[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.110, 9-20-1989]
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Animal
Control Code of the City of Bridgeton, Missouri".
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.115, 9-20-1989]
Requirements are adopted in accordance with regulations adopted
under Sections 322.090 through 322.130 RSMo., or as hereinafter may
be amended.
[Ord. No. 89-81, §4.120, 9-20-1989]
A.
The
purposes of this Chapter include:
1.
Prevention of the introduction or transmission of rabies.
2.
Prevention of the introduction or transmission of other zoonotic
diseases.
3.
Protection and enhancement of the health and safety of humans by
regulating animals whose conduct is generally harmful to humans.
4.
Prevention of mistreatment of animals and protection and enhancement
of the health and safety of animals.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.125, 9-20-1989]
The Police Officers and personnel designated as Animal Control
Officers of the City of Bridgeton shall have authority to enforce
the Sections of this Chapter, except that Animal Control Officers
shall not affect a physical arrest.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.130, 9-20-1989; Ord. No. 94-43 §1, 6-1-1994]
For the purpose of this Chapter, certain terms and words are
hereby defined. Words used in the present tense include the future,
the singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular;
reference to the male gender includes the female, and references to
any person or animal without specifying gender include both male and
female; the word "shall" is mandatory and directory
wherever it is used in this Chapter. Other words defined are:
All members of the classification Felis domesticus, male
or female, four (4) months of age or older.
A certificate issued at the time of the vaccination of a
dog or cat and bearing thereon information required by the City of
Bridgeton but not limited to the signature of the veterinarian performing
the vaccination, the registration number, the name, color, breed and
sex of the dog or cat, the name and address of a person responsible
for the dog or cat, the date of the vaccination, and the type of vaccine
administered.
The Compendium of Animal Rabies Vaccines prepared by the
National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc., issued
January, 1989, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference
as though fully set out in this Chapter.
The entirety of the enclosure within which small mammals
and fowl are proposed to be housed or actually housed.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §1, 9-16-2015]
As used in this Section, "dangerous animals" is defined to mean:
Any animal with the known propensity, tendency, or disposition
to attack without provocation, to cause injury, or to otherwise threaten
the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or
Any animal which, without provocation, has attacked or bitten
a human being or domestic animal; or
Any animal which, without provocation, chases or approaches
a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property
in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.
All members of the classification Canis familiaris, male
or female, four (4) months of age or older.
To put to death in a humane manner, taking into account the
circumstances necessitating the euthanasia and the need to protect
the public health.
Any vaccinated or unvaccinated animal which has been bitten,
has been fighting with or has had contact with:
Domestic birds not used for slaughter, which are maintained
for private, noncommercial and nonbreeding use, and may include poultry
such as chickens or turkeys, game birds such as pheasants or partridges,
other wildfowl like guineafowl or peafowl, and waterfowl such as ducks
or geese.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §1, 9-16-2015]
A permit issued by the City of Bridgeton authorizing an individual
to raise female fowl and small mammals, other than cats and dogs,
in pens domestically for private, noncommercial uses.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §1, 9-16-2015]
A small, mobile enclosure, which is utilized during daylight
hours and is moved every day or week as needed for fowl to have fresh
grass underneath them.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §1, 9-16-2015]
To apprehend, seize, catch, trap, net, quarantine, tranquilize,
or confine an animal in a humane manner.
Any facility designated for the purpose of confining animals
impounded pursuant to this Chapter.
All members of the classification Felis domesticus, male
or female, under the age of four (4) months.
License tag issued by the City of Bridgeton for a specified
dog or cat.
Includes any person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation
which owns, harbors, shelters, keeps, controls, manages, possesses,
or has a part interest in any animal. An occupant of any premises
on which an animal subject to the provisions of this Chapter remains
or customarily returns is a person responsible for it under this Chapter.
If a person under the age of seventeen (17) years owns an animal subject
to the provisions of this Chapter, the head of the household of which
such person under the age of seventeen (17) years is a member shall
be the person responsible for the animal under this Chapter. Such
household head may himself be under the age of seventeen (17) years
and therefore subject to prosecution under this Chapter. If not a
member of the household, a person under the age of seventeen (17)
years shall himself be the responsible person. There may be more than
one person responsible for an animal.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §2, 9-16-2015]
All members of the classification Canis familiaris, male
or female, under four (4) months of age.
Any object, regardless of the shape and material, which bears
a registration number the words (or their abbreviations); "Rabies
Vaccination Registration". A tag expires when the duration of the
immunity as noted on the registration certificate is exceeded.
The injection by a veterinarian of a specified dose of anti-rabies
vaccine into the body of an animal. In order to be a valid vaccination
under this definition, the anti-rabies vaccine shall be of a type
specified by the compendium, stored in accordance with the manufacturers's
recommendation, and administered in a manner and at the ages and frequency
that is prescribed by the compendium.
The procedure of vaccination against rabies including the
issuance of a tag and certificate. The words "vaccination" and "registration" shall be interchangeable.
Unless otherwise specifically indicated, veterinarian means
any veterinarian holding a current Missouri license, or any person
acting under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who has a valid
Missouri license.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.135, 9-20-1989]
A.
Every
person who is responsible for any puppy or kitten shall have such
puppy or kitten vaccinated against rabies and registered as provided
in this Section on or before the puppy or kitten reaches four (4)
months of age, but not earlier than three (3) months of age.
B.
