[Adopted by the City Council of the City of Lake Mills 10-17-1995 by Ord. No. 725B (Title 5, Ch. 2, Secs. 5-2-1 through 5-2-7 and 5-2-9, of the 2009 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building construction — See Ch. 279.
Firearms; hunting and trapping — See Ch. 354.
Nuisances — See Ch. 479.
Zoning regulations — See Ch. 660.
A. 
The City Council finds that it is necessary to regulate the ownership of certain animals and to prohibit the possession of other animals because of the City's interest in and duty to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of its residents.
B. 
The City Council finds that the ownership and certain treatment of many animals are already regulated by the state, and where the state statutes already address an area of regulation adequately, the City Council finds it unnecessary to further regulate such matters through the Municipal Code.
C. 
The City Council deems it necessary, however, to regulate in areas of local concern where the state has not regulated the possession and treatment of certain animals, and to promote and encourage responsible pet ownership, while discouraging and deterring the possession or treatment of animals which creates a nuisance or potential threat to residents and their property.
D. 
The City Council finds that most animals within the City of Lake Mills are the property of the State of Wisconsin, because they are wild animals, and except for the purpose of prohibiting the private ownership of such animals within the City, the Council's primary intent in this chapter is to establish regulations applicable to the possession and treatment of domesticated, non-wild animals.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AT LARGE
To be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of some person either by leash or otherwise restrained or confined to a vehicle. "At large" refers to all streets, alleys, sidewalks, or other public or private property which may be about the owner's premises.
DOMESTICATED ANIMAL
An animal that does not possess a wild nature, and such animal that has been developed by humans from a naturally occurring species through long-term selective breeding of a captive population to produce a distinct, new form exhibiting specific physiological, morphological and behavioral characteristics which are desirable or useful to humans, and which set it apart from its wild ancestor. A "domesticated animal" shall also mean an animal species that exists exclusively or primarily in association with humans and is generally dependent on humans for its survival, and that exhibits certain "domestic" behavioral characteristics, among which is a lack of inherent fear of humans, a lack of aggression, a docile nature, sociability, a tendency to be comfortable in the human environment and a desire for human contact.
EXOTIC ANIMALS
Include, but are not limited to, poisonous snakes, constricting snakes, tarantulas, poisonous spiders and insects, nonhuman primates, rats, raccoons, skunks, wolves, wolf/dog mixed breeds, bats, squirrels, fox, leopards, panthers, tigers, lions, lynx, other warm-blooded animals which normally and primarily are found in the wild state, and any member of the crocodilian family, including, but not limited to, alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gavials. For purposes of this section, a bird, simply because it is commonly referred to as being an "exotic" type of bird, does not automatically classify such bird as an exotic animal.
FUR-BEARING ANIMALS
Include, but are not limited to, otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, marten, fisher, skunk, raccoon, fox, weasel, opossum, badger, wolf, coyote, wildcat and lynx.
GAME ANIMALS
Include, but are not limited to, deer, moose, elk, bear, wild rabbits, squirrels, fox and raccoon.
GAME BIRDS
Include, but are not limited to, wild geese, brant, wild ducks, wild swan, rails, coots, gallinules, jacksnipe, woodcock, plovers, sandpipers, ruffed grouse (partridge), pinnated grouse (prairie chicken), sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants, Hungarian partridge, Chukar partridge, bobwhite, quail, California quail and wild turkey.
GAME FISH
Include all varieties of fish except rough fish and minnows native to the waters of the state.
LIVESTOCK
Includes, but is not limited to, chickens, domestic ducks, domestic geese, turkeys, peacocks, pigeons, ostriches, emus, goats, pigs, potbelly pigs, swine, mules, donkeys, burros, horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, buffalo, mink and any other domesticated farm animal, excluding dogs and cats.
NONGAME SPECIES
Any species of wild animal not classified as a game fish, game animal, game bird or fur-bearing animal.
OWNER
A person who owns, harbors, keeps or controls an animal.
POSSESS
To own, restrain, keep in captivity or transport an animal.
PROTECTED WILD ANIMALS
Includes, cougar, badger, moose, elk, wolverine, flying squirrel, white deer, woodchuck, prairie chicken, Canada spruce grouse (spruce hen), mourning doves, swans, cranes, bittern, plovers, kingfishers, cormorants, heron, sandpipers, grebes, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, hen pheasants, and any endangered or threatened species listed in Ch. NR 27, Wis. Admin. Code.
VICIOUS OR DANGEROUS ANIMAL
Any animal, reptile, insect or fish that constitutes a physical threat to human beings.
WATERFOWL
Wild geese, brant, wild ducks, rails, coots, gallinules, jacksnipe, woodcock, plovers, sandpipers and wild swan.
