3. 
Owners of more than three (3) acres of contiguous land will be allowed to keep, raise, own, harbor or water any horses or ponies within the City.
4. 
No hogs, mules, donkeys, sheep, chicken, goats, duck, turkey, rabbits, horses, ponies, goose or any other livestock or farm animal or any domesticated animal or wild fowl of any kind will be allowed to run at large within the City limits of Weston. Persons owning or having charge of the above animals will be held accountable for said animals running at large.
5. 
Livestock or farm animals will not be kept, harbored, penned or stabled within four hundred (400) feet of any residential zoned district.
6. 
Barns, stables or shelters for harboring livestock or farm animals may only be constructed by first obtaining a building permit and following all zoning regulation setbacks for the district.
7. 
Exotic/non-farm animals are allowed by special use exception, Section 405.240(E), "Raising and breeding of non-farm fowl and animals, commercially except kennel".
[Ord. No. 6.002 §16, 3-10-2008]
A. 
Within the City limits of Weston, Missouri, no person shall or attempt to wound, injure, capture or kill any wild mammal, fowl or fish or other species. Provided however, that poisonous snakes, insects or any other animal may be killed in order to protect the life or health of any person or expressly exempted under the provisions of Sections 578.005 and 273.030, RSMo.
B. 
Exemptions to this Section are:
1. 
Lawful hunting of game animals allowed pursuant to Section 210.265 and revisions thereto.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §17, 3-10-2008]
Any rabid animal or animal exposed to rabies shall upon capture be immediately confined. The owner or keeper of any rabid animal or animal exposed to rabies shall promptly notify a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer in the City of Weston. The owner or keeper of the animal shall surrender any suspected rabid animal for quarantine upon demand by a Police Officer of the City of Weston. The owner or keeper of the animal shall be responsible for all costs incurred for quarantine of the animal. The animal may be quarantined for a maximum of fourteen (14) calendar days, although the animal shall be released prior to the maximum fourteen (14) calendar days if certified to be free of rabies by a licensed veterinarian. No person shall kill nor remove from the City limits a rabid animal or animal exposed to rabies without permission from a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer, except when it is necessary to kill the animal to prevent the animal from escaping or biting any person or other animal. The body of an animal dead of rabies or having been exposed or suspected of having been exposed to rabies prior to death shall be surrendered by the owner or keeper upon demand by a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer of the City.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §18, 3-10-2008]
A Police Officer or Animal Control Officer of the City is authorized to enter any premises where an animal is kept or harbored to inspect the conditions under which the animal is kept, to require the owner or keeper to exhibit a license for the animal or to check the premises for the presence of a vicious or dangerous animal. A Police Officer or Animal Control Officer may seek a warrant from the Municipal Court of the City of Weston to enable him/her to enter private property to inspect, find or impound animals. A request for a warrant shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating probable cause to believe a violation of this Chapter has occurred. A Police Officer or Animal Control Officer acting under the authority of a warrant shall not be liable for necessary damage to property while acting under the warrant. Animal(s) impounded pursuant to a warrant shall be handled and treated as provided in this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §19, 3-10-2008]
A person who interferes with, hinders, delays or obstructs an officer in enforcement of this Chapter shall be guilty of an ordinance violation and shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §20, 3-10-2008]
A. 
No person shall own, possess, keep or train an animal with the intent that the animal be engaged in an exhibition of fighting with another animal.
B. 
Any person who is knowingly present as a spectator at a place, building or structure where preparations are being made for an exhibition of fighting of animals with the intent to be present at such preparations or is knowingly present at the exhibition of fighting or injuring of animals with the intent of being present is guilty of an ordinance violation.
C. 
This Section shall not be construed to prohibit the reasonable obedience training of dogs or the use of dogs for legal hunting.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §21, 3-10-2008]
No person shall own, possess or harbor a snake or poisonous insect, nor shall a property owner permit another person to possess or harbor upon their premises a snake or poisonous insect within the City of Weston.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §22, 3-10-2008]
A. 
A person found guilty of any Section of this Chapter:
1. 
Shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation and shall be punished for a first (1st) offense by a fine in the minimum amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and the maximum amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each separate violation; and
2. 
Shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation and be punished for a subsequent offense by a fine in the minimum amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) and the maximum amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each separate violation.
B. 
A person convicted of any offense pertaining to the keeping, harboring or owning of a vicious animal shall be punished:
1. 
For a first (1st) offense by a fine in the minimum amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) and the maximum amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00); and
2. 
For a subsequent offense by a fine in the minimum amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00) and the maximum amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00).
C. 
In addition to a fine imposed hereunder, the Municipal Judge may order that an animal be humanely destroyed and direct the Chief of Police to enforce said order which may be in addition to any other penalty authorized by law. The Municipal Judge may enter such order if she/he finds that it is necessary to destroy the animal to protect the health and safety of citizens or to protect private property.
[Ord. No. 6.002 §23, 3-10-2008]
A. 
By special permit, the Board of Aldermen may exclude the following from the provisions of this Chapter:
1. 
Licensed veterinarians;
2. 
Publicly funded educational facilities; and
3. 
Publicly funded biological or zoological facilities.