Every
dog and cat shall be vaccinated as indicated by the Compendium. No
dog or cat shall be exempted from this Section due to advanced age.
C.
At
the time of the vaccination of any dog or cat, the veterinarian shall
deliver a rabies vaccination tag and rabies vaccination certificate
to the person responsible for the dog or cat. It is the responsibility
of every person responsible for a dog or cat to attach the tag to
the collar or harness of the vaccinated dog or cat and determine that
such collar or harness is worn by that dog or cat at all times when
the animal is outside the residence of a person responsible for the
dog or cat. Any dog or cat found without a tag may be deemed to be
not vaccinated under this Chapter.
D.
A copy
of the certificate given to a person responsible for the dog or cat
shall be retained by the person responsible for the dog or cat for
inspection by the Chief of Police or his authorized representative
or any Police Officer.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.140, 9-20-1989]
A.
The
person responsible for a dog or cat shall register said animal with
the City by showing proof of current rabies vaccination of said animal
and for a fee of two dollars ($2.00) obtain a license for said dog
or cat. The receipt issued shall constitute a certificate of registry
and evidence of licensing for the keeping of such dog or cat within
the City. The license shall be affixed to the dog or cat collar or
harness at all times. The two dollar ($2.00) fee shall be waived for
a fully trained "seeing eye dog" regularly used in
the service of a blind person or for a dog owned by a government unit.
B.
A dog
or cat brought into the City which has been vaccinated in accordance
with the requirements of the Compendium shall be licensed within thirty
(30) days of initial entry into the City. All other dogs or cats brought
into the City shall be vaccinated and licensed immediately. This licensing
shall be accomplished in either of the following ways:
1.
A person responsible for the dog or cat may have the animal vaccinated
by a veterinarian.
2.
A person responsible for the dog or cat may present a valid vaccination
registration certificate from a licensed veterinarian licensed by
a State of the United States (regardless of whether that veterinarian
has been licensed in Missouri) to a veterinarian which registers dogs
and cats for St. Louis County.
3.
Upon presentation of such a document, the person responsible for
the animal shall be issued a license, to expire December thirty-first
(31st) of the year, upon payment of the license fee established in
this Section.
C.
The
City may hold inoculation clinics for the purpose of obtaining compliance
with this Section.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.145, 9-20-1989]
A.
Registration
tags shall not be transferred from one animal to another animal.
B.
No
person shall affix a license tag to a dog or cat other than the dog
or cat for which the tag was issued at the time of its rabies vaccination-registration.
C.
No
person shall affix a license tag to a dog or cat that has not been
vaccinated against rabies.
D.
No
person shall counterfeit, alter, obliterate or attempt to counterfeit,
alter or obliterate any rabies tag or license tag.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.150, 9-20-1989]
A.
The
Chief of Police or other persons designated by him shall have the
power to impound dogs and cats and other animals as follows:
2.
All dogs and cats, registered or unregistered, not securely confined
in an enclosed place, while in heat or estrus.
3.
All dogs, cats, puppies and kittens or other animals which are at large contrary to the requirements of Section 210.240 or which have been at large and are immediately pursued by an employee of the City, regardless of whether the animal is at large at the time it is apprehended.
4.
All dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, fowl and other small mammals
for which there is no person apparently responsible.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §3, 9-16-2015]
5.
All dogs, cats and other animals exposed to or suspected to be exposed
to or infected with rabies, including dogs, cats, or other animals
known to have been bitten by a rabid animal, whether the dog, cat
or other animal to be impounded is at large or on a leash or whether
it is confined to its owner's premises or whether it is vaccinated.
6.
Dogs and cats which have not been vaccinated within the seventy-two (72) hour period following release from any impounding facility as required by Section 210.110.
8.
Dogs and cats not vaccinated for rabies.
9.
Unconfined animals in quarantine areas.
10.
Dogs, cats, or other animals which have bitten a person or animal.
11.
Dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, fowl and other small mammals for
which there is no responsible person who can provide adequate shelter
or food.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §4, 9-16-2015]
12.
Animals whose owners have voluntarily and intentionally relinquished
control to the Chief of Police.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.155, 9-20-1989; Ord. No. 04-34 §4, 5-19-2004]
A.
Dogs,
cats and other animals impounded pursuant to this Section shall be
impounded in the City Animal Shelter or the St. Louis County Animal
Shelter.
B.
A person responsible for an animal which has been impounded under
this Chapter who wishes to have it returned to him or her shall request
the return of the animal within five (5) days (including Sundays and
holidays) of impounding.
[Ord. No. 15-24 §5, 9-16-2015]
C.
If
the Chief of Police is of the opinion that such release will not impair
the safety of the public, the animal will be returned to a person
responsible for it who makes such a request upon payment of a shelter
service fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for each day or fraction of a
day during which the animal was impounded.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.160, 9-20-1989]
A.
If an animal is not claimed in the manner provided in Section 210.100 within five (5) days (including Sundays and holidays) such animal may be transferred to a humane adoption group approved by the Chief of Police or by such other manner as is approved by the Chief of Police.
B.
If
an animal which is subject to the vaccination requirements of this
Chapter is returned to a person responsible for it following impoundment
and is not currently vaccinated, the animal must be vaccinated by
a veterinarian selected by the person responsible for the animal following
the release of the animal upon the following conditions:
1.
The person responsible for the animal shall have the animal vaccinated
within seventy-two (72) hours following return of the animal to him.
Failure to so vaccinate the animal shall be a separate violation of
this Chapter and will subject the animal to further impoundment until
the vaccination-registration is completed.
