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| a. | The department, each agent or deputy thereof who is assigned to duties which include the enforcement of animal regulation laws, and any peace officer, are responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter and other provisions of state law which they have a duty to enforce. | |
| b. | Each of the individuals referred to in paragraph (a) above shall have the power to make arrests for violations of those provisions of this chapter and of state law which he has a duty to enforce and to issue citations for such violations. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81) |
Sec. 5-4. Right
of entry for enforcement.
In the enforcement of any provision
of this chapter, any animal regulation officer or authorized agent or deputy may
enter the premises of any person to take possession of any animal in violation
of this chapter.
Sec. 5-5. Power and authority of
animal regulation officer.
In the performance of his duties, the animal
regulations officer is hereby vested with the power and authority of deputies
within the county sheriff's office. Badges of authority shall be issued by the
county sheriff, and the recipient thereof shall be duly sworn in as a deputy sheriff
of the county. (Ord. No. 1981- 39, 10-7-81)
Sec.
5-6. Investigations.
The department, public health officer and any
peace officer may enter privately owned land to investigate reports of vicious
animals, rabies, or other contagious animal diseases, and to investigate violations
of and enforce this provision of this chapter. (Ord. No. 1981-29, 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-7. Hindering and obstructing enforcement.
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, molest, hinder or prevent
the animal regulation officer from discharging his duties. Any person who shall
hinder, delay, interfere with, or obstruct the animal regulation officer while
engaging in capturing, securing or taking to the animal shelter any animal or
animals to be impounded, or who shall break open or in any manner directly or
indirectly aid, counsel, or advise the breaking open of any animal shelter or
ambulance, wagon or other vehicle used for the collecting or conveying of any
animals to the shelter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 1981-39,
10-7-81)
Sec. 5-8. Reserved.
Sec.
5-9. Conditions of animal ownership.
Animal owners or keepers shall
comply with the following conditions of animal ownership, and the department may
require as a condition of licensing such owners or keepers to sign a contract
agreeing to comply with such conditions:
| a. | Animals shall be restrained or confined as required by law. | |
| b. | Animals shall be humanely treated at all times. | |
| c. | Vaccinations, licenses, and permits shall be obtained as required by law. | |
| d. | Animal premises shall be kept sanitary and shall not constitute a fly-breeding reservoir, a source of offensive odors or of human or animal disease. | |
| e. | Animals and animal premises shall not be permitted to disturb the peace or constitute a public nuisance or hazard. |
(R.O. 1956, Section 4-6-16;
Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-10. Wild Animals
It is unlawful for nay person to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away,
keep, own, harbor, or purchase any wild animal. Except for government agencies
or otherwise as provided for by state or federal regulations.
Sec.
5-11. Dogs running at large.
| A. | It is unlawful for the owner or person having charge, care, custody, or control of any dog to allow such dog at any time to run at large. The owner or person charged with responsibility for a dog found running at large shall be strictly liable for any violation(s) committed by the dog, regardless of whether or not the person knows the dog is running at large. | |
| B. | However, dogs may be at large while participating in field trials and obedience classes organized and sanctioned by recognized dog clubs, while assisting their owner or trainer in legal hunting or in herding of livestock, while assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, or while being trained for the above purposes so ling as such dogs are under direct and effective sound or gesture control within sight of such individuals to assure that they do not violate any other provisions at law. |
It is unlawful for the owner or person having charge, care, custody,
or control of any cat to allow such cat to run at large on the property of another.
The owner or person charged with responsibility for a cat found running at large
shall be strictly liable for any violation(s) committed by the cat, regardless
of whether or not the person knows the cat is running at large.
Sec.
5-13. Public nuisance.
The introduction, possession or maintenance
of any animal, or the allowing of any animal to be in contravention of this chapter
is, in addition to being a misdemeanor, hereby declare to be a public nuisance.
