People sometimes say, "I couldn't do what you do," to the Animal Control Officers or shelter employees. Sometimes they think they can't do it, either. These are high-stress, frustrating, infuriating, frequently tragic, jobs. One of our former Animal Control Officers wrote an account of a very bad night--other workers could tell similar stories. Many of the problems these people face are the direct result of other people's illegal actions.

Rabies Vaccination

Animal License

Any person failing to vaccinate and license his or her animal is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any dog or cat without tags may be impounded, and the owner or caretaker may be cited to court.

Running at Large

Right: The Shelter's outdoor cat
exercise enclosure. The door
locks to protect cats enjoying
the outdoors.

All Dogs and Cats must be under the physical control of their owners or caretakers at all times. Physical control means behind a fence, inside, or on a leash, rope, or chain.

Any animal found running at large in the City may be impounded by any citizen or by an Animal Services Officer. If an animal is impounded it must be claimed at the Shelter, and a fee must be paid:

• $5, for the first impoundment if the animal has current rabies tags and a license.
  $15, for the first impoundment if the animal has no vaccination or license. In addition, a rabies certificate (good for a shot from a participating veterinarian) and a license must be purchased before the animal is released.
• $25, for the second impoundment within a 12-month period.
• $50, for the third impoundment within a 12-month period.
• $100, for the fourth and subsequent impoundment within a 12-month period.

Humane Care

(See also more detailed information on certain laws.)

Food and Water

Fresh water must be provided for all animals at all times, and sufficient good and wholesome food must be given.

Shelter

Shelter from the weather, consisting of a structure with floor, four walls, roof and entrance must be provided. A chain, rope, or cable used to contain an animal must be at least six feet long and placed so that the animal may not intrude on other property, public or private.

Veterinary Care

Any animal with any injury or condition which causes it suffering must be provided veterinary care.

Abandonment

No person may fail to provide the basic care outlined above, nor abandon any animal on public or private property.

Cruelty

No person may beat, ill-treat, torment, tease, overwork, or otherwise abuse an animal. No person may cause nor allow animal/animal or human/animal combat. No person may expose any animal to any toxic chemical or poisonous substance.

Cleanliness

Premises where animals are kept must be clean and free of offensive odors. People are responsible for removing any waste on public walks and recreational areas.

Wild Animals

No person may shoot, hunt, kill, chase, or wound any wild animal within the city

Animals and Automobiles

Any animal which is transported in the back of a pickup or other open vehicle must be restrained in such a way as to prevent the animal leaving the vehicle.

An animal may not be left in a vehicle without the presence of its owner or caretaker in weather such that the animal's health is endangered.

Barking

Failure on the part of any person to comply with the ordinances explained above is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $500. It is illegal to interfere with an Officer in the performance of his or her duties.