[R.O. 1996 § 215.010; CC 1968 § 4-14; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 1562 § 1, 9-15-1986; Ord. No. 1688 § 2, 12-7-1987; Ord. No. 2493 § 1, 9-19-1994; Ord. No. 3179 § 1, 11-1-1999; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
As used in this Chapter the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
ABANDON
Leaving a dog, cat or other animal in the City and not providing food, water or shelter. Owner intentionally releasing an animal from restraint or confinement and setting it free from property or motor vehicle. This shall include leaving or not redeeming a dog, cat or other animal at an animal shelter, animal control impound, veterinary clinic, groomer, boarding facility or kennel.
ALTERED
Spay or neutered and unable to reproduce.
ANIMAL
Any living, vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, other than lobster, shrimp, clams, fish in an aquarium, and humans.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
An officer or agent designated by the City of Blue Springs to enforce this Chapter and may include a Police Officer.
AT LARGE
A dog, cat or other animal shall be deemed to be at large when off the property of the owner and not under restraint.
BREEDER
A person, engaged in the business or hobby of breeding animals for sale or for exchange in return for a consideration, and who harbors more than ONE (1) intact female for the primary purpose of breeding animals for sale.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL
Any animal having evidenced a disposition, propensity or tendency to attack or bite any person or other animal without provocation, or any animal which, without provocation, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds or places; or any animal which is wild by nature and of a species which, due to size, vicious nature or other characteristics, constitutes a danger to human life, physical well-being, or property; or any animal which has been found to be vicious, dangerous, or a danger or menace to persons or other animals by a court of law of another jurisdiction after a hearing or upon a plea agreement is hereby deemed to be a dangerous animal. For the purpose of this Chapter, where the official records of the Animal Control Office or the Police Department of this City or any other jurisdiction establish that an animal has bitten any person or other animal on one (1) or more separate occasions without provocation, such evidence shall be prima facie evidence that said animal is a dangerous animal. In making a determination as to whether an animal is dangerous, elements that may be considered, but are not required to be, are provocation, location of the event, reason for the attack, whether the animal is acting protectively, whether the animal was tormented or abused, the seriousness of an attack, and previous attacks.
EXPOSED TO RABIES
Shall mean bitten by, or fought with, or has come in close contact with an animal showing symptoms of rabies.
HARBOR
To feed or shelter an animal at the same location for three (3) or more days.
HUMANE MANNER
Care of an animal to include, but not be limited to, adequate heat, ventilation and sanitary shelter, wholesome food and water, consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal's size, species and breed.
KENNEL
An establishment kept for the purpose of breeding, selling, or boarding dogs or cats or engaging in training dogs or cats.
LIVESTOCK
Any traditional farm animal including but not limited to cows, sheep, horses, donkey, pony, goats, non-pot bellied pigs, geese, turkey, lama, and alpaca.
OWNER
The person having the right of property or custody of a dog, cat, or animal or who keeps or harbors a dog, cat, or animal or knowingly permits a dog, cat or animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by that person.
POULTRY
Domesticated avian species that can be raised for eggs, meat and/or feathers. The term "poultry" covers a wide range of birds, from indigenous and commercial breeds of chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, geese, quail, pigeons, ostriches and pheasants.
QUARANTINE-IN-HOME
An animal being confined in-doors and separated and isolated from all persons and animals at all times. Animal is to be taken outdoors for the bathroom on a leash restrained by owners as needed. The animal is not to leave the property or interact with other people or animals during this period.
QUARANTINE-SUPERVISED
An animal being impounded in designated shelter or animal hospital for monitored isolation.
RESTRAINT
A dog, cat, or animal is under restraint if it is within a fully enclosed or fenced area or under the handheld leash of owner or agent of the owner, or on a leash confining such dog, cat, or animal to the yard of its owner; or such dog, cat, or animal is confined to the premises of the residential property of their owner by an electronic fence or an electronic collar.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
A dog, cat, or animal that constitutes a physical threat to humans or other domestic animals.
WILDLIFE
Native species to the state or region shall mean and include all wild birds, mammals, fish and other aquatic and amphibious forms, and all other wild animals, regardless of classification, whether resident, or migratory, protected or unprotected. Including, but not limited to squirrels, raccoons, opossums, fox, coyote, Canadian Geese, skunk, badger, or bobcat.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.030; CC 1968 § 4-16; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 5421, 5-19-2025; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor or have custody of more than four (4) adult animals over the age of six (6) months, and no more than twelve (12) total animals of any age in a zoned residential neighborhood. Five (5) or more adult animals or thirteen (13) or more total animals will constitute a commercial kennel or breeder and require proper zoning and an occupational license issued by the City License Collector, as well as require proper state license from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Backyard hens as permitted by Section 215.127 do not count towards the number of animals contained within this Section.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.040; CC 1968 § 4-17; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 2493 § 2, 9-19-1994; Ord. No. 3956 § 1, 5-15-2006; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
A. 