2.
Every animal impounded under provisions of this Chapter which is
found upon arrival at the place of impounding to be diseased or injured,
whose owner is unknown or relinquishes ownership may be immediately
euthanized.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Section 6 of Ord. No. 15-24, adopted
9-16-2015, changed the title of this section from “Claiming
Dog or Cat – Disposition” to “Claiming Animal –
Disposition.”
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.165, 9-20-1989]
No person shall make any false representation to any person
employed or otherwise working at a place of impounding for the purpose
of obtaining possession of an animal to which he is not legally entitled.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.170, 9-20-1989]
The Chief of Police or person designated by him shall euthanize
any dog, cat, or other animal showing signs of rabies. The body of
the animal shall be submitted for laboratory examination at a laboratory
designated by the Chief of Police.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.175, 9-20-1989]
In addition to the power to impound, the Chief of Police shall
have the power to examine any animal bitten by or exposed to any other
animal showing signs of rabies or shown to have rabies by laboratory
examination conducted in a manner approved by the Chief of Police
for the diagnosis of rabies.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.180, 9-20-1989]
Any bite wound or other tissue invasion exposing an individual
to the possibility of rabies or other zoonotic disease (hereinafter "incide") shall be immediately reported to the Bridgeton
Police Department by the victim or parent or guardian of victim if
victim is a minor child under seventeen (17) years of age and by the
person responsible for the animal if the incident is known to him.
Any animal bite or other incident which requires medical treatment
shall be reported within twenty-four (24) hours to the Police Department
by the treating physician or hospital caring for the patient. It shall
be unlawful for the person responsible for the animal involved in
such incident to release it from his custody or allow such animal
to be taken beyond the limits of the City.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.185, 9-20-1989]
A.
Any
person euthanizing an animal showing signs of rabies or suspected
of being infected with rabies shall surrender the body of such animal
upon demand of the Chief of Police. The owner or custodian of any
such euthanized animal shall immediately provide the Chief of Police
with full particulars thereof, including the names and addresses of
any person(s) bitten by said animal, the time, date, and place of
euthanasia of the animal, and also the name and address of a person
having custody of any animal exposed to the animal euthanized.
B.
Every
veterinarian euthanizing a privately owned animal shall inquire of
a person responsible for the animal whether the animal euthanized
has bitten any human or animal in the preceding ten (10) days. If
the answer is in the affirmative, the veterinarian shall forward the
same information to the Chief of Police as is required when an animal
with rabies is euthanized and provide the body of the animal to the
Chief of Police for laboratory examination.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.190, 9-20-1989]
A.
Any
dog, cat, puppy, or kitten which has bitten a human shall be confined
for a clinical observation period of ten (10) days not including the
day the bite occurred. The person responsible for the animal shall
prevent contact by such animal with humans or other animals.
B.
The
confinement required under Subsections (1), (2) and (3) of this Section
shall be accomplished in one of the following manners:
1.
The animal may be confined at impounding facilities for clinical observation and, if alive at the termination of this period, shall be returned to a person responsible for the animal after payment of the shelter service fee provided for in Section 210.100.
2.
The animal may be confined for the clinical observation period, at
the expense of a person responsible for the animal who so elects,
by a veterinarian in St. Louis County selected by the person responsible
for the animal.
3.
The Chief of Police may authorize a person responsible for the animal
to confine the animal to his residence or other suitable place for
the clinical observation period, if the animal is to be confined in
a secure indoor pen. If confinement is authorized under this Subsection,
the person responsible for the animal shall further assure that the
animal shall only be allowed outside the above described pen if the
animal is on a leash which is held by a person that is capable of
and is in fact controlling the animal in question and then only for
the animal's toilet purposes.
C.
The
death or any suspicious change in health or behavior of any such animal
undergoing observation shall be reported immediately by the observing
authority to the Chief of Police or his designated representative.
In the event that a proper period of observation is undetermined or
undeterminable for the species of animal involved in an incident,
the Chief of Police is hereby empowered to order whatever laboratory
examination of the animal or the animal's tissues is required by prudent
medical practice for the protection of the victim; and no liability
for damages shall arise from any injury to or the death of the animal
occasioned by said laboratory examination.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.195, 9-20-1989]
Any person within the City having information or knowledge of
any animal showing signs of rabies or having been exposed to rabies
shall report such knowledge or information to the St. Louis County
Department of Community Health and Medical Care immediately.
[Ord. No. 89-81, §4.200, 9-20-1989]
A.
For
the purpose of containing and controlling the transmission of rabies,
the Chief of Police may recommend a quarantine order affecting the
entire City when he determines it is appropriate for controlling the
transmission of rabies, according to the severity of the situation.
B.
The
Mayor may issue a quarantine order pursuant to such recommendation.
The quarantine order shall direct that all dogs, cats, puppies and
kittens, whether vaccinated and registered according to the provisions
of this Chapter or not, shall be confined in the home of a person
responsible for the animal, or tied up or placed on a leash under
the direct physical control of a person that is capable of and is
in fact controlling and governing the animal in question.
C.
The
Mayor may impose such other requirements by order which he determines
are appropriate to assure the containment of rabies within the quarantined
area, in accordance with RSMo. Sections 322.040 and 322.060
D.
Every
person responsible for an animal shall comply with the requirements
of the quarantine order as it applies to that animal.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.205, 9-20-1989]
A.
