§ 4-60. Negligent care.

(a)

It is unlawful for any person or persons to fail, refuse or neglect to provide any animal in his or her charge or custody, as owner or otherwise, with proper food, drink, shade, shelter, upkeep or veterinary care as may be necessary for diseased or injured animals. Any animal habitually kept outside shall be provided with a structurally sound, moisture-proof and windproof shelter large enough to accommodate the animal and to which the animal may seek refuge from moisture and wind. Additionally, any animal left in a residence whether considered a rental property or animal shelter, without notifying the proper authorities and without being claimed will be considered abandoned.

(b)

Upon a finding by the ASO that an owner is being negligent in his/her care of an animal as described in subsection (a) above, the ASO shall issue a written notice of said finding to the owner. Said notice shall contain the ASO's requirements for the correction of the problem and shall specify the time by which the corrections must be completed. The owner may file an appeal to this order as provided in article II of this chapter.

(c)

In addition to the remedial requirements which may be issued pursuant to section 4-13, the ASO and the municipal court are also empowered, subject to the limitations contained in article II, to issue such orders as are reasonably necessary to enforce subparagraph (a) above. Said orders may include one (1) or more of the following items:

(1)

Shade and shelter. The owner shall provide a structure, to which the animal has constant and continual access, which is adequate to protect the animal from hazardous exposure to the elements.

(2)

Veterinary care. The owner shall provide all necessary medical care for the animal.

(3)

Animal coat. The owner shall assist in upkeep of the animals' coat in order to prevent a health or hygiene issue from occurring.

(Ord. No. 2026, § 1(Exh. A), 8-14-07)