A dog or cat or other animal owner, or a person having charge, care, control or custody of any dog, cat or other animal, shall keep their dog, cat, or other animal under restraint at all times. The foregoing shall not apply to a "Seeing Eye dog" actually being used by a blind person, a "signal dog" actually being used by a hearing impaired person, or a "service dog" actually being used by a person with a disability, or a Police dog being used by any Federal, State, County, City or City and County Law Enforcement Agency for any law enforcement purpose, or a dog within the fenced in area of an area designated and posted as a dog park by the City of Blue Springs so long as such dog does not harm or damage, or threaten to harm or damage, any person or animal on public or private property.
B. 
An animal owner, or a person having charge, care, control or custody of any dog, cat or other animal that is not under restraint and bites a human or another animal shall be subject to enhanced punishment. Punishment shall be determined by the Court to be a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.050; CC 1968 § 4-20; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 2493 § 3, 9-19-1994; Ord. No. 2502 § 1, 10-5-1994; Ord. No. 3956 § 1, 5-15-2006; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
A. 
The owner of a dog, cat or other animal shall provide it with humane shelter from heat, cold, rain, wind and snow, and shall give it food and water adequate to keep the animal in good health and comfort. Animal shelters, to include dog houses and kennels, must be soundly constructed, dry and provided in cold weather with clean bedding. All dogs or cats must be given an opportunity for vigorous daily exercise and must be provided by their owners with veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering.
B. 
The owner of a dog, cat or other animal shall not leave an animal unattended in a motor vehicle without proper food, water and protection from exposure to extreme temperatures hot or cold.
C. 
No owner shall permit a dog or cat to bark, howl, meow or cry, in such a manner that it annoys or disturbs a reasonable person.
D. 
No owner shall allow to accumulate excrement or other waste material such that either the odor or smell of the same is offensive to a reasonable man located off the owner's property, or the condition creates a health hazard to man or animal, or unreasonably interferes with the normal enjoyment of another person's property.
E. 
No owner of a dog, cat or other animal shall abandon their dog, cat or animal.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.055; Ord. No. 3179 § 2, 11-1-1999]
It shall be unlawful for an owner of any animal to permit or allow it to defecate or deposit fecal matter on or upon private property (other than the owner's property), or on public walks, streets or recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of in a sanitary manner by the owner or the owner's agent.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.060; CC 1968 § 4-2; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
A. 
A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals if he or 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.; or
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. 1996 § 215.070; CC 1968 § 4-21; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982]
It shall be the duty of every owner to confine any female dog or cat in heat within a building, in such a manner that the dog or cat will not be accessible to other dogs or cats except for planned breeding and will not attract male dogs or cats.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.080; CC 1968 § 4-22; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 1737 § 1, 6-20-1988; Ord. No. 2493 § 4, 9-19-1994; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
A. 
Every animal that has bitten any person or persons or another domestic animal that resides outside the residence shall be immediately quarantined, in home by the owner, who shall promptly notify an Animal Control Officer. The owners shall, upon demand by an Animal Control Officer, surrender any such animal for supervised quarantine in the designated City Animal Shelter, or a licensed veterinary hospital as designated by the Chief of Police or a Police Department Animal Control Supervisor, and shall be held responsible for all costs incurred during the quarantine period. The animal must, in any event, be quarantined for ten (10) days. The owner shall pay all boarding fees and costs of having their animal vaccinated against rabies, if any, before release.
B. 
