Vicki
Administrator
Proposed animal ordinance covers a broad variety of circumstances
By MARK WAITE
Sep. 04, 2009
Proposed revisions to the Nye County animal control code spell out regulations on kennels, animal cruelty, vicious dogs, walking dogs in the park and special-condition animals.
The code allows homeowners to keep up to five dogs or cats; they can own from six to 10 by obtaining a residential kennel permit. Those animals must be kept for pleasure and not for remuneration or breeding.
Residential owners may have no more than two dogs or cats over six months old that are unspayed or unneutered.
Owners of a commercial kennel permit can keep any number of animals. Those permits would be issued at the discretion of the animal control department based on health and safety concerns, local zoning and preventing animals from becoming a nuisance. A commercial kennel permit holder may keep animals for an animal rescue or sanctuary or for breeding, boarding and training.
Any person owning a dog or cat over six months old must obtain a license, which can be obtained after showing proof of a rabies vaccination. The Nye County commissioners will set license fees.
Section 6.08.080 of the proposed animal code makes it unlawful for animals to run at large. Those animals not restrained will be impounded and kept at an animal shelter at least three working days, after which they are considered abandoned and made available for auction, adoption or destroyed. Sick or injured animals may be euthanized at any time to prevent inhumane suffering.
Another section allows animals to be impounded if animal control officers believe the owner is violating any section of the code.
The code prohibits using animals for fighting. The minimum penalty is $1,000 per animal plus impoundment and veterinary fees.
Section 6.12.020 on animal cruelty states it will be illegal to ride a horse while intoxicated. It's also against the law to trip horses. Animals may not be abandoned to die and it's unlawful to throw anything on a road intended to wound an animal.
Transporting animals in hot enclosures or open enclosures from which they can escape is illegal under the code.
Operators of animal shelters or kennels must keep buildings and grounds clean and in good repair, built in a manner to protect animals from injury or escaping, and have reliable power and potable water available. Animals shall be kept indoors, except those acclimated to the outdoors.
Provisions require indoor facilities to be kept at a temperature of no less than 50 degrees and no more than 85 degrees. Adequate ventilation is required.
Animals kept outdoors must be kept dry from rain or snow, have enough shade for protection from direct sunlight likely to cause overheating and be able to keep warm when the temperature is below 50 degrees.
Dealers have requirements to provide information to purchasers of dogs or cats on their history, registry, immunizations and medical history. The premises of dealers or operators will be inspected annually.
Livestock owners must have at least a half-acre of land and keep livestock at least 30 feet from neighbors There is an exception for open-range animals.
It will be unlawful to keep animals who by consistent barking, yelping or howling disturb the peace of a neighborhood.
Wild animals may not be exhibited without a permit from Nye County animal control.
Vicious dogs are not permitted unless they are registered at a $50 fee and kept in a proper enclosure with a warning sign. When outside the enclosure they must be on a leash and muzzled.
Animals walked in parks must be on a leash and owners must pick up the poop. An exception is allowed for special events.
The animal control officer will investigate incidents where a person uses an animal to attack another person.
Owners of special-condition animals must have an annual $60 permit.
The owners must be at least 18, have experience in their care, not been convicted of cruelty or violating state or federal wildlife regulations in the past three years and have a facility that complies with zoning requirements.
Copies of federal and state permits for keeping exotic animals are required, as well as a plan for recapture and emergency evacuation of facilities. Facilities must be open to inspection during normal business hours.
http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/2009/Sep-04-Fri-2009/news/30983150.html
By MARK WAITE
Sep. 04, 2009
Proposed revisions to the Nye County animal control code spell out regulations on kennels, animal cruelty, vicious dogs, walking dogs in the park and special-condition animals.
The code allows homeowners to keep up to five dogs or cats; they can own from six to 10 by obtaining a residential kennel permit. Those animals must be kept for pleasure and not for remuneration or breeding.
Residential owners may have no more than two dogs or cats over six months old that are unspayed or unneutered.
Owners of a commercial kennel permit can keep any number of animals. Those permits would be issued at the discretion of the animal control department based on health and safety concerns, local zoning and preventing animals from becoming a nuisance. A commercial kennel permit holder may keep animals for an animal rescue or sanctuary or for breeding, boarding and training.
Any person owning a dog or cat over six months old must obtain a license, which can be obtained after showing proof of a rabies vaccination. The Nye County commissioners will set license fees.
Section 6.08.080 of the proposed animal code makes it unlawful for animals to run at large. Those animals not restrained will be impounded and kept at an animal shelter at least three working days, after which they are considered abandoned and made available for auction, adoption or destroyed. Sick or injured animals may be euthanized at any time to prevent inhumane suffering.
Another section allows animals to be impounded if animal control officers believe the owner is violating any section of the code.
The code prohibits using animals for fighting. The minimum penalty is $1,000 per animal plus impoundment and veterinary fees.
Section 6.12.020 on animal cruelty states it will be illegal to ride a horse while intoxicated. It's also against the law to trip horses. Animals may not be abandoned to die and it's unlawful to throw anything on a road intended to wound an animal.
Transporting animals in hot enclosures or open enclosures from which they can escape is illegal under the code.
Operators of animal shelters or kennels must keep buildings and grounds clean and in good repair, built in a manner to protect animals from injury or escaping, and have reliable power and potable water available. Animals shall be kept indoors, except those acclimated to the outdoors.
Provisions require indoor facilities to be kept at a temperature of no less than 50 degrees and no more than 85 degrees. Adequate ventilation is required.
Animals kept outdoors must be kept dry from rain or snow, have enough shade for protection from direct sunlight likely to cause overheating and be able to keep warm when the temperature is below 50 degrees.
Dealers have requirements to provide information to purchasers of dogs or cats on their history, registry, immunizations and medical history. The premises of dealers or operators will be inspected annually.
Livestock owners must have at least a half-acre of land and keep livestock at least 30 feet from neighbors There is an exception for open-range animals.
It will be unlawful to keep animals who by consistent barking, yelping or howling disturb the peace of a neighborhood.
Wild animals may not be exhibited without a permit from Nye County animal control.
Vicious dogs are not permitted unless they are registered at a $50 fee and kept in a proper enclosure with a warning sign. When outside the enclosure they must be on a leash and muzzled.
Animals walked in parks must be on a leash and owners must pick up the poop. An exception is allowed for special events.
The animal control officer will investigate incidents where a person uses an animal to attack another person.
Owners of special-condition animals must have an annual $60 permit.
The owners must be at least 18, have experience in their care, not been convicted of cruelty or violating state or federal wildlife regulations in the past three years and have a facility that complies with zoning requirements.
Copies of federal and state permits for keeping exotic animals are required, as well as a plan for recapture and emergency evacuation of facilities. Facilities must be open to inspection during normal business hours.
http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/2009/Sep-04-Fri-2009/news/30983150.html