[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025; Ord. No. 25-1295, 6-9-2025]
A. 
Registration Required. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit the same to be and remain within the City unless such owner procures a license therefor from the City of St. James or his/her designee. The receipt issued for the license shall constitute a certificate of registry and evidence of licensure for the keeping of such dog within the City. A late registration fee will be assessed for any license not purchased within sixty (60) days of the required date of licensure. No refund will be made for licenses for animals deceased or otherwise removed from the City during a period of licensure.
B. 
Exception For Non-Residents. Any other Section of this Chapter notwithstanding, the licensing provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to any non-resident owner or keeper of a dog while such non-resident is passing through the City; provided, such dog, shall remain on leash or otherwise effectively physically restrained, as in a closed vehicle.
C. 
License Fee. Every owner shall for each dog license such animal for a period of either one (1) year or three (3) years. For the issuance of each dog license required by this Chapter, the owner shall pay to the City such license fee as is provided for in Subsection (G), Dog License Fee Schedule, except that, when any such owner, keeper or other applicant for such license shall submit such proof as may be required by the City Police Department that a dog is fully trained as a guide dog or a hearing dog and is regularly used in the service of a blind or deaf person, or that a dog is fully trained as a service dog, as defined in Section 209.150(4), RSMo., for physically disabled persons, or that a dog is owned by a governmental unit, then such license shall be issued without the payment of such fee.
D. 
Licensing Period. The license required pursuant to this Chapter shall be sold and due in the same month that such license was purchased in the previous one-year or three-year licensing period. A three-year license is only available if the pet received a three-year rabies vaccination in the last six (6) months.
E. 
Immunization Required. Before any license or tag for a dog is issued, the owner or keeper thereof shall file with the City proof of current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian showing that the dog properly immunized against rabies in accordance with Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control issued annually by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV).
F. 
License Tag. The owner or keeper of each dog within this City shall have placed around the neck of such dog an appropriate collar and shall attach to the collar a registration tag which shall be provided by the City Police Department. A registration tag shall not be transferred from the dog to which it was issued to another dog.
G. 
Dog License Fee Schedule.
Fee
One-year license
$10.00
Three-year license*
$25.00
* A three-year license is only available if the pet received a three-year rabies vaccination in the last 6 months.
Service dog (proof required)
$0.00
Replacement tag (if needed during license term)
$5.00
Late fee (after 60 days)
$10.00
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for an owner, as defined in Section 205.010, with no requirement of a culpable mental state to permit such dog, cat, or other animal to run at large.
B. 
For the purpose of this Article, every dog, cat, or other animal shall be deemed running at large when off the premises of its owner, and not under the restraint of a competent person.
C. 
Any animal that is on the property of its owner or keeper shall not be deemed to be running at large in the City.
D. 
If an owner or keeper is present, in lieu of impoundment, a general ordinance summons may be issued to that person and such person may retain possession of the animal if it is the belief of the officer issuing such summons that such possession is not in conflict with any other Section of this Chapter.
E. 
This Section shall not apply to law enforcement personnel working with any Police K-9.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
Every person who owns or possesses any dog or cat, whether in a kennel or not, that is kept any time during the year within the City of St. James, or permits said dog or cat in the City of St. James, or, permits such animal to remain in or about his/her home, place of business or other premises in the area affected by this Chapter shall have such animal vaccinated against rabies and registered as provided herein. Such animals must be vaccinated with a vaccine approved and listed in the most recently copyrighted version of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. The frequency of the vaccination shall correspond to the effective period of the previously administered vaccine. Every person who is responsible for such an animal shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies as provided in this Chapter on or before the animal is four (4) months of age or, at such other time as recommended by a veterinarian for animals suffering from a condition that would subject the animal to further complications as a result of the vaccination.
B. 
The owner, or keeper and harborer of the animal is responsible to procure rabies vaccinations as set out above and all necessary proof thereof and able to provide such roof upon request. Rabies vaccinations that are formulated to be valid for up to three (3) years shall be recognized for the duration of that time period. In any prosecution under this Section, it shall be a rebuttable presumption that the vaccination interval is twelve (12) months.
C. 
It shall be unlawful for an owner, or any person keeping and harboring any dog or cat, to fail to provide proof of rabies vaccination for such animal.
D. 
For the purposes of this Chapter documentation from a licensed veterinarian that a rabies serum antibody titer test has been performed on the animal and the animal has mounted a sufficient immune response to the rabies virus shall be deemed as proof of rabies vaccination for one (1) year.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
The Animal Control Officer or such other persons who may be designated by the Chief of Police shall have the power to catch, confine and impound dogs and other animals, as follows:
1. 