When bitten by a rabid animal, unvaccinated animals should be destroyed immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the unvaccinated animal shall be placed in strict isolation for six (6) months and shall be vaccinated one (1) month before being released. The owner shall pay the costs of the "strict isolation" and the vaccination.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.090; CC 1968 § 4-23; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 2493 § 5, 9-19-1994]
No person shall kill a rabid animal exposed to rabies, nor remove such an animal from the City limits, without permission from the person in charge of animal control, except when it is necessary to kill such animal to prevent it from escaping or from biting any other animal or person.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.110; CC 1968 § 4-25; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 2493 § 7, 9-19-1994]
Any Police Officer or Animal Control Officer is authorized to enter any premises where a dog, cat or other animal is kept or harbored to inspect conditions under which the dog, cat or animal is kept, and to require the owner to exhibit a veterinarian tag for a dog or cat. No person shall hinder, molest or interfere with any Police Officer or Animal Control Officer in the performance of their duties.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.120; CC 1968 § 4-26; Ord. No. 1136 § 2, 2-1-1982; Ord. No. 5466, 11-17-2025]
Hospitals, clinics and other facilities operated by licensed veterinarians for the care and treatment of animals are exempt from all provisions of this Chapter except Sections 215.050 through 215.100. The veterinarian tag provisions of this Chapter shall apply to non-residents of the City.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.125; Ord. No. 3179 § 3, 11-1-1999; Ord. No. 4769, 10-1-2018; Ord. No. 5421, 5-19-2025]
No livestock or farm animals, including poultry, except as otherwise permitted under Section 215.127, Backyard Hens, even if considered pets by the owner, shall be kept in any residentially zoned district within the City of Blue Springs unless they are allowed and approved as a conditional use pursuant to Title IV of the Code of Ordinances, City of Blue Springs, Missouri.
[Ord. No. 5421, 5-19-2025]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to provide for the allowance of backyard hens upon single residential properties in the City, or upon an agricultural property of less than three (3) acres being used for residential purposes, there is a need to regulate and set minimum standards for the keeping of such backyard hens in order to mitigate any detrimental impact to neighboring properties and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City.
B. 
Applicability. The regulations contained in this Section shall apply to the keeping of backyard hens in the City, as outlined herein. The keeping of backyard hens shall not be considered or be interpreted to fall under the Agriculture - General land use as defined by Section 411.030(A)(9) of the City Code and therefore, shall be exempt from the provisions of the Unified Development Code, unless otherwise stated in this Section. Backyard hens shall be utilized for residential purposes only and no commercial agricultural production shall be permitted, including but not limited to breeding or fertilizer production shall be permitted. The keeping of backyard hens shall be permitted on any property containing a single-family home in any residential zoning district, provided the property and all structures comply with the provisions of this Section.
C. 
Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, these words and phrases shall have the following meaning:
BACKYARD HEN
Shall mean Gallus gallus domesticus of the female sex and female ducks. This definition does not include male chickens or roosters, or other fowl, such as, but not limited to, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowls, or other waterfowl, all of which are not permitted under this Section. This Section only allows hens as defined herein and does not allow any other fowl, such as, but not limited to, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowls, or waterfowl, are not permitted under this Chapter.
BACKYARD HEN COOP or COOP
Shall mean an enclosed and roofed structure for housing backyard hens that provides shelter from the elements.
BACKYARD HEN RUN or RUN
Shall mean an enclosed outside yard or area for keeping backyard hens.
BACKYARD HEN TRACTOR or TRACTOR
Shall mean a movable backyard hen coop lacking a floor.
HUMANE STANDARDS OF CARE
Shall be defined, to include, but not be limited to, accessibility of the backyard hens to food and water, proper medical attention, proper shelter from the elements, and cleanliness in animal waste areas with regular waste removal.
NUISANCE
Shall mean any act which is unreasonably annoying or vexatious to another or substantially interferes with the rights of others, and shall include, but not be limited to, obnoxious odors, excessive noise, and creation of an environment attractive to other animals or insects or more broadly defined under Section 245.060.
D. 
Number And Type Of Backyard Hens Allowed.
1. 
The maximum number of backyard hens allowed is six (6) per tract of land regardless of how many dwelling units are on the track.
2. 
Only female backyard hens are allowed. There is no restriction on the backyard hen species, as defined in Section 245.160, Nuisances Enumerated.
3. 
Subsections (D)(1) and (2) of this Subsection shall not apply when the backyard hen(s) kept are four hundred (400) feet or more from the residence of any other inhabitant.
E. 
Non-Commercial Use Only. It shall be unlawful to engage in backyard hen breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes.
F. 
Enclosures.
1. 
Backyard hens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times. During daylight hours, backyard hens may be allowed outside of their backyard hen pens in a securely fenced yard if under supervision as defined herein. Backyard hens shall be secured within a coop or backyard hen tractor during non-daylight hours.
2. 
Enclosures must be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat and sanitary condition at all times.
3. 
Coops, backyard hen tractors and backyard hen pens must provide adequate ventilation and adequate sun and shade and must be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, including dogs and cats.
4. 
Coops and backyard hen tractors shall be designed to provide safe and healthy living conditions for the backyard hens while minimizing adverse impacts to other residents in the neighborhood.
5. 
A coop or backyard hen tractor shall be enclosed on all sides and shall have a roof and doors. Access doors must be able to be shut and locked at night. Opening windows and vents must be covered with predator and bird proof wire of less than one (1) inch openings.
