As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ANIMAL
Any creature of the kingdom Animalia except a human being.
[Amended 7-10-1990 by L.L.
No. 19-1990]
ANIMAL SHELTER
A nonprofit, private or publicly owned and operated facility where
stray, unwanted, lost or abandoned animals are held, but shall not include
a facility with four or fewer animals.
PERSON
An individual, association, firm, syndicate, corporation, department,
bureau or agency or any entity recognized by law as the subject of rights
and duties.
TOWN
The Town of Southampton, excluding any incorporated village.
No person shall operate an animal shelter in the Town of Southampton
unless said person holds a valid permit issued by the Town Board of the Town
of Southampton. Said permit shall expire on December 31 of the year it is
issued unless renewed as provided by this chapter. Public facilities shall
be exempt from the permit requirement of this article.
After the public hearing, where the Town Board finds that an application
fully complies with the provisions of this chapter, a permit may be issued
for the operation of an animal shelter. The Town Board in granting a permit
may impose reasonable conditions to ensure the lawful and proper operation
of the animal shelter. Where the Town Board denies an application for a permit,
the reasons for said denial shall be so stated, in writing, and provided to
the applicant.
Where an application is for renewal of a permit, the Town Board may grant said renewal where the provisions of this chapter and the conditions of the existing permit have been met by the applicant. Where an application for renewal has violated the provisions of this chapter or any condition of the permit in the operation of an animal shelter, the Town Board shall deny any application for renewal. However, a permit may be renewed where the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Town Board a good faith effort to comply with this chapter and any conditions during the period for which the permit is sought. No application for renewal of a permit shall be denied unless a public hearing has been held pursuant to §
99-4 of this chapter. Where an application for renewal is denied by the Town Board, the reasons for said denial shall be so stated, in writing, and provided to the applicant.