It
shall be unlawful for any person to conceal an animal or interfere
with the Chief of Police or persons designated by him in the performance
of their legal duties as provided in this Chapter.
B.
The
Chief of Police or persons designated by him shall have the right
of entry onto any lots or lands for the purpose of collecting any
dog, cat, or other animal, which is subject to impoundment pursuant
to this Chapter. The Chief of Police or his duly appointed representative
shall have the right of entry to any property or premises within any
quarantined area during the period of such quarantine for the purpose
of examining or obtaining any dog, cat, or other animal suspected
of having rabies, having been exposed to rabies, or having bitten
a person or other animal.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.210, 9-20-1989]
A.
No
person who is responsible for an animal shall:
1.
Fail to provide adequate food and shelter for the animal for a period
of more than twenty-four (24) hours;
2.
Leave the animal without the apparent intent to recover or resume
custody;
3.
Fail to provide the animal with proper shelter for the species;
4.
Fail to provide the animal with opportunity for adequate daily exercise;
5.
Fail to provide the animal with veterinary care when needed to treat
injury or illness unless the animal is instead promptly euthanized;
6.
Transport an animal in an open vehicle from which it can escape.
B.
No
person shall beat, torment, overload, overwork, or otherwise abuse
an animal, or cause, instigate or permit any dogfight, cockfight,
or other combat between animals or between animals and humans and
any animal so used shall be seized and impounded. No person shall
attend such unlawful exhibition or be umpire at such. Animals seized
by the Chief of Police pursuant to this Subsection shall not be returned
to any person participating in or attending the unlawful exhibition,
in accordance with RSMo. Sections 578.009-578.012, 578.018, 578.021.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.215, 9-20-1989; Ord. 94-43 §2, 6-1-1994]
A.
Prohibition of Dangerous Animals — Exceptions.
1.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor or have the care or custody of a dangerous animal as defined under Section 210.050 of this Chapter, within the corporate limits of the City of Bridgeton, Missouri, unless said dangerous animal is licensed and registered by the owner with the City, as provided herein and is in strict compliance with the limitations, standards, requirements and conditions set forth in Subsection (E) of this Section.
2.
Unless otherwise specifically permitted in this Chapter, the keeping
or harboring of any carnivorous or omnivorous animal (including but
not limited to non-human primates, raccoons, skunks, foxes, leopards,
panthers, tigers and lions, but excluding fowl, dogs, house cats and
small rodents of varieties used for laboratory purposes) and any other
animal having a poisonous bite is hereby prohibited within any residential
area, which for purposes of this Section is defined as any area not
zoned for business, commercial, agricultural or industrial purposes.
B.
Declaring an Animal Dangerous. If the Chief of Police or
his designated representative has cause to believe that an animal
is dangerous, the Chief or designated representative may find and
declare that the animal is a dangerous animal and therefore subject
to the terms and restrictions of this Section.
C.
Notice of Declaring an Animal Dangerous. After declaring
an animal dangerous, the Chief of Police or his designated representative
shall notify the animal's owner in writing of the declaration. The
notice shall identify the requirements and conditions for maintaining
a dangerous animal as set forth in this Section. If the owner cannot
be located, the animal may be immediately impounded and notice shall
be posted on the owner's last known address.
D.
Rights of Owner — Hearing Process.
1.
The owner of an animal declared dangerous shall have the right to
file, within five (5) days after receiving notice, a written request
with the Chief of Police, for a hearing to contest the dangerous animal
declaration. The Administrative Assistant to the Mayor shall designate
a Hearing Officer to conduct the hearing and render a decision.
2.
The hearing shall be informal and strict rules of evidence shall
not apply. the owner may be represented by counsel, present oral and
written evidence, and cross-examine witnesses.
3.
The Hearing Officer shall issue a decision after the close of the
hearing and notify the owner in writing of the decision.
4.
If the Hearing Officer upholds the dangerous animal decision, the
owner shall comply with all of the requirements and conditions for
maintaining a dangerous animal as set forth in this Section.
5.
Any person aggrieved by the determination of the Hearing Officer
may appeal the decision to the Circuit Court of St. Louis County pursuant
to the provisions of Chapter 536 RSMo., provided however, that any
appeal must be filed with the Circuit Court within five (5) days of
the date of the Hearing Officer's decision.
E.
Dangerous Animals — Registration — Conditions Required
to Keep. From and after June 1, 1994, the owner of a dangerous
animal may maintain a dangerous animal only subject to the following
limitations, requirements and conditions:
1.
Registration. Within ten (10) days of June 1, 1994,
or the acquisition of a dangerous animal, every keeper or owner of
a dangerous animal in the City shall register said animal with the
Chief of Police of the City on the "dangerous animal" registry. Failure to so register shall constitute a violation of
this Section. Notice of this requirement shall be given by posting
a copy of this Section in City Hall.
2.
Leash and Muzzle. No person shall permit a dangerous
animal to go outside its kennel or pen unless such animal is securely
leashed with a leash no longer than four (4) feet in length with a
minimum tensile strength of three hundred (300) pounds. No person
shall permit a dangerous animal to be kept on a chain, rope or other
type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical
control of the leash and animal. Such animal may not be leashed to
objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. In addition, all dangerous
animals on a leash outside the animal's kennel must be muzzled by
a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such animal from biting persons
or other animals. The muzzle must not cause injury to the dangerous
animal or interfere with its vision or respiration, but must prevent
the dangerous animal from biting any human or animal.
3.
