[R.O. 1992 §§ 210.010, 211.020, 212.020; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ABANDON
Relinquishing custody of an animal without making alternative arrangements for its care and protection, or leaving an animal confined without providing water or minimum nutrition as required under this Chapter.
ANIMAL CONTROL BOARD
A Board made up of the City Administrator, Chief of Police and another person as may be appointed by the Mayor from time to time. Should any of these positions be vacant or the person unavailable, the Mayor may appoint a substitute as necessary.
[1]
AT LARGE
With reference to a dog, not confined or restrained as required under this Chapter.
ATTACK
Aggressive behavior by a dog or cat that involves biting or repeatedly biting, scratching or shaking its victim.
BREEDER
Any person who maintains an unaltered (unsterilized) dog or cat and breeds such animal for any consideration of profit, fee or compensation.
CABLE RUN
A metal cable that is mounted aboveground at a designated height to two (2) stationary objects for the purpose of attaching a pulley system that moves from one end of the cable to the other and to which a dog is tied or secured by means of a rope, chain, or cable attached to the dog's collar or harness.
CAT
Any domesticated breed within the feline family.
CITY
Means the City of Camdenton, Missouri.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICIAL
A person designated as such by the City Administration Department.
[Ord. No. 2806-20, 6-2-2020]
DANGEROUS CAT
A cat that has been designated as dangerous pursuant to the standards and administrative procedures identified in this Chapter or that has been given another designation pursuant to similar standards and procedures in another jurisdiction.
DIRECT POINT CHAINING
Means attaching a dog directly to a stationary object by means of a leash, rope, chain, cable or other material attached to the dog's collar or harness but does not include temporary restraint of a dog for purposes of vehicular transport.
DOG
Any domesticated breed within the canine family.
DOMESTICATED ANIMAL
An animal that has adapted to life in close association with and to the advantage of humans, such as animals that are kept by humans as pets or as livestock.
ELECTRONIC CONTAINMENT DEVICE
A transmitter/receiver system for the confinement of dogs which consists of:
1. 
A boundary wire that emits a radio signal, and
2. 
A battery-operated electronic device on the dog's collar which receives the radio signal and emits an audible warning beep and a corrective electrical stimulus as the dog approaches the wire.
FREE ROAMING CAT
A cat that is not kept inside of a house, business or other legal occupancy structure or kept in a fenced area enclosed with a top and containing a shelter as described in this Chapter. A cat that is allowed to go outside of such structure or fenced area is considered a free-roaming cat.
OWNER
Any person who owns, keeps, harbors or exercises control over any animal. A person shall be considered to harbor an animal if they feed or shelter such animal for five (5) days or more.
PIT BULL
A pit bull is defined as any dog that is an American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, American Bulldog, American Bully or any dog of mixed breeding that has the primary characteristics of such breeds of dog. A pit bull may be identified as any dog which exhibits those distinguishing characteristics of such breeds that substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. An identification checklist, which is on file in the City offices, shall be used to assist in identifying such breeds.
PROVOCATION
Causing a bite or attack by:
1. 
Any intentional act of pulling, pinching, squeezing, kicking, hitting or striking the dog with an object or a part of a person's body, unless the person is responding to an attack or an immediate threat of attack by the dog as indicated by the dog's lunging, snarling or baring of its teeth;
2. 
Any attempt or threat to kick, hit or strike the dog with an object or part of a person's body, unless the person is responding to an attack or an immediate threat of attack by the dog as indicated by the dog's lunging, snarling, or baring of its teeth;
3. 
Any act of teasing or tormenting the dog;
4. 
Any act of holding, kicking, hitting, striking, or otherwise physically harming the dog's owner or other member of the dog owner's household;
5. 
Entry into the dog's area of confinement without the owner's presence, provided that this definition does not apply if the dog is confined in a particular manner for the purpose of causing provocation to prevent legal access to the premises in violation of this Chapter; or
6. 
Any act of breaking and entering, or other unlawful entry, into the dog owner's residence, vehicle, or other property.
STERILIZE
The surgical alteration of an animal through spaying or neutering so that it is incapable of reproduction.
SWIVEL
Pivoting hardware that can be used in a trolley system to attach a cable run to a tether or a tether to a dog's collar or harness in order to minimize twisting and tangling of the tether.
TETHER
A rope, chain, or cable that is attached to a dog's collar or harness for purposes of restraining the dog.
TROLLEY SYSTEM
A method of restraining a dog which utilizes a cable run, swivel and tether attached to a dog's collar or harness.
VACCINATION
An injection of any vaccine for rabies approved by the State veterinarian board and administered by a licensed veterinarian.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "Animal Control Officer," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed by Ord. No. 2806-20, 6-2-2020. See now the definition of "Community Service Official."