G. 
Materials.
1. 
The materials used in making a coop or backyard hen tractor shall be uniform for each element of the structure such that the walls are made of the same material, the roof has the same shingles or other covering, and any windows or openings are constructed using the same materials. The use of scrap, waste board, sheet metal or similar materials is prohibited.
2. 
Materials used shall be impervious to moisture so that the surface does not permit the absorption of fluids. This may be accomplished by sealing with paint, or using a material that is impervious to moisture by nature, i.e., plastic, metal, concrete, glazed faced tile, etc. The surface shall be routinely maintained. If paint is peeling, it must be repainted to seal the surface.
3. 
Coop and backyard hen tractors shall be well maintained.
H. 
Location.
1. 
No coop, backyard hen tractor or backyard hen pen shall be placed in any area of property that is considered frontage, as defined by Title IV, Unified Development Code.
2. 
Coops, backyard hen tractors and backyard hen pens must be located at least ten (10) feet from the property line and at least forty (40) feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school, or place of business.
I. 
Coop And Backyard Hen Tractor Size.
1. 
The minimum size of any coop or backyard hen tractor shall be two (2) square feet per backyard hen.
2. 
The maximum size of any structure coop or backyard hen tractor shall be four (4) square feet per backyard hen.
3. 
The interior roosting area of any coop or backyard hen tractor shall be not less than two (2) feet in height.
4. 
The exterior height of any coop or backyard hen tractor, including any risers or pedestals, shall not to exceed eight (8) feet.
5. 
A backyard hen pen shall consist of sturdy wire fencing. The pen must be covered with wire, aviary netting, or solid roofing.
6. 
Subsections (I)(1) through (6) of this Section shall not apply when backyard hen(s) are kept four hundred (400) feet or more from the residence of any other inhabitant.
J. 
Backyard Hens At Large.
1. 
Backyard hens shall not be allowed to run at large. It shall further be unlawful to picket or tie any such animal in any of the streets of the City for the purpose of grazing or feeding.
2. 
No dog, cat or other domesticated animal, which kills a backyard hen running at large will, for that reason alone, be considered a dangerous or prohibited animal.
K. 
Odor And Noise Impacts.
1. 
Odors from backyard hens, backyard hen manure or other backyard hen related substances shall not be perceptible at the property boundaries.
2. 
Perceptible noise from the backyard hens shall not be loud enough at the property boundaries to disturb persons of reasonable sensitivity.
3. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to park over one (1) hour within the City limits any truck loaded with backyard hens that would cause an offensive smell or noise, or which would unnecessarily annoy the rest of others.
L. 
Predators, Rodents, Insects, And Parasites. The backyard hen owner shall take necessary action to reduce the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential infestation of insects and parasites. Backyard hens found to be infested with insects and parasites that may result in unhealthy conditions to human habitation may be removed by an Animal Control Officer.
M. 
Feed And Water. Backyard hens shall be provided with access to feed and clean water at all times. The feed and water shall be unavailable to rodents, wild birds and predators.
N. 
Waste Storage And Removal. The backyard hen owner must provide for the storage and removal of backyard hen manure. All stored manure shall be covered in 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 coop, backyard hen tractor and surrounding area must be kept free from trash and accumulated droppings. Uneaten feed shall be removed in a timely manner.
O. 
Unlawful Acts.
1. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep backyard hens in violation of any provision of this Article.
2. 
It shall be unlawful for any owner, renter or leaseholder of property to allow backyard hens to be kept on the property in violation of the provisions of this Article.
P. 
Permit Required.
1. 
General Requirements. In order for a person to keep or otherwise maintain backyard hens upon any single-family residential property within the City, or upon any agricultural property of less than three (3) acres being used for residential purposes, a "backyard hen permit" shall be obtained from the City. The backyard hen permit shall be obtained prior to the keeping backyard hens on the property. The City shall establish an application process to be followed by all individuals seeking a backyard hen permit. An approved backyard hen permit shall be valid in perpetuity as long as continued compliance with the regulations set forth in this Section is demonstrated. Backyard hens permits shall not be transferable to a future owner of a property or to another property under the same applicant or property owner.
2. 
Applications. Applications for a backyard hen permit shall be filed on forms prescribed by the City with the following information:
a. 
Applicant's name and contact information.
b. 
If the applicant is not the property owner, then written permission of the property owner shall be submitted with the application along with the property owner's name and contact information.
c. 
Street address or legal description of the property where backyard hens will be kept.
d. 
The requested number of backyard hens.
e. 
Sufficient information to show compliance with the conditions for approval set forth in this Section, which shall be confirmed by City staff prior to the issuance of the backyard hen permit.