Confinement. All dangerous animals shall be securely
confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel,
except when leashed and muzzled as above provided. The pen, kennel
or structure must be suitable to prevent the entry of young children
and designed to prevent the dangerous animal from escaping. Such pen,
kennel or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached
to the sides and must have minimum dimensions of five (5) feet by
ten (10) feet. All structures used to confine dangerous animals must
be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within
the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached
to the sides of the pen or if the structure has no bottom secured
to the sides, the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground
no less than one (1) foot. All structures erected to house dangerous
animals must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the
City. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated
and kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The structure, when occupied
by a dangerous animal, shall not be occupied by any other animal.
If the dangerous animal is a female with offspring under two (2) months
of age, the offspring may occupy the same enclosure as the mother.
No dangerous animal may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of
a house or structure that would allow the animal to exit such building
on its own volition. In addition, no such animal may be kept in a
house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows
or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the animal from exiting
the structure.
a.
Any dangerous animal found off the premises of a person responsible
for it and not confined as indicated above may be seized by any Police
Officer or other agent authorized by the Chief of Police, whether
or not it has been returned to its enclosure at the time of impoundment.
If impounded pursuant to this Subsection, the animal shall not be
returned to a person responsible for it unless a court so orders.
4.
Signs. All owners, keepers or harborer of dangerous
animals within the City shall display in a prominent place on their
premises a sign reading, in letters not less than two (2) inches high "Beware of Dangerous Animal" and easily readable by the
public. The owner shall also display a sign with a symbol warning
children of the presence of a dangerous animal. In addition, a similar
sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such animal.
5.
Insurance. All owners, keepers or harborer of dangerous
animals must provide proof to the Chief of Police of public liability
insurance in a single incident amount of not less than one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for bodily injury to or death of any
person or persons or for damage to property owned by any persons which
may result from the ownership, keeping or maintenance of such animal.
An effective insurance policy with the coverage and in the amounts
specified herein must be maintained by the owner, keeper or harborer
at all times. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation,
termination or expiration of the policy will be made unless ten (10)
days written notice is first given to the Chief of Police of the City.
6.
Photographs. All owners, keepers or harborer of
dangerous animals must provide to the Chief of Police four (4) color
photographs, in two (2) different positions, clearly showing the color,
markings and approximate size of the animal.
7.
Reporting requirements. All owners, keepers or harborer
of dangerous animals must, within ten (10) days of any of the following
incidents, report said information in writing to the Chief of Police:
8.
Loose, unconfined or missing dangerous animal. The
owner, keeper or harborer shall notify the Police Department immediately
if a dangerous animal becomes loose, unconfined or missing, has attacked
another animal or has attacked a human being.
F.
Sale or Transfer of Ownership. No person shall sell, barter
or in any other way dispose of a dangerous animal to any person within
the City; provided that the owner of a dangerous animal may sell or
otherwise dispose of an animal or the offspring of such animal to
persons who do not reside within the City.
G.
Offspring of Dangerous Animals. All offsprings born of dangerous
animals within the City must be removed from the City within two (2)
months of their birth.
H.
Failure to Comply. It shall be unlawful for the owner,
keeper or harborer of a dangerous animal within the City to fail to
comply with the limitations, requirements and conditions set forth
in this Section. Any animal found to be the subject of a violation
of this Section shall be subject to revocation of the license and/or
registration of the animal and immediate seizure and impoundment.
The owner shall be required to take necessary action to dispose of
such dangerous animal and the Chief of Police is further authorized
to dispose of such dangerous animal if necessary action is not taken
by the owner.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.220, 9-20-1989]
No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog or other animal
which, by jumping upon or threatening persons upon public streets,
shall cause persons to be put in fear of injury.
[Ord. No. 89-81, §4.225, 9-20-1989; Ord. No. 04-65, 12-15-2004]
A.
Every
person responsible for a dog, cat or other animal shall keep it from
being at large as defined below.
B.
An animal is at large when it is outside a cage or building from
which it cannot escape unless:
[Ord. No. 15-24 §7, 9-16-2015]
C.
A dog
or cat is "at large" if it is not kept securely confined while in
heat or estrus. A dog or cat in heat or estrus is confined within
the meaning of this paragraph only if:
1.
It is kept in the residence of a person responsible for it and it
can neither escape nor be reached by animals outside the residence;
or
2.
It is on a leash on the premises of a person responsible for it and
is supervised by a person responsible for it, briefly, for toilet
purposes only.
3.
Any animal other than a dog or cat is at large if it is not in a
cage which restrains it from interfering with any person while it
is in a place of public assembly or public commerce.
D.
Above
does not apply to animals:
1.
While being used in hunting, field trials and dog shows while on
public land set aside for those purposes;
2.
Used for tracking in conjunction with Police activities;
3.
Of the Canine Corps of any Police Force of the City of St. Louis,
St. Louis County, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, any Federal Law
Enforcement Agency, or the Armed Forces of the United States, while
being used to conduct official business or being used for official
purposes.
E.
Notwithstanding
any provision of the above, animals which are trained to assist persons
with impaired sight, hearing, or with other disabilities are not at
large when accompanying a person they are trained to assist.
[Ord. No. 89-81, §4.230, 9-20-1989]
A.
Every
person responsible for a dog, cat, puppy, kitten or other animal shall
keep it from creating a nuisance.
B.
A dog,
cat, puppy, or kitten or any other animal creates a nuisance if it:
1.