All dogs, cats, or other animals found in violation of the animal at large and leashing requirements ordinance as stated in Section 205.070.
2. 
All dogs, cats, or other animals affected with rabies, suspected of being exposed to or affected with rabies, or animals known to have been bitten by a rabid animal.
3. 
Any animal that has bitten a person and acts in a manner suggesting that it is or may be affected with rabies.
4. 
Any animal that has bitten a person, and the offending animal has not had a valid rabies vaccination.
5. 
Any animal found outside of the owned or rented property of the owner or custodian of such animal, when such animal shows evidence of neglect or abuse.
6. 
Any animal who is suspected of having bitten or attacked another person or animal, and when the Animal Control Officer or the Chief of Police determines such impoundment is necessary for the protection of public health or safety.
B. 
The Animal Control Officer or such other persons who may be designated by the City shall have the right to enter onto any lots or lands for the purpose of collecting any dog, cat or other animal which is on such lot or land in violation of this Chapter and whose presence on such lot or land constitutes a violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter. The Animal Control Officer or such other persons who may be designated by the City shall have the right to enter into a dwelling or building for the purpose of collecting any dog, cat or other animal which shows obvious signs of being rabid.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
The Animal Control Officer shall comply with the following pertaining to the impoundment of animals and shall give notice as follows:
1. 
Unrestrained dangerous animals shall be taken by the Police or Animal Control Officer and impounded in an animal shelter or other secured facility and there confined in a humane manner;
2. 
If the owner of an impounded animal can be identified, the Animal Control Officer shall, upon impoundment, notify the owner by telephone or notice posted to the door of the resident.
B. 
Impounded animals shall be kept for not less than (7) seven days, or forty-eight (48) hours after a required quarantine, except:
1. 
When given to the animal shelter to be disposed of by an owner, or when an owner surrenders ownership of an impounded animal to the City, in which case the animal shall be held until the next calendar day.
2. 
When an animal arrives at the shelter in so sick or injured a condition that in the judgment of the supervisor of animal health and public safety or a licensed veterinarian human compassion requires that the suffering be promptly ended. In such instance such time period shall not apply and the animal will be humanely euthanized to prevent needless suffering.
C. 
Any animal not claimed by its owner within (7) seven days or forty-eight (48) hours after a required quarantine shall become the property of the City and may be disposed of as defined in Section 205.010.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
Subject to any required holding period or quarantine set forth in this Chapter, the owner or agent of the owner of any animal taken up and impounded pursuant to any Section in this Article may redeem the animal at any time before the disposition by paying stated fees in Section 205.040. The owner or agent of the owner shall show proof that the animal has been immunized for rabies prior to the date of impounding, or as a condition to the release the operators of the shelter will have the dog immunized and the cost will be added to the impound fees.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
The City Council, the Mayor, or Mayor Pro Tempore shall have the power and authority at any time it shall deem necessary for the protection of the public peace, health, welfare, and safety against the disease known as rabies, to issue an order to quarantine, and it shall be the duty of any person who owns, controls, possesses, or has in custody any animal subject to rabies to comply strictly with such quarantine order. Notice of such quarantine order shall be given by posting copies thereof in at least six (6) public places within the City or by publication in some newspaper published within the City; provided, however, that the Mayor or City Council shall have the power and authority at any time to cancel and recall such quarantine order. During the time any quarantine order enacted pursuant to this Section shall be and remain in force, all persons residing within the City owning dogs, cats, or other animals are hereby required to keep such dogs, cats, or other animals confined upon their premises unless such dogs, cats, or other animals shall be attached to a leash not more than six (6) feet long, held by a competent person.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
Every physician shall report to the Police Department pertinent information concerning any resident of the City, who has been bitten by an animal suspected of being rabid and every veterinarian shall report all pertinent information concerning rabid animals under his/her care.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
In every case where an animal bites any person, any person with knowledge of such incident shall immediately notify the St. James Police Department. Such animal immediately comes under the jurisdiction of the St. James Police Department who shall supervise the quarantine of such animal.
B. 
Required Confinement And Notice Of Authorities.
1. 
Any animal that shall bite any person or other animal, causing an abrasion of the skin, shall be immediately impounded or confined for a ten (10) day quarantine period.
2. 
It shall be the duty of the person owning, harboring or permitting any animal to be about his/her premises to notify the Police Department immediately upon knowledge or notice that such animal has bitten any person or other animal and if such animal has been or will be delivered to a veterinarian.
C. 
Required Immediate Veterinarian Examination. The animal will as quickly as practicable be transported by the owner or if the owner is unavailable or unwilling, by the Animal Control Officer or Police Officer to a licensed veterinarian for examination.
