§ 6-12. General animal care requirements.

Every owner and/or his agent within the city shall see that each of his animals:

(1)

Is kept in a clean, sanitary, and healthy manner and is not confined so as to be forced to stand, sit or lie in its own excrement, but shall not include the normal husbandry practice of confined feeding.

(2)

Has sufficient and wholesome food and water, which is proper and nutritional for that species and age of animal.

(3)

Has adequate protection from the elements and weather conditions suitable for the age, species and physical condition of the animal so as to maintain the animal in a state of good health. Shelter for livestock includes structures that provide protection from the elements or natural features such as trees or topography that provides adequate protection from the elements.

Shelter for a dog or cat shall include one or more of the following:

a.

Residence of owner or other individual;

b.

A dog house that is an enclosed structure with a roof and appropriate dimensions for the breed and size of the dog. The dog house shall have dry bedding when the outdoor temperature is or is predicted to drop below freezing. The dog house shall be positioned in such a manner so that it is not in direct sunlight when the heat is extreme;

3.

A structure, including, but not limited to, a garage, barn or shed that is sufficiently insulated and ventilated to protect the animal from exposure to extreme temperatures, or if not sufficiently insulated and ventilated, contains a dog house as provided under subparagraph (2)b. that is accessible to the animal.

(4)

If any animal is restrained by a chain, leash or similar restraints, it shall be designed and placed to prevent choking or strangulation. Such chain or restraint shall not be less than ten feet in length, and shall be attached in such a way to prevent the animal from tangling itself. No type of choke collar shall be used to restrain animals while animal is unattended or out of the sight of the owner.

(5)

If ill, diseased or injured, receives proper veterinary care as necessary to promote good health of the animal and prevent the transmittal of disease to other animals or human beings.

(6)

Is not beaten, cruelly ill-treated, overloaded, overworked, tormented or otherwise abused or neglected, nor shall any person cause, instigate or permit any dogfight or combat between animals, fowls or humans.

(7)

Is not physically altered in any manner by anyone other than a veterinarian or by accepted veterinary procedures and accepted animal husbandry procedures with the exception of tattooing for identification purposes and grooming.

(8)

In the case of an animal over the age of three months, is properly vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian annually, or upon such frequency as may be specified by Indiana Code, and such animals shall be licensed as required by this chapter and state law.

(9)

In mating season, an animal shall be kept in a secure enclosure in such a manner that it cannot come into contact with another animal of the same species for unplanned breeding.

(Ord. No. 29-2003, § 12, 9-15-03)