WILD ANIMAL
Any mammal, bird, fish, or other creature of a wild nature endowed with sensation and the power of voluntary motion. "Wild animal" also means any undomesticated mammal, bird, or other animal. If a particular animal has never known the wild, if members of its species possess a wild nature and typically are found in the wild, such particular animal shall be deemed to be a wild animal.
A. 
No person may possess, own, or sell any live game animal, game bird, game fish, fur-bearing animal, waterfowl, protected wild animal, or nongame species of wild animal within the City of Lake Mills, unless such person has been licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to rehabilitate specific, injured wild animals, or unless such person possesses an animal specifically trained to assist a disabled person residing on the premises with daily living activities.
B. 
No person may possess, own, or sell any live, wild or domestic skunk within the City. A wild skunk means any skunk except a domestic skunk. A domestic skunk means any skunk raised on a fur animal farm licensed by the state.
C. 
No person may possess or own any livestock within the City in any area not zoned agricultural, except that no more than six chicken hens, but not roosters, may be kept on single-family residential properties, provided a current, annual license for the keeping of chickens has been granted under § 255-6D.
[Amended 3-6-2012 by Ord. No. 1097A]
D. 
No person may possess or own any dangerous, vicious or exotic animal within the City.
E. 
In addition to any penalty that may be imposed for violating this section, the City may also seek any other lawful remedy to remove or abate a public nuisance.
F. 
The provisions of Subsections A, C and D of this section may be temporarily waived with respect to possession of prohibited animals if an application for a permit by a civic, religious, educational or charitable organization is presented to the City Manager prior to an event requiring such waiver and permit, and if the City Manager grants the permit. The City Manager may require information on location and transportation of prohibited animals, and the City Manager may require proof of insurance prior to granting the permit. A decision by the City Manager not to grant the permit may be appealed within 30 days to the City Council. The granting of the permit does not waive any other provisions of this chapter, nor does it waive any applicable requirements under state or federal law.
[Amended 8-6-1997 by Ord. No. 755]
The keeping of unlimited numbers of nonprohibited animals as pets in residential areas may give rise to conditions which present a threat to human health, safety, and general welfare. If such conditions are determined to exist, nothing in this chapter shall prevent the City from seeking any lawful remedy to remove or abate a public nuisance.
A. 
The provisions of § 95.21, Wisconsin Statutes, and any amendments, shall be followed with respect to the rabies control program. For the purposes of enforcing these provisions, the City Council hereby authorizes employees of the Jefferson County Humane Society to act as officers, in addition to the City's law enforcement officers, for purposes of quarantining or sacrificing animals suspected of biting persons or of being infected or exposed to rabies. Any violations of § 95.21, Wis. Stats., may be referred to the Jefferson County District Attorney for prosecution.
B. 
The provisions of Ch. 174, Wisconsin Statutes, and any amendments, shall be followed with respect to the impoundment of dogs for running at large, and the employees of Jefferson County Humane Society, and the City's law enforcement officers, are empowered and authorized as officers to carry out the procedures of impoundment as set forth in the statutes.
C. 
Prohibitions.
(1) 
Because of the potential threat to the safety of persons and their property and to the general welfare, it shall be unlawful for any person to harbor or keep an animal that:
(a) 
Assaults, attacks, bites or injures any person or domesticated animal without provocation or charges at the boundary of the owner's premises or at the end of its leash or other restraint in an attempt to attack without provocation. Acts of provocation include:
[1] 
Any person who attacked such animal or who engaged in conduct reasonably calculated to provoke such animal to attack or bite a person or domesticated animal;
[2] 
Any person engaged in attacking or molesting another person; or
[3] 
Any person, dog, cat or domesticated animal engaged in unlawful or unauthorized entry into or upon the fenced or enclosed portion of the premises upon which such animal is kept, or into any automobile or other vehicle in which such animal is confined.
(b) 
Habitually leaves its owner's property to pursue any vehicle upon any public street, alley or highway in the City.
(c) 
Trespasses on school grounds, or cemeteries, or are in parks where pets are prohibited by ordinance under § 496-12 of this Code.
(d) 
Is at large within the City limits.
(e) 
Damages private or public property.
(f) 
Habitually howls, yelps, barks, crows or otherwise make noises that unreasonably annoy or disturb other residents within the City.
(g) 
Is known by such person to be infected with rabies or to have been bitten by an animal known to be infected with rabies.
(h) 
In the case of a dog or cat, is not licensed as required under § 255-6.
(2) 
In addition to other penalties imposed for violating this provision, an animal running at large may be impounded. In addition to penalties that may be imposed for violating this provision, the City may also seek any other lawful remedy to remove or abate a public nuisance.
D. 
