City of Lake Worth, TX MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DOGS AND CATS

Any person desiring to keep more than four adult dogs and/or cats or more than one litter of puppies or kittens at a residence may apply with the animal control authority for a multi-pet permit. The applicant shall pay an application fee at the time of filing.

(1)

Conditions for issuance.

The animal control authority is authorized to issue such a permit if the following conditions are met:

(A)

An applicant provides the animal control authority with information concerning the maximum number of animals to be kept at any one time at such premises and a record search indicates that no enforcement action for violations of this chapter dealing with nuisances has been necessary within the preceding 12 months; and

(B)

The animal control authority inspects the property, the inspection to include interviews with occupants of all immediately adjacent properties, and deems it appropriate for housing multiple pets based on criteria including, but not limited to:

(i)

Facilities shall be of sufficient size as to allow each animal to move about freely. Size of the facility shall be in proportion to the size of the individual animal’s height and weight.

(ii)

Adequate food and water must be provided so that each and all animals kept shall be maintained in good health and free of malnutrition and/or dehydration.

(iii)

The said premises shall be kept in a sanitary condition and reasonably free of animal waste, parasites, insects, and flies that could be harmful to the animal’s health and/or to the health of the general public.

(iv)

The animals and the facility must be kept free of odor or stench which is offensive to a person of ordinary sensibilities.

(v)

The animals must be maintained in a manner which does not pose a danger to the health of the animals themselves or adjacent animals.

(vi)

The animals must not cause noise which is offensive or disturbing to a person of ordinary sensibilities on adjoining or adjacent premises.

(vii)

All animals must be vaccinated and must wear current tags at all times in accordance with this chapter.

(2)

Fee.

Fees for the issuance of a multi-pet permit shall be as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.

(3)

Revocation.

Such permit may be revoked by the animal control authority for cause, including but not limited to violations of the provisions of this chapter or the inability of the permit holder to keep the animals in a healthy or sanitary environment.

(4)

Renewal.

Multi-pet permits must be renewed annually and each renewal will require inspection and approval by the animal control authority or its designee.

(5)

Appeals.

Any person either denied a multi-pet permit, or who has had their permit revoked, may file an appeal with the city manager or his/her designee. Such appeal must be made in writing within ten days of receiving written notice from the animal control authority of the permit denial or revocation. If no appeal request is filed within the ten-day period, the denial or revocation of the permit becomes final. Upon receiving an appeal, the city manager or his/her designee shall hold a hearing at a time and place of his/her designation. Based upon the recorded evidence of such hearing, the city manager or his/her designee shall make a final finding.

(6)

Change in residence or ownership.

Multi-pet permits are issued for specific owners of a specific property. Application for a new multi-pet permit will be required if:

(A)

The original permit holder moves to a new residence within the city limits and wishes to keep more than four adult dogs/cats or more than one litter of puppies/kittens on the new property; or

(B)

Ownership of the property for which a permit was originally issued changes and the new owners desire to keep more than four adult dogs/cats or more than one litter of puppies/kittens.

(Ordinance 1089 adopted 7/11/17; 2004 Code, sec. 2.702; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)