Code Reminder: 360.02 Dogs and Cats
City Code allows the keeping of up to three (3) dogs or up to four (4) cats on the same premises, whether owned by the same person or not. The keeping of four (4) or more dogs or five (5) or more cats shall constitute a "kennel"; except that a fresh litter of pups or kittens may be kept for a period of three (3) months before such keeping shall be deemed to be a "kennel".
Kennels Prohibited. Because the keeping of four (4) or more dogs or five (5) or more cats on the same premises is subject to great abuse, causing discomfort to persons of the area, by way of smell, noise, hazard, and general aesthetic depreciation, the keeping of four (4) or more dogs or five (5) or more cats on the premises is hereby declared to be a nuisance and no person shall keep or maintain a kennel within the City.
All dogs and cats over the age of six (6) months must be registered annually with the City. Applicants for registration shall file a completed application form provided by the City and shall also provide proof of anti-rabies vaccination of the dog or cat to be registered. The registration fee is $30.00 every three years.
It is unlawful for any person who owns, harbors or keeps a dog or cat to allow the animal to run at large. Dogs or cats on a leash and accompanied by a responsible person so as to be effectively restrained by command as by leash, shall be permitted on streets or public land unless the City has posted an area with signs reading "Dogs and Cats Prohibited" or similar language.
It is unlawful for any owner or caretaker of any dog or other animal to allow such animal to defecate on any property, not owned by him or her without cleaning up after the animal and disposing of the waste in a proper manner.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor a dog which habitually barks or cries. Habitual barking shall be defined as barking for repeated intervals of at least five (5) minutes with less than one (1) minute of interruption. Such barking must also be audible off the owner's or caretaker's premises.
The Administrative Fine for animal running at large, habitual barking, damage to property and animal waste is $100.00 – first offense $200.00 – second offense $300.00 – third offense.