The definition, public health officer, and peace officers, are hereby authorized
directed and empowered to summarily abate any such public nuisance by any means
reasonably necessary, including but not limited to the destruction of the animal
or animals involved.
| A. | Any animal which does any of the following shall be deemed a nuisance: | ||
| 1. | Causes damage to the property of anyone other than its owner or custodian; | ||
| 2. | Is a vicious animal as defined in this chapter and kept in a manner contrary to this chapter; | ||
| 3. | Causes unreasonable fouling of the air by odors; | ||
| 4. | Causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings; | ||
| 5. | Defecates on any public sidewalk, park or building, or on any private property without the consent of the owner of such private property unless the owner or custodian of such animal shall remove any such defecation to a proper trash receptacle. Unsighted persons while relying on a guide dog shall be exempt from this section. | ||
| 6. | Barks, whines, or howls, or makes other disturbing noises in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion; | ||
| 7. | Molests passersby or chases passing vehicles; | ||
| 8. | Attacks other domestic animals; | ||
| 9. | Otherwise acts so as to constitute a nuisance or public nuisance under the provisions of Chapter 10, Title 76, Utah Code Annotated (1953) | ||
| B. | An animal is a nuisance if it is determined by the department to be a nuisance by virtue of being offensive or dangerous to the public health, welfare, or safety. | ||
| C. | Any animals which, by virtue of the number maintained, are determined by the department to be offensive or dangerous to the public health, welfare or safety. | ||
Sec.
5-14. Attacks by dogs.
| A. | Attacking dogs. It is unlawful for the owner or person having charge, care, custody, or control of any dog to allow such dog to attack, chase, or worry any person, any domestic animal having a commercial value, or any species of hoofed protected wildlife, or to attack domestic fowl. "Worry, as used in this section, means to harass by tearing, biting, or shaking with the teeth. | ||
| B. | Owner liability. The owner in violation of subsection A of this section shall be strictly liable for violation of this section. In addition to being subject to prosecution under subsection A, the owner of such dog shall also be liable in damages to any person injured, or to the owner of any animal(s) injured or destroyed thereby. | ||
| C. | Defenses. The following shall be considered in mitigating the penalties or damages, or in dismissing the charge: | ||
| 1. | That the dog was properly confined on the premises; | ||
| 2. | That the dog was deliberately or maliciously provoked. | ||
| D. | Dogs may be killed. Any law enforcement officer may kill a dog while it is committing any of the acts specified in subsection A of this section or while the dog is being pursued thereafter. | ||
Sec. 5-15.Vicious animals
| A. | An animal control officer upon probable cause that a violation of this section has occurred may require the owner or custodian of a vicious animal to deliver possession of the animal to an animal control officer. If after demand, the owner or custodian fails or refuses to deliver possession of the animal to an animal control officer, the animal control officer may request an order from a court of competent jurisdiction requiring the owner or custodian to deliver possession of the animal to an animal control officer. | |
| B. | An animal control officer may summarily impound a vicious animal which is at large or which is an immediate danger to humans or domesticated animals. | |
| C. | If an animal control officer cannot gain control of a vicious animal the officer may summarily destroy the animal. | |
| D. | If a vicious animal is impounded without the knowledge of the owner or custodian, notice that the animal has been impounded shall be given to the owner or custodian of the animal, if the same is known, by attaching a notice to a door at the residence thereof or by mailing a notice thereto | |
| E. | A vicious animal impounded by an order of a court acting pursuant to this section shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the court shall direct. | |
| F. | A vicious animal impounded without a court order shall be held not less than five (5) days, after which it may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the supervising control officer may direct. | |
| G. | The owner or custodian of an animal impounded other than by a court order may contest the impounding by filing a notice with the proper court within five (5) days after the impounding. |
Sec. 5-16. Possession of
a vicious dog.
The possession of a vicious dog is unlawful unless
it is restrained, confined, or muzzled so that it cannot bite or attack any person
or animal. Dogs held in violation of this section shall be deemed a public nuisance,
and their continued possession or owner ship shall be unlawful. The department
may impound any such dog and dispose of it in any humane manner after five (5)
working days to allow for legal restraining action by the owner. The following
are conditions of ownership of any animal which is fierce, dangerous, or vicious:
| A. | The dog must be kept in a heavy gauge wire dog run which is six (6) feet in height with a secure ceiling and floor. | |
| B. | The dog must be kept on a leash and properly muzzled when out of it's kennel. |
Sec.
5-17. Allowing vicious animals to go at large.
Any owner of a vicious
animal, knowing its propensities, who willfully allows it to go at large or who
keeps it without ordinary care, and any animal while at large, or while not kept
with ordinary care, causes injury to another animal or to any human being who
has taken reasonable precaution which the circumstances permitted, is guilty of
a class B misdemeanor unless the animal causes the death of a human being, whereupon
the owner is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Sec. 5-18.