D. 
This impoundment shall be at the animal owner's expense in the City animal shelter or veterinarian office. However, the offending animal may be impounded/quarantined at the animal owner's residence if all of the following conditions are met:
1. 
The offending animal has a valid rabies vaccination.
2. 
The animal has not been deemed to be a dangerous or vicious animal by any public agency or jurisdiction.
3. 
The animal owner and victim (victim's family if the victim is a minor) both agree to the quarantine at the owner's home or business.
4. 
The animal owner agrees to the following guidelines:
a. 
Animal is not allowed outdoors off-leash.
b. 
Animal is allowed no contact with visitors or other animals.
c. 
Animal must reside indoors for the duration of the quarantine observation.
d. 
The Animal Control Officer or other designated Police Official shall have twenty-four-hour access to the animal to check on its condition.
5. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to interrupt the observation period, interfere with quarantine or fail to follow these guidelines. The Animal Control Officer shall impound the animal at the designated facility for the rest of the observation period.
E. 
If an animal dies while under quarantine during the ten (10) days of impoundment, regardless of location or cause of death, the Animal Control Officer shall be notified and cause the head to be removed by the veterinarian and submitted for rabies testing. The owner will be responsible for all costs involved.
F. 
Payment Of All Charges. All inspection confinement charges of the veterinarian and/or shelter will be paid by the animal's owner. If the animal is not claimed by the owner at the end of the confinement period, the animal will be impounded by the City and released to the owner only upon payment of all applicable charges and fees.
G. 
No person shall fail or refuse to surrender an animal for quarantine when ordered by the Animal Control Officer.
H. 
The owner of an animal that bites or otherwise possibly transmits rabies or any zoonotic disease shall be responsible for all associated costs, including:
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;
3. 
The cost to treat the person exposed to rabies or zoonotic disease; and
4. 
Doctor or other medical treatment in association with the bite.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
If any dangerous, fierce or vicious animal cannot be safely taken up or impounded, such animal may be slain by any Policeman. In all cases where the animal that has bitten a person or caused an abrasion of the skin is slain by any Policeman, whether by order of court or otherwise, and a period of less than fifteen (15) days has elapsed since the day upon which such animal bit any person or caused an abrasion of the skin of any person, it shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to cause to be delivered without delay, the head with brain of such animal to the State Division of Health Laboratory or other authorized laboratory for analysis.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
If an animal which has either not been vaccinated for rabies or not received timely booster vaccinations for same is exposed to rabies as defined in Section 205.010, such animal shall be immediately destroyed. If the owner is unwilling to have the animal destroyed, the animal shall be:
1. 
Immediately vaccinated against rabies as soon as possible after the exposure;
2. 
Held under six (6) months quarantine by at a licensed animal shelter or veterinary clinic at the owner's expense, or quarantined by the owner as set forth in Section 205.140(D) with written permission from the Chief of Police.
B. 
If an animal that has been vaccinated for rabies is exposed to rabies as defined in Section 205.010, such animal shall be:
1. 
Immediately given a rabies booster vaccination after exposure; and
2. 
Shall be kept on the owner's premises and watched for abnormal behavior for a period of forty-five (45) days.
C. 
If an animal is bitten or scratched by an animal, and it is not known whether that animal is rabid, the bitten or scratched animal shall be subject to the following:
1. 
If the bitten or scratched animal had a valid rabies vaccination prior to the bite or scratch, the animal shall receive a rabies booster vaccination and watched for abnormal behavior for a period of forty-five (45) days.
2. 
If the bitten or scratched animal was not vaccinated for rabies prior to the bite or scratch, the animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies, and quarantined for a period of six (6) months at a licensed animal shelter or veterinary clinic at the owner's expense, or quarantined by the owner as set forth in Section 205.140(D) with written permission from the Chief of Police.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
Any animal which becomes rabid during the period it is confined shall be killed, and the Health Department may order the Chief of Police to deliver the head with the brain of such animal to the State laboratory or other authorized laboratory for analysis.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
No person owning or having custody or control of any dog, cat, or other animal affected with rabies, or any dog, cat, or other animal which has been exposed to rabies or which show symptoms or indication of having rabies shall permit such dog, cat, or other animal to be upon any street, alley, public place or private property within the City, other than the property of the owner or custodian of such dog, cat, or other animal, and then only if such dog, cat, or other animal is so confined as to prevent its straying from the premises.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
The Animal Control Officer or veterinarian or such other person as may be designated by the City shall dispose of any dog or other animal infected with rabies and such person so designated shall have the power to examine and impound any animal bitten by or exposed to any other animal infected with rabies. He/she shall have the power to require the owners of such animals to take such necessary measures to prevent further spread of rabies and to dispose of any exposed animal, if such necessary measures are not taken by the owners.