3. 
Standards For Keeping Of Backyard Hens Under An Approved Backyard Hen Permit. The keeping of the backyard hens will adhere to the regulations set forth in this Section, as well as, the specific standards identified below:
a. 
The backyard hens will be kept or maintained at all times in a safe and sanitary manner.
b. 
The backyard hen coop in which the backyard hens are kept or confined will be adequately lighted and ventilated and is so constructed and maintained that they can be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
c. 
The health and well-being of the backyard hens will not in any way be endangered by the manner of keeping or confinement.
d. 
The keeping of the backyard hens will not harm the surrounding neighborhood or disturb the peace and quiet of the surrounding neighborhood.
e. 
The keeping of the backyard hens will not cause fouling of the air by offensive odors and thereby create or cause unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the backyard hens are kept.
f. 
The backyard hens will not unreasonably annoy humans, endanger the life, health or safety of other animals or persons or substantially interfere with the rights of citizens to the enjoyment of life or property.
g. 
The backyard hens will not repeatedly run or be found at large, will not damage or deposit excretory matter upon the property of anyone other than their owner, and will not molest or intimidate pedestrians or passersby.
h. 
The backyard hens will not make disturbing noises, including, but not limited to, continued and repeated or untimely crowing, whining, growling, cry or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors and others in close proximity to the premises where the backyard hens are kept, or otherwise be offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare, by virtue of their behavior, number, type or manner of keeping.
Q. 
Violation.
1. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep backyard hens in violation of any provision of this Article.
2. 
It shall be unlawful for any owner, renter or leaseholder of property to allow backyard hens to be kept on the property in violation of the provisions of this Article.
3. 
Any person who shall violate a provision of Section 215.127 or fail to comply therewith, or with any of the requirements thereof, in addition to any other remedy or action available to the City or Codes Administrator, shall be punished, upon conviction, pursuant to Section 100.080(C) of the Blue Springs Code of Ordinances. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.130; CC 1968 § 4-32; Ord. No. 2360 § 1, 7-19-1993; Ord. No. 3179 § 4, 11-1-1999]
A. 
A Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) of pure breed lineage shall not be considered "livestock" or a "farm animal" as said terms are used in Section 215.125 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Blue Springs, Missouri, so long as they are domesticated and they are a pet.
B. 
Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) shall be subject to Sections 215.040, 215.080, 215.090 and 215.100 of this Chapter.
C. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor more than one (1) Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) in a zoned residential neighborhood.
D. 
Any Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) that is running at large or in violation of any other ordinance of the City of Blue Springs, Missouri, may be seized and impounded by any Police or Animal Control Officer and may be impounded in any animal shelter so designated by the City of Blue Springs.
E. 
If the owner of the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) can be identified, the owner shall, if at all possible, be notified that the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) has been impounded.
F. 
If a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) that has been impounded is not redeemed by the owner within four (4) days after impoundment, counting only those days during which the shelter is open to the public, said Vietnamese potbellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) may be disposed of in one of the following ways:
1. 
"Humane killing," defined as the destruction of an animal accomplished by a method approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Panel on Euthanasia (JAVMA 173:59-72, 1978), or more recent additions; or
2. 
Release for adoption by a new owner who shows evidence of ability and intention to provide for the Vietnamese potbellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller).
G. 
An owner redeeming a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) from impoundment shall pay, before release, the prevailing board fee charged the City for each twenty-four (24) hours, or fraction thereof, that the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) has been impounded. Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The court shall have the power to order the impoundment, release, removal from the City, return to the City or confinement by an individual of any animal seized, impounded or subject to a violation of this Section. The court shall have the power to assess the costs of boarding any animal that is impounded under this Section.
H. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) to become pregnant within any residentially zoned area in Blue Springs, Missouri, or to remain in such area after becoming pregnant.
I. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) weighing more than one hundred twenty-five (125) pounds within a zoned residential neighborhood.
J. 
The burden of proving that a pig or swine is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa jubatus muller) is on the owner or person harboring said animal.
[R.O. 1996 § 215.135; Ord. No. 3455 § 1, 2-4-2002]
A. 
A person commits the offense of knowingly releasing an animal if they, acting without the consent of the owner or custodian of an animal, intentionally release any animal that is lawfully confined for the purpose of companionship or protection of persons or property or for recreation, exhibition or educational purposes.
B. 
As used in this Section, "animal" means every living creature, domesticated or wild, but not including Homo sapiens.
C. 
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a public servant acting in the course of such servant's official duties.
D. 
Any person who violates the provision of this Section shall be punished pursuant to Section 100.080 of this Code.