[R.O. 1992 § 210.020; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015; Ord. No. 2806-20, 6-2-2020]
The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to any animal owned or controlled by Federal, State or City law enforcement agencies. The Community Service Official or Animal Control Board may also make reasonable accommodations or exceptions for service animals.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.030; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person keeping or harboring any animal to fail to keep the premises where such animal is kept free from unsanitary conditions which encourage the breeding of parasites, insects and flies or cause odors that are offensive to a person of reasonable sensibilities.
B. 
It shall be unlawful to allow premises where animals are kept to become unclean and a threat to the public health by failing to diligently and systematically remove all animal fecal matter from the premises a minimum of once every forty-eight (48) hours.
C. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to allow an animal within the person's control to defecate on public property or on the private property of another person unless the person having control of the offending animal immediately removes and disposes of the animal's feces.
D. 
All animal fecal matter shall be disposed of properly.
E. 
No animal shall be allowed to damage any property of another person.
F. 
All places where livestock is kept shall have adequate drainage sufficient to prevent standing water in yards or pens. Duck ponds shall be drained and cleaned as required to prevent malodorous conditions.
G. 
It shall be unlawful for any person keeping or harboring any animal to keep the animal in premises on which there is garbage, trash, or debris of any nature, including broken glass and cans that could subject the animal to injury or disease.
[Ord. No. 2592-16, 7-5-2016]
No person shall keep or cause or allow or permit to be kept, on any premises occupied by him/her or under his/her charge or control, any animals so that any offensive, disagreeable, or noxious smell, odor or noise shall arise therefrom to the injury, annoyance, or inconvenience of any nearby property owner or occupant. Excessive barking of dogs or other excessive loud animal noises shall be a violation of this Section.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.040; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
It shall be unlawful to slaughter a domesticated animal in a residentially zoned area of the City. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the euthanasia of any animal by a licensed veterinarian or by trained animal services personnel or an otherwise authorized killing of an animal.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.050; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
A. 
Animal Neglect.
1. 
A person commits the offense of animal neglect if he/she:
a. 
Has custody or ownership of an animal and fails to provide adequate care; or
b. 
Knowingly abandons an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.
2. 
All fines and penalties for a first finding of guilt under this Section may be waived by the Court if the person found guilty of animal neglect shows that adequate, permanent remedies for the neglect have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected animals may not be waived. This Section shall not apply to the provisions of Section 578.007, RSMo., or Chapter 272, RSMo.
3. 
In addition to any other penalty imposed by this Section 578.009, RSMo., the court may order a person found guilty of animal neglect to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:
a. 
The care and maintenance of neglected animals within the person's custody or ownership;
b. 
The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's custody or ownership;
c. 
The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate area of the neglect; and
d. 
The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created by the neglect of the animals.
B. 
Animal Trespass.
1. 
A person is guilty of animal trespass if a person having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate control for a period equal to or exceeding twelve (12) hours.
2. 
For a first conviction of animal trespass, each offense shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00). The second and all subsequent convictions shall be punishable by imprisonment or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment. All fines for a first conviction of animal trespass may be waived by the court provided that the person found guilty of animal trespass shows that adequate, permanent remedies for trespass have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of trespassing animals may not be waived. This Section shall not apply to the provisions of Section 578.007 or Sections 272.010 to 272.370, RSMo.
C. 
Animal Abuse. A person commits the offense of animal abuse if he/she:
1. 
Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed by or expressly exempted from the provisions of Sections 578.005 to 578.023 and 273.030, RSMo.;
2. 
Purposely or intentionally causes injury or suffering to an animal; or
3. 
Having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate care which results in substantial harm to the animal.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.060; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly keep any injured animal without providing proper, timely treatment, including treatment by a veterinarian when appropriate, for such injury.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly keep any animal infected with a fatal disease that is contagious to other animals unless the sick animal is isolated to prevent spread of the disease to other animals. This Subsection shall not apply to rabid animals. Any animal showing positive signs of rabies shall be euthanized and laboratory-confirmed in accordance with Missouri law.
C. 
Any injured or diseased animal within the City shall be subject to seizure if a court of competent jurisdiction issues a warrant for such seizure upon a determination that either of the above conditions exist and reasonable treatment is not being administered to said animal.
D. 
Any injured or diseased animal within the City shall be subject to immediate seizure if the City has a reasonable suspicion that an emergency exists and such seizure is necessary to protect the animal from an imminent threat of death, infectious disease, or serious physical injury.
E. 
Any diseased or injured animal seized pursuant to the provisions of this animal services code shall be appropriately treated for the injury or disease by the owner and, where necessary, by a veterinarian licensed to practice in the State.