Soils, defiles, or defecates on urban property other than property
of a person responsible for the animal unless such waste is immediately
removed by a person responsible for the animal and deposited in a
waste container or buried on ground where the person responsible for
the animal has permission or the right to bury it.
2.
Damages public property or property belonging to a person other then
a person responsible for the animal.
3.
Causes unsanitary or dangerous conditions.
4.
Causes a disturbance by excessive barking, howling, meowing or other
noisemaking.
5.
Chases vehicles, including bicycles.
6.
Molests, attacks, bites, or interferes with persons or other animals
on public property not belonging to a person responsible for the animal.
7.
Impedes refuse collection, mail delivery, or meter reading or other
public service activities by annoying persons responsible for such
activities.
8.
Tips, rummages through, or damages a refuse container.
C.
For the purpose of Subsection (B) above, "urban property" is:
1.
Property in areas developed for industrial uses;
2.
Property in areas developed for commercial uses; or
3.
Property in areas developed for residential uses except those residential
neighborhoods developed solely with detached single-family dwellings
on lots larger than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet.
4.
Property in areas with mixed uses shall be treated as urban property.
[Ord. No. 89-81, §4.235, 9-20-1989]
No person shall own or keep any animal which, by making excessive
noise, disturbs a neighborhood.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.240, 9-20-1989]
Every pen, run, cage or other yard establishment wherein any
dog is kept shall be maintained so that no offensive, disagreeable
or noxious smell or odor shall arise therefrom to the injury, annoyance
or inconvenience of any neighbor. Every pen, run, cage or other yard
enclosure shall be located at a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet
away from the next nearest adjoining residence or dwelling.
[Ord. No. 90-26, §1, 3-7-1990]
A.
All
manure accumulations in any pen, run, cage or yard establishment wherein
a dog is kept shall be removed or disposed of in such a manner as
to prevent the breeding of flies.
B.
It
shall be unlawful for the person in control of a dog or other animal
to allow the dog or other animal to deposit manure on public property
or on the private property of another person.
C.
The
owner or keeper of every animal, when such animal is off the property
controlled by the owner or keeper, shall be responsible for the removal
of any excreta deposited by such animal on public walks, streets,
recreation areas or private property; and it shall be a violation
of this Chapter for such owner or keeper to fail to remove or provide
for the removal of such excreta before taking an animal from the immediate
area where such excretion occurred.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.250, 9-20-1989]
It shall be unlawful and a public nuisance for any person in
charge of a residence to keep or allow to be kept more than three
(3) dogs or three (3) cats, or any combination of such animals exceeding
three (3) in number, over the age of ninety (90) days at such residence
unless the residence is zoned agricultural pursuant to the zoning
ordinances of Bridgeton, Missouri.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.260, 9-20-1989]
Except as necessary for human safety, abatement of nuisance,
destruction of rats, mice and other pests, veterinary medical practice,
termination of suffering, and performance of official duties by public
employees, it shall be unlawful to willfully injure or kill, capture
or trap, expose a poisonous substance for, or poison any animal, and
further it shall be an unlawful act to attempt any of the aforesaid
unlawful acts. However, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
prohibit the lawful hunting of wild animals in accordance with all
applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.265, 9-20-1989]
A.
No
livestock (as used herein "livestock" includes but
is not limited to the following animals: Mules, cattle, sheep, goats
and swine) or wild animals of similar or larger size shall be kept
or maintained for feeding within two hundred (200) feet of the nearest
portion of any building in any way used by human beings, other than
the dwelling occupied by the owner or keeper of any such animals.
Beyond this limitation of two hundred (200) feet, not more than two
(2) of the aforementioned animals shall be kept, provided that the
limitation of two (2) horses shall not apply to a riding stable, nor
shall the limitation of two (2) such animals apply to a commercial
stockyard or land zoned for agricultural use. Stables, coops, pens
or other structures for the housing of any of the aforementioned animals
shall comply with all zoning restrictions.
1.
In addition to above, a minimum of three-quarters (3/4) of an acre,
exclusive of front and side yards or buildings other than a stable
and/or barn, shall be required to keep a horse. An additional one-half
(½) acre shall be required for each additional horse.
2.
All manure accumulations in the area where livestock and other animals
are kept shall be removed, stored or disposed of in such a manner
as to prevent the breeding of flies and the spread of disease.
3.
Wild animals not prohibited from being kept as pets shall also be
so kept in compliance with the Statutes, regulations and treaties
of the State of Missouri and the Federal Government.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.270, 9-20-1989; Ord. No. 15-24 §8, 9-16-2015]
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or raise any fowl or
small mammals other than dogs or cats on a parcel or to keep or maintain
any coop/housing, rabbit hutch or other yard establishment for the
housing of fowl or small mammals, except dogs and cats, in any manner
not explicitly prescribed in this Section.
B.
Permit Required.
1.
Any person owning a single-family dwelling desiring to keep
any small mammals or fowl within the City limits may file a written
application for a fowl and small mammal permit, utilizing the prescribed
form and including all required information, with the City Clerk.
Tenants of such dwellings shall be required to provide written permission
from the property owner in order to seek a fowl and small mammal permit.
The tenant and property owner shall be considered co-applicants. The
cost of the application shall be ten dollars ($10.00).
2.