Because of the potential threat to the health and general welfare of persons, it shall be unlawful for any person who owns or possesses an animal to neglect to remove or to cause the removal of feces deposited by the animals on public or private property, including said person's own property. In addition to penalties that may be imposed for violating this provision, the City may also seek any other lawful remedy to remove or abate a public nuisance.
A. 
The provisions of Ch. 174, Wisconsin Statutes, and any amendments, shall be followed with respect to the licensing of dogs, owner's liability for damage caused by dogs, court orders to kill a dog, impoundment of dogs for running at large and for not being licensed, and penalties. Any violations of Ch. 174, Wis. Stats., may be referred to the Jefferson County District Attorney for prosecution.
B. 
Every owner of a dog or cat in the City of Lake Mills shall license every dog or cat that is owned, harbored, or kept within the City within 30 days of commencement of ownership or possession, or within 30 days of the dog's or cat's attainment of five months of age, and such license shall be obtained every year thereafter on or before January 1. If such license is not obtained prior to March 31 in any given year after the dog or cat is five months old, then a $5 late fee shall be imposed, in addition to any other penalty. Proof of current rabies vaccination of every dog to be licensed shall be required prior to the issuance of the license. The fees for licensing of dogs and cats within the City shall be set by the Council by resolution from time to time.
C. 
Every person who owns or possesses a dog or cat within the City that is over five months old and who has owned or possessed such animal for more than 30 days shall have a current license tag attached to the animal whenever the animal is outdoors unless the dog or cat is securely confined to a fenced area.
D. 
No person may keep chickens on property not zoned agricultural, unless that person has been granted an annual backyard chicken license by the City Clerk under this section, and unless the keeping of chickens under the license continuously meets the following conditions and requirements:
[Amended 3-6-2012 by Ord. No. 1097A]
(1) 
The fee for the backyard chicken license shall be $10 and is payable by January 1 of any license year, subject to a late fee of $10 if said license fee is not paid by March 31.
(2) 
The applicant for the backyard chicken license shall apply on forms obtained from the City Clerk and shall obtain a building permit for the required enclosure from the Building Inspector, or shall have a site plan approved by the Building Inspector if the enclosure already exists and is not being modified, prior to receiving an initial or modified backyard chicken license.
(3) 
No more than six chickens may be kept under the backyard chicken license, and all chickens under said license shall be kept on a parcel or lot with a single-family dwelling.
(4) 
No chickens subject to the backyard chicken license may be roosters or guinea hens.
(5) 
All chickens under the license shall be provided with a covered enclosure for which a building permit for an accessory structure has been obtained under the Building and Zoning Codes,[1] or for which a site plan approval has been received from the Building Inspector if the covered enclosure was a preexisting structure, and all chickens shall be kept at all times within the covered enclosure or within a fenced enclosure area that is contiguous with the covered enclosure.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 279, Building Construction, and Ch. 660, Zoning Regulations.
(6) 
As a condition of licensing, no covered enclosure or fenced enclosure area may be located within 15 feet of any property line, nor may such structure or fenced area be located nearer to an abutting public street than the single-family dwelling that is located on the parcel or lot that is subject to the backyard chicken license.
(7) 
A licensee shall apply for a modification to the backyard chicken license if substantial modifications to the covered enclosure or fenced area are made during any license year.
(8) 
No chickens may be slaughtered within the boundaries of the City unless such slaughtering activity occurs on property zoned agricultural.
(9) 
Failure to maintain the covered enclosure and fenced enclosure area in a nuisance-free manner by regularly removing droppings and disposing of them properly so as to not attract insects or rodents, or failure to maintain the covered enclosure and fenced enclosure so as not to become unsightly or cause objectionable odors, may be considered to be violations of the conditions of the license and may also be grounds for enforcement under the nuisance ordinances in Chapter 479, Nuisances, of this Code.
(10) 
Violations of the licensing requirements in this section may result in nuisance enforcement by the Building Inspector under § 479-6 or 479-8, or may result in license revocation if there are three or more violations within any twelve-month period.
(11) 
Owning or possessing live chickens on property that is not zoned agricultural without obtaining the backyard chicken license may be deemed to be a violation of this chapter and may be enforced under § 255-8 of this chapter, in addition to being enforced under § 479-6 or 479-8 of Chapter 479, Nuisances.
The provisions of Ch. 951, Crimes Against Animals, of the Wisconsin Statutes shall be followed, and any violations of Ch. 951 may be referred to the Jefferson County District Attorney for prosecution.
Except as otherwise provided herein, any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a penalty as provided in § 1-19 of this Code. Each violation and each day on which a violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense. This section shall not preclude the City from maintaining any appropriate action to prevent or remove a violation of this chapter.