F. 
The remains of any dead animal are subject to seizure and disposal if, within twenty-four (24) hours after knowledge of such death, the owner has not disposed of the remains properly.
G. 
Any diseased or injured animal shall be subject to being euthanized when it is determined by a veterinarian licensed to practice in Missouri or by the Animal Control Board that such disposition is necessary to prevent unwarranted suffering by the animal. Best efforts shall be made by the Animal Control Board to contact the animal's owner before such animal is euthanized.
H. 
Any owner who reclaims or redeems an animal which has been treated under the provisions of this animal services code shall, prior to the release of the animal, reimburse the City or the treating veterinarian for any expenses incurred, unless the owner shows proof that the animal was undergoing treatment for the disease or injury at the time it was seized.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.070; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
A. 
When any animal has bitten a person, that person or anyone having knowledge of such incident shall immediately notify the City of Camdenton Community Service Official. Notification may be made via a call to 911, a call to the Camdenton Police Department during normal business hours. The animal shall be quarantined at the expense of the owner for a period of ten (10) days from the date of the bite at a veterinary facility under the care and custody of a licensed veterinarian unless other provisions are made as approved by the Community Service Official.
[Ord. No. 2806-20, 6-2-2020]
B. 
No person shall own, keep, harbor, or have control over any dog or cat over the age of five (5) months unless the animal has been vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with State law. For purposes of this Subsection, "five (5) months" shall be attained at the end of the 4th month since birth or when the animal's canine teeth appear, whichever occurs first.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.080; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015; Ord. No. 2806-20, 6-2-2020]
No person shall set any trap to catch any animal, permit any trap owned by them or in their control to be set to catch any animal, or allow a trap to be set to catch an animal without first obtaining permission from the Community Service Official. This shall not apply to the trapping of rats, mice and moles. Trapping of nuisance animals is permitted for relocation of the animal. Any domesticated animal that is caught in such trap must be immediately released or immediately relinquished to the Community Service Official.
[R.O. 1992 § 210.090; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015; Ord. No. 2570-15 § 1, 11-3-2015[1]; Ord. No. 2678, 10-17-2017; Ord. No. 2766-19, 8-20-2019]
A. 
Owners residing in the City shall procure a license from the City for all dogs and cats over the age of six (6) months of age. All licenses issued under the provisions of this Article shall be effective from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
1. 
License fees shall be as follows:
a. 
For each unneutered male dog or cat: twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
b. 
For each unspayed female dog or cat: twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
c. 
For each neutered male dog or cat: ten dollars ($10.00).
d. 
For each spayed female dog or cat: ten dollars ($10.00).
e. 
For each potentially dangerous dog: twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
B. 
Any license fee due and unpaid thirty (30) days after it becomes due and payable shall be subject to a penalty in the same amount as the renewal fee for the animal. Any replacement of a license tag shall be two dollars ($2.00).
C. 
The City may refuse to issue animal licenses to persons who:
1. 
Have been charged with animal abuse, neglect or cruelty while such charges are pending.
2. 
Have been convicted of animal abuse, neglect or cruelty or have pled guilty to such offenses.
3. 
Have willfully failed to maintain licenses for animals within the City of Camdenton in the past.
4. 
Have been charged with or convicted of violations of this or other portions of the City of Camdenton Code which involve dangerous, unlicensed, unsanitary or other conduct involving animals.
5. 
Occupy premises that are also owned or occupied by any person with any of the above situations.
6. 
Are attempting to license an animal that would cause them to be in violation of the City Code.
7. 
In the event that a license is denied to any person under this Section, they may appeal this decision to the Animal Control Board within a period of ten (10) days after such denial.
D. 
Every dog or cat covered by this Section must have and wear a collar or harness with a current license tag firmly attached when such animal is outdoors. Any untagged dog or cat found running at large shall be considered as a stray or as an unowned animal for the purpose of enforcement of this Article.
E. 
Citations may be issued for violations of this Section. Fines for first violations shall be thirty-five dollars ($35.00). Fines for failing to license a potentially dangerous dog shall be seventy-five ($75.00) for first time violations. Fines for subsequent violations within a twenty-four-month period shall be determined by the municipal court.
[1]
Editor's Note: Subsection 1 also redesignated former Subsection (A)(6), which immediately followed, as Subsection (A)(7).
[R.O. 1992 § 210.100; Ord. No. 2526-15 § 1, 2-3-2015]
No person may publicly display animals for sale unless they have a business license for such activity. No person may publicly give away animals at a commercial location unless they have written permission of the business owner to conduct such activity. In the event any animal is transferred which requires a City license, the new owner of the animal shall obtain a City license for such animal within five (5) days.