The application shall include a written description of the number
and type of small mammals or fowl being proposed for keeping, and
the proposed location, dimensions, and construction materials of the
proposed coop/housing, hutch, or other yard establishment; a scaled
site plan or aerial photo indicating the proposed location and orientation,
distance to property lines, and distance to structures on adjacent
properties constructed for the habitation of humans; fully detailed
drawing depicting all facades of the proposed coop/housing, hutch,
or other yard establishment, to include dimensions, construction materials,
and colors; the names and telephone numbers of at least two (2) persons
who can respond to any emergency involving the small mammals or fowl
in the owner's absence; and written permission from all property
owners of properties abutting the property on which the coop/housing,
hutch, or other yard establishment is proposed.
3.
Upon receipt of the application, the City Clerk or his or her
designee will review the application to determine its completeness,
and will forward all complete and fully compliant applications to
the City of Bridgeton Building Code Official for examination.
4.
The Building Code Official shall examine the application; verify
that the application satisfies the requirements of this Section, and
forward compliant application to the City Clerk for permit issuance.
5.
Upon receipt of confirmation from the Building Code Official
that the application is compliant, the City Clerk or his or her designee
shall, in a timely manner, issue a fowl and small mammal permit to
the property owner/tenant for construction of the coop/housing, hutch,
or other yard establishment and keeping of small mammals and/or fowl.
6.
Upon receiving the fowl and small mammal permit, the applicant
shall build the coop/housing, hutch, or other yard establishment according
to the requirements specified within this Section and as approved
by the City Clerk and Building Code Official. Within five (5) days
of completion of the construction of the coop/housing, hutch, or other
yard establishment, the applicant shall contact the City Clerk to
request an inspection of the completed structure to ensure it was
constructed as approved.
7.
By applying for a fowl and small mammal permit under this Section,
the property owner/tenant authorizes City Officials at all reasonable
times and in a reasonable manner to enter upon and inspect the property
with respect to which such permit is applied for to determine whether
the keeping of fowl or small mammals violates this Section or any
other applicable ordinances.
8.
Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to preclude the enforcement
of any violation of any City ordinances committed in connection with
the keeping of small mammals or fowl, notwithstanding the issuance
of such fowl and small mammal permit.
9.
Fowl and small mammal permits shall not be transferable in cases
of a change in occupancy or property ownership.
C.
Appeal of Denial of Fowl and Small Mammal Permit.
1.
Any applicant denied a fowl and small mammal permit by the City
Clerk or his/her designee may appeal such denial to the City Council
as provided in this Section. Any such appeal shall be taken within
thirty (30) days of the date of denial of an application for a fowl
and small mammal permit by filing with the City Engineer a notice
of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. All such appeals shall be
transmitted to the City Council with all the papers constituting the
record upon which the action appealed from is taken. Six (6) affirmative
votes of the City Council shall be required to grant a variance from
or reverse a decision made by the City Clerk or his/her designee denying
a fowl and small mammal permit.
2.
The City Council may impose such conditions and restrictions
upon the premises benefited by a variation as may be necessary to
prevent injurious effects therefrom upon other property or activities
in the neighborhood and to better carry out the general intent of
the regulations.
3.
In the event that any application for an appeal of a fowl and
small mammal permit denial or variance of this Chapter is denied by
the City Council, a reapplication concerning the same property or
site shall not be accepted until six (6) months following the date
of final action by the City Council on the previous application for
appeal or variance has elapsed, unless it can be shown to the satisfaction
of the City Engineer or his/her designated representative that:
D.
Revocation of Fowl and Small Mammal Permit and Appeal of
Revocation.
1.
A fowl and small mammal permit may be revoked at any time, without
a hearing, if the City determines in its sole discretion that an infectious
avian agent of potential significant copathogenicity, such as avian
flu, is identified within the continental United States. At such time,
the owner shall take such steps as health officials of the local,
County, State or Federal government instruct with regard to the quarantine
or destruction of any such chicken or coop.
2.
Except as provided above, if the holder of a fowl and small
mammal permit allows an unsanitary condition, or any violation of
this Section to exist for more than fourteen (14) calendar days after
notice from the City, then such permit for keeping small mammals or
fowl may be revoked after hearing, upon a determination by the City
Clerk or his/her designee, that said coop/housing, hutch, or other
yard establishment are being maintained in an unsanitary condition,
or in violation of this Section, or other laws applicable to said
structure. All small mammals or fowl and coop/housing, hutch, or other
yard establishment shall be disposed of or removed from the City not
more than fourteen (14) calendar days following receipt of notice
of revocation after hearing, unless circumstances warrant earlier
removal at the sole discretion of the City Clerk.
3.
Misstatements of fact on an application for permit or the failure
to comply with any of the requirements of this Section shall warrant
revocation by the City Clerk or his or her designee following a hearing
as described in this Section.
4.
Should, for any reason, the keeping of fowl or small mammals
cease for a period of six (6) months, the permit to keep such fowl
or small mammals shall be considered voluntarily surrendered, and
any coop/housing, rabbit hutch or other yard establishment for the
housing of fowl or small mammals shall be removed within ten (10)
business days subsequent to such surrender.
E.
Lot Requirements — Required Facilities — Running
At-Large Prohibited.
1.
Small mammals and fowl shall be limited to parcels that are
zoned as single-family residential and have an occupancy permit issued
for the same.
2.
On parcels from ten thousand eight hundred ninety (10,890) square
feet in area up to fourteen thousand five hundred nineteen (14,519)
square feet in area, a maximum of six (6) female fowl shall be permitted.