Guard Dogs.
Guard dogs shall be kept in such a manner so that they
cannot come into contact with persons or other animals who are legally upon the
premises where a guard dog is maintained. The property shall be posted with a
sign clearly visible stating that a guard dog is on the premises.
Sec. 5-19. Judicially Excluded Animals
It shall be unlawful
to bring any animal into Utah County which has in any jurisdiction:
| a. | Been judicially determined to be vicious, a nuisance, or a threat to the health or safety of human beings. | |
| b. | been judicially removed from any county or municipality for violations of the laws or ordinances which by their nature are also in violation of this chapter. |
Sec. 5-20. Livestock.
| A. | It is unlawful for any person owning or having the custody, possession, or control of an animal of a class of livestock or fowl to allow, either negligently or with specific intent, the animal to run at large. | |
| B. | All fencing of property where a class of livestock or fowl are kept shall be of sufficient construction to prevent the escape of or injury to the animals being confined within the fencing. The fencing shall be maintained so that no part of such fence, absent extraordinary circumstances, may be broken, damaged, or in any way create the possibility of injury to the confined animal or to allow the escape thereof. | |
| C. | Any animal in violation of this section may be impounded. |
Sec. 5-21. Cruelty to animals.
| A. | A person commits cruelty to animals if he intentionally or knowingly; | ||
| 1. | Fails to provide any animal in his charge or custody with adequate food, drink, care, and shelter; | ||
| 2. | Abandons an animal in his custody; | ||
| 3. | Carries or confines any animal in or upon any vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner, including but not limited to carrying or confining such animal without adequate ventilation or for an unusual length of time. | ||
| 4. | Kills, maims, disfigures, tortures, beats with a stick, chain, club, or other object, mutilates, burns, scales, over-drives, overworks, or otherwise cruelly set upon any animal. Each offense shall constitute a separate violation. | ||
| 5. | Makes accessible to any animal, with intent to cause harm or death, any substance which has in any manner been treated or prepared with any harmful or poisonous substance. This provision shall not be interpreted so as to prohibit the use of poisonous substances for the control of vermin in furtherance of the public health, when applied in such a manner as to reasonably prohibit access to other animals. | ||
| 6. | Causes any animal, not including a dog, to fight with another animal or creature of like kind for amusement or gain; or causes any animal, including a dog, to fight with a different kind of animal or creature for amusement or gain. | ||
| B. | It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the conduct of the actor towards the animal was by a licensed veterinarian using accepted veterinary practice, or directly related to bona fide experimentation for scientific research, provided that if the animal is to be destroyed, the manner employed will not be unnecessarily cruel unless directly necessary to the veterinary purpose or scientific research involved. | ||
| C. | Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor. | ||
Dog
fighting
| A. | It is unlawful for any person to: | ||
| 1. | Own, possess, keep, or train a dog with the intent to engage it in an exhibition of fighting with another dog; | ||
| 2. | Cause a dog to fight with another dog or cause a dog to injure another dog for amusement or gain; | ||
| 3. | Tie, attach, or fasten any live animal to a machine or device propelled by any power, for the purpose of causing the animal to be pursued by a dog; or | ||
| 4. | Permit or allow any act which violates Subsection (1), (2), or (3) on any premises under his charge; or to control, aid or abet any such act. | ||
| B. | Possession of any breaking stick, treadmill, wheel, hot walker, cat mill, cat walker, jenny, or other paraphernalia together with evidence that the paraphernalia is being used or is intended for use in the unlawful training of a dog to fight with another dog, together with the possessio of any such dog, is prima facie evidence of violation of Subsections A (2), and A (3). | ||
| C. | A person who violates Subsection A is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. | ||
| D. | It is unlawful for person to knowingly and intentionally be present as a spectator at any place, made for an exhibition of dog fighting, or to knowingly and intentionally be present at a dog fighting exhibition or any other occurrence of fighting or injury described in this section. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. | ||
| E. | Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit any of the following: | ||
| 1. | The use of dogs for the management of livestock by the owner, his employees or agents, or any other person in the lawful custody of livestock; | ||
| 2. | The use of dogs for hunting; | ||
| 3. | The training of dogs or the possession or use of equipment in the training of dogs for any purpose not prohibited by law. | ||
Animal
fighting exhibitions
It is unlawful for a person to knowingly be present
as a spectator at any place, building, or tenement where preparation are being
made for an exhibition of the fighting of animals, as prohibited by Subsection
Cruelty to Animals A(6), or to be present at such exhibition, regardless of whether
any entrance fee has been charged. A person who violates this subsection is guilty
of a class B misdemeanor.
Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs
and property.
| A. | A deputy animal control officer may enter any place, building, or tenement where an exhibition of dog fighting is occurring, or where preparation are being made for such an exhibition, and without a warrant arrest all persons present. | ||
| B. | Not withstanding the provisions of the section "officers's authority to take possession of animals" any authorized officer who makes an arrest under Subsection A may lawfully take possession of all dogs, paraphernalia, implements, or other property or things used or employed, or to be employed, in an exhibition of dog fighting prohibited by Subsection "Cruelty to animals" A(6) or section Dog fighting". The officer, at the time of that taking, shall state his name and provide other identifying information to the person in charge of the dogs or property taken. | ||
| C. | After taking possession of dogs, paraphernalia, implements, or other property under Subsection B, the officer shall file an affidavit with the judge or magistrate before whom a complaint has been made against any person arrested under this section. That affidavit shall include | ||
| 1. | The name of the person charged in the complaint; | ||
| 2. | A description of all property taken; | ||
| 3. | The time and place of the taking; | ||
| 4. | The name of the person from whom the property was taken; | ||
| 5. | The name of the person who claims to own the property, of known | ||
| 6. | A statement that the officer has reason to believe and does believe that the property taken was used or employed, or was to be used or employed, in violation of section "Cruelty to animals" or "Dog fighting" and the grounds for such belief. | ||
| D. | The officer shall deliver the confiscated property to the judge or magistrate who shall, by order place the property in the custody of the officer or any other person designated in the order, and that person shall keep the property until conviction or final discharge of the person against who the complaint was made. The person so designated shall assume immediate custody of that property, and retain that property until further order of the court. Upon conviction of the person charged, all confiscated property shall be forfeited and destroyed or otherwise disposed of, as the may order. If the person charged is acquitted or discharged without conviction, the court shall, on demand, order the property to be returned to its owner. | ||
Officers Authority to take possession of animals--lien for care.
| A. | Any law enforcement officer may take possession of any animals being treated cruelly and, after reasonable efforts to notify the owner, may provide shelter and care for them or upon permission of the owner destroy them. |
| B. | Officers caring for animals pursuant to this section have a lien for the reasonable value of the care and/or destruction. Any court upon proof that the owner has been notified of the lien and amount due, at least five (5) days prior, shall order the animal sold at public auction or destroyed. | |
| C. | Any law enforcement officer may humanly destroy any animal found suffering past recovery for any useful purpose. Before destroying the animal, the officer shall obtain the judgement of a veterinarian, or of two reputable citizens called by him to view the animal in his presence, or shall obtain consent to the destruction from the owner of the animal. and its owner may be cited and/or charged for impound an sheltering fees. |
Sec. 5-22. Number
of animals
No person shall harbor or possess more than four (4) dogs
and four (4) cats, four (4) months of age or older without purchasing a kennel
license or a hobby breeder's license. Ownership of more than four (4) cats without
said licenses must be approved by the Animal Regulation Coordinator for a legitimate
business purpose.
Sec. 5-23. Kennel Regulations
Definitions:
Cages:
Individual, portable facilities for containing dogs.
Exercise
yard: An area enclosed by a fence of at least six (6) feet in height wherein
dogs are allowed to run and exercise. Every portion of an exercise yard fence
shall be separate and removed from any property boundary fence.
Fencing:
Unless otherwise authorized, shall mean a good grade commercial chain link, carried
on solid posts set in concrete, suggested minimum is 11 gauge wire, 2 inch steel
posts set on no greater than 10 foot spans.
Kennel:
Any lot, building structure, enclosure or premises whereupon or wherein five
(5)0 or more dogs over four (4) months of age are kept or maintained for any purpose.
Including boarding, breeding, buying, grooming, letting for hire, training for
fee, or selling.
Kennel building: a permanent
structure designed, intended, or used exclusively for the housing of dogs.