[Ord. No. 25-1293, 5-15-2025]
A. 
Except for properly licensed veterinary treatment facilities, no cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs or any other livestock except chicken hens, shall be kept or permitted within the corporate limits of the City, and it shall be unlawful for the owner or person in charge of any such livestock to maintain the same within the City limits or permit them to be therein, either confined or running at large on private property, public streets or grounds within the City limits, and any such owner or person in charge of any of said livestock who shall permit the same to be within the City limits shall be guilty of an ordinance violation with a fine as set forth in Section 100.220.
B. 
In all Residential Zoning Districts and dwellings, the occupants of a dwelling unit may keep for personal use only, a maximum of six (6) chicken hens. The St. James R-1 School District may possess up to twenty (20) chicken hens, on school district property only, if any such chicken hens are maintained for educational purposes and the St. James R-1 School District complies with the following conditions:
1. 
Slaughter may occur; provided that it is conducted in a sanitary manner, does not generate noise that creates a nuisance, and is not visible from adjacent properties or any public area or right-of-way.
2. 
Chickens shall be always kept in a secured enclosure or fenced area. Chickens shall be secured within a henhouse or chicken tractor during non-daylight hours.
3. 
At a minimum, three (3) square feet per chicken enclosure space and ten (10) square feet per chicken of outside run space shall be provided.
a. 
The run must be constructed of wire mesh, wire grid or chicken wire;
b. 
It must be no more than six (6) feet in height.
4. 
Enclosures shall be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat, and sanitary condition at all times.
5. 
Henhouses, chicken tractors and chicken pens shall provide adequate ventilation and adequate sun and shade and shall be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators including dogs and cats.
6. 
Henhouses and chicken tractors shall be designed to provide safe and healthy living conditions for the chickens while minimizing adverse impacts to nearby businesses or residents in the neighborhood.
7. 
A henhouse or chicken tractor shall be enclosed on all sides and shall have a roof and doors. Access doors shall be able to be shut and locked at night. Openings, windows, and vents shall be covered with predator and bird proof wire of less than one (1) inch openings.
a. 
A roof constructed of standard building materials. A tarpaulin is not allowed.
b. 
Walls constructed of wood or metal which are no taller than six (6) feet in height.
c. 
A non-porous floor in the henhouse or chicken tractor of plastic or concrete, covered with straw or wood shavings.
d. 
The chicken run shall have a dirt floor.
e. 
The henhouse or chicken tractor shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area, and shall be located adjacent to the chicken run in the rear yard as defined in Section 405.020.
8. 
Henhouses, chicken tractors, and chicken pens shall only be located to the defined (Section 405.020) rear of the property.
9. 
Henhouses, chicken tractors, and chicken pens shall be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, or place of business.
10. 
Any enclosed chicken pen shall consist of sturdy wire or wooden fencing. The pen shall be covered with wire, aviary netting, or solid roofing.
11. 
Odors from chickens, chicken manure, or other chicken related substances shall not be detectable at the property boundary.
12. 
The chicken owner shall take necessary action to reduce the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential infestation of insects and parasites. Chickens found to be infested with insects and parasites that may result in unhealthy conditions to human habitation may be removed by City representative.
13. 
Chickens shall have access to feed and clean water at all times. The feed and water shall be unavailable to rodents, wild birds, and predators.
14. 
All stored manure shall be covered by a fully enclosed structure with a roof or lid over the entire structure. No more than three (3) cubic feet of manure shall be stored. All other manure not used for composting or fertilizing shall be removed. The henhouse chicken tractor, chicken pen, and surrounding area shall be kept free from trash and accumulated droppings.
15. 
No dog or cat which kills a chicken, shall, for that reason alone, be considered a dangerous or aggressive animal.
16. 
Chickens shall not be slaughtered at any location on the property where the slaughtering may be observed from another property or a street or alley.
17. 
All waste resulting from the slaughtering of chickens must be disposed of so as not to create a threat to public health and safety, and not produce obnoxious or foul odors or create a public nuisance.
18. 
A building permit must be obtained though the City prior to construction or installation of the chicken coop, pen or chicken tractor.
C. 
Enforcement of this Code is the responsibility of the Code Enforcement Officer or other designated executive of the City and violation of this Code shall be considered a nuisance and each day that a nuisance shall be maintained shall constitute a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in the Code of the City of St. James and the laws of this State.