On parcels greater than fourteen thousand five hundred twenty (14,520)
square feet in area, a maximum of fifteen (15) female fowl shall be
permitted. Roosters, peacocks and guinea fowl shall be prohibited
on all parcels.
3.
A maximum of ten (10) rabbits or other small mammals over the
age of four (4) months or a maximum of twenty-five (25) rabbits or
other small mammals under the age of four (4) months shall be allowed
per parcel of land.
4.
All parcels on which fowl or small mammals are kept or raised
shall be equipped with a coop/housing, hutch or yard establishment
which meets the requirements of this Chapter. All small mammals and
fowl permitted to be kept in the City shall either be securely restrained
and enclosed in a coop/housing, hutch, or other yard establishment
upon the premises of the owner or shall roam freely within a fenced
area on the premises of the owner, and shall not be permitted to be
at-large. No parcel shall house more than one (1) coop/housing, hutch,
or other yard establishment, which shall not count towards maximum
number of accessory structures allowed on the premises. The coop/housing,
hutch, or other yard establishment, and fowl tractor, shall be located
in the rear yard behind the rear building line, and shall conform
to the following provisions:
a.
Shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the side property
lines.
b.
Shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the rear property
line.
c.
The ground on which the coop/housing, hutch, or other yard establishment
is located shall be of level grade or graded in a direction away from
property lines to prevent run off to adjacent properties.
d.
Shall not be located nearer than twenty-five (25) feet to any
portion of any dwelling, residence or living quarters of persons other
than that of the property owner.
e.
Shall not exceed a total of one hundred forty (140) square feet
of floor space and may not exceed eight (8) feet in height. The structure
shall allow a minimum of four (4) square feet of floor space per mammal
or bird and shall not exceed two (2) vertical levels.
f.
Shall be completely enclosed including a roof to prevent small
mammals or fowl from escaping the structure. The structure shall be
designed and maintained in such a way as to be impermeable to rodents,
wild birds, and predators, including, but not limited to, cats, coyotes,
dogs, raccoons and skunks. Coops/housing, hutch, or other yard establishment
shall consist of a sound structure and maintain continuity of building
materials as determined by the Building Code Official or his/her designee.
5.
Feed and any other food sources provided to the fowl or other
small mammals shall be stored in predator-proof containers.
F.
Small Mammals and Fowl in Pens Requirements — Exceptions.
1.
Permit and lot requirements contained in this Section shall
not apply to small mammals and fowl, which are raised and/or kept
for sale within a bonafide farm or produce market, or stored for purpose
of trade and while so kept are confined in small coops, boxes or cages,
or where such small mammals or fowl are kept for purposes of research
in a laboratory.
G.
Small Mammals and Fowl in Pens Requirements — Such
Mammals, Fowl, and Pens Existing Prior to the Adoption of Requirements.
1.
Persons keeping any small mammals or fowl prior to the adoption
of this Section by the City of Bridgeton shall come into conformance
with the requirements of this Section within the following schedule:
a.
Application for fowl and small mammal permit shall be filed
within three (3) months of ordinance adoption;
b.
Maximum number of allowable fowl or small mammal requirements
shall be met within twelve (12) months of ordinance adoption;
c.
Coop/housing, hutch, or other yard establishment size and design
requirements shall be met within twelve (12) months of ordinance adoption;
and
d.
All other requirements shall be satisfied within thirty (30)
days of ordinance adoption except as granted through the appeal process
authorized in this Section.
[Ord. No. 89-81 §4.270, 9-20-1989; Ord. No. 15-24 §9, 9-16-2015]
A.
Odors. Every coop/housing, hutch or other yard establishment
shall be kept so that no offensive, disagreeable or noxious smell
or odor shall arise therefrom to the injury, annoyance or inconvenience
of any inhabitants of the neighborhood.
B.
Disposal of Manure. Every coop/housing, hutch or
other yard establishment shall be provided with a watertight and flytight
receptacle for manure, of such dimension as to contain all accumulations
thereof, which receptacle shall be emptied sufficiently often and
in such manner as to prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Such receptacle
shall be securely covered at all times, except when open during the
deposit or removal of manure or refuse therefrom. No manure shall
be allowed to accumulate except in such receptacle. All such manure,
when removed from the receptacle, shall be buried with covering not
less than six (6) inches of earth, or, if used as fertilizer, thoroughly
spaded into the ground, or shall be removed from the property. Manure
shall not be dumped in common ground, sewer systems or in streams
or creeks.
C.
Maintenance of Enclosures. All earthen yards or
runways wherein fowl or other small mammals are kept or permitted
to be shall be spaded and then limed once every three (3) months from
the month of April through the month of December. For the purpose
of killing flies and other insects, all structures, coops/housing,
hutch, or other yard establishment wherein fowl or other small mammals
are kept or permitted to be shall be sprayed with such substances
as will eliminate such insects.
D.
Condition of Enclosure. Any coop/housing, hutch,
or other yard establishment wherein mammals or fowl are kept or permitted
to be shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, devoid
of all rodents and vermin, and free from objectionable odors. The
enclosed area of all such structures shall be constructed in such
a way as to be dry at all times on the inside. The person maintaining
any aforementioned structure, pen, coop or yard in the City does,
by such act of maintenance, authorize the Director of Health to, at
any time, inspect any such structure or premises and issue any such
order as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section.
E.
Disposal of Deceased Small Animals and Fowl. Deceased
small animals and fowl shall be disposed of either through burial
or incineration in accordance with Federal, State, City, and County
regulations.