Kennel run (inside): The separated area inside a kennel
building used for the interior housing of dogs.
Kennel
run (outside): an area adjacent to a kennel building and enclosed by a
fence at least six (6) feet in height.
Requirements
All areas of kennel runs, yards, food storage, and auxiliary buildings shall be subject to inspection of authorized persons.
An emergency name, address, and phone number must be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property for use by authorized persons.
Sec. 5-24. General regulations
relating to animals.
Every person within Utah county who owns any
animal or who owns, conducts, manages, or operates any animal establishment for
which a license is required is also required by this ordinance:
| A. | Structural strength. Housing facilities for animals shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the entrance of other animals. | |
| B. | All animals shall be supplied with sufficient good and wholesome food and fresh water as often as the feeding habits of the respective animals require. | |
| C. | All animals and all animal buildings or enclosure shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. | |
| D. | All animals shall be so maintained so as to eliminate excessive odor and noise. | |
| E. | No
animal shall be without attention more than twenty- four (24) consecutive hours.
Whenever an animal is left unattended at a commercial animal facility the telephone
number of the department of animal control or the name, address and telephone
number of the responsible person shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the
front of the property. However, this provision shall not apply to livestock. Livestock
shall be attended at reasonable intervals. | |
| F. | Animals shall be treated humanly and no conditions shall be maintained or permitted that is or could be injurious to the animal. | |
| G. | Animal buildings and enclosures shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent escape of the animal. all reasonable precautions shall be taken to protect the public from the animal and the animal from the public. | |
| H. | Every building or enclosure wherein animals are maintained shall be constructed of a material easily cleaned and shall be kept in a sanitary condition. The building shall be properly ventilated to prevent drafts and to remove odors. Heating, cooling, and shelter shall be provided as required according to the physical need of the animal, with sufficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation. | |
| I. | Medical treatment shall be provided as necessary in order to maintain the health of the animals. | |
| J. | All animal rooms, cages, kennels, and runs shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate and proper accommodations for the animals kept therein. | |
| K. | Owners shall not allow animals which are natural enemies, temperamentally unsuited, or otherwise incompatible, to be quartered together or so near each other as to cause injury, fear, or torment. | |
| L. | All wild animals permitted pursuant to this section shall be maintained in buildings, enclosed yards, or cages as specified by the coordinator and such shall be kept at distances from adjacent buildings as specified in the Utah county zoning ordinances and the Utah County health ordinances. |
Representatives of Utah county Sheriffs Department or other duly designated representatives of the county may enter any premises where animals are maintained for investigation or inspection as to whether or not any portion of such premises, building, structure, enclosure, pen, or cage is being used, kept, or maintained in violation of this or any other county ordinance. This section does not permit any person to enter a private dwelling except where necessary to rescue an animal.
Sec.
5-25. Hobby Breeders
Where permitted by the Department of animal
regulation and Utah County planning department. Breeders of dogs may obtain a
permit to keep up to eight (8) dogs in a residential area provided:
| A. | Such dogs are individually licensed; | ||
| B. | Proof of rabies certificate required to receive a license. | ||
| C. | Such dogs are registered with a national registry (AKC, UKC, ETC); | ||
| D. | Approval is granted by the appropriate authority, zoning, county health department, and division of animal regulation; | ||
| E. | Adequate runs (not necessarily concrete) as follows: | ||
| 1. | Mature small dogs (up to fifteen (15) inch shoulder height) minimum four (4) foot high fencing. | ||
| 2. | Mature large dogs (fifteen (15) inch shoulder height and over) minimum six (6) foot high fencing. | ||
| F. | The holder of a permit issued under this section may keep one (1) litter intact until the dogs reach six (6) months of age; on e animal from the litter may be retained until it reaches twelve (12) months of age. At no time may the holder of the permit retain more than nine (9) dogs over six (6) months of age nor more than eight (8) dogs over one (1) year of age. | ||
| G. | Other provisions of this ordinance are complied with and no dog or premises is deemed a nuisance. | ||
Renewal and fee for license
Hobby breeders shall pay an annual license fee as established by the
County Commission, renewable each year after inspection by the coordinator of
licensing. Said license will expire December 31st of each year.
The licensee shall notify the Coordinator of Licensing within thirty (30) days of any change in this establishment or operation which may effect the status of his license. In the event of a change in ownership of the establishment, the licensee shall notify the Coordinator of licensing immediately. Licenses shall not be transferable.
Standards and procedure for inspection
The yearly inspection for a license shall be based upon the following requirements:
| A. | To provide a type of structure, building, pen, or cages to protect the animal from weather. | |
| B. | Food, water, and sanitation facilities provided for animals. | |
| C. | Measures taken related to health of animals, control of noise and odors. |
Suspension or revocation of a license
The
suspension or revocation of a license shall be determined because of violation
of rules or regulations on the following grounds:
| A. | Falsification of facts in license application or purebred registration. | |
| B. | Violation of any established ordinances or regulations relating to noise, odor, building, or zoning ordinances. | |
| C. | Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals. | |
| D. | Inspector shall inform licensee of such violations by written notice. | |
| E. | Establish specific and reasonable period of time for the correction of such violations(s) found. | |
| F. | An
opportunity for appeal from any notice or inspection findings will be provided
if a written request for a hearing is filed with the department within two (2)
weeks of notice. Sec. 5-26. Loss of privilege to maintain dog in county |
If the owner or custodian of any dog is convicted of any violation of this chapter on three (3) or more different occasions during any twelve (12) month period the county may issue an order denying the right of the owner or custodian to maintain a dog in the county for a period of two (2) years. Prior to final denial of such privilege written notice shall be sent to the owner's or custodian's last known address informing the owner or custodian of the county's intent to deny his privilege of maintaining a dog in the county.
Sec. 5-27. Injuries
and communicable diseases.
No person shall knowingly harbor or keep
any dog or other animal with a serious injury or afflicted with mange, ringworm,
distemper or any other contagious disease, unless such a dog or other animal is,
in the opinion of the department or the county veterinarian, being given adequate
treatment for such disease. The department or the county veterinarian may take
immediate possession of any such animal not being so treated or which is not responding
to such treatment, and immediately dispose of the animal unless the owner shall
forthwith place such animal under the control and treatment of a licensed veterinarian.
(Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
ARTICLE III. IMPOUNDMENT
Sec.
5-29. Authorized.
The department, peace officers, and persons
employed for animal regulation purposes by the county shall attempt to capture
any animal found at large in violation of this chapter and may destroy an animal
at large if, in their judgment, such action is required for public health and
safety. (R.O. 1956, Sections 4-6- 11, 6-6-2; Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-17-81)
Sec. 5-30. Animals to be impounded.
The following animals
may be taken into custody by an animal regulation deputy and impounded without
the filing of a complaint:
| A. | Any vicious animal not properly confined as required by this chapter. | |
| B. | Any animal running at large. | |
| C. | Any unlicensed animal which is required by this chapter to be licensed. Any animal not wearing a tag shall be presumed to be unlicensed for purposes of this section, except those dogs specifically exempted. | |
| D. | Sick or injured animals whose owner cannot be located. | |
| E. | Any abandoned animal. | |
| F. | Animals which are not wearing a rabies vaccination tag in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. | |
| G. | Any animal to be held for quarantine. | |
| H. | Any animal being kept or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter. |
Sec.
5-31. Capture by individuals.
Any person who finds an animal at large
may take it into his possession and must within twenty-four (24) hours thereafter
notify the department and surrender the animal to the department upon demand.
No such action shall result in a charge against the county. The finder of an animal
at large shall use reasonable care to preserve it from injury; however, he shall
not be held liable if the animal dies, escapes, or injures itself while he is
carrying out the provisions of this section except as occasioned by his own negligence.
(Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-32. Information
upon relinquishment.
Any person who relinquishes an animal
to the department shall give his name, address, and, if he is not the owner, the
location where he found the animal. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Sec.
5-33. Notice to owner.
Upon receipt of a lost or stray animal
bearing a current year's license tag, the department shall immediately telephone
or mail to the owner of record at the address indicated on the license form, a
notice of the location of the animal. Compliance with notice requirements of the
section shall be deemed as met if the department shall have mailed the notice
to the owner of record at his address of record, postage prepaid. (Ord. No. 1981-39,
19-7- 81)
Sec. 5-34. Redemption by owner.
The owner of an impounded animal may claim it prior to its legal disposition by
providing proper identification, meeting all the legal requirement, board, medial
care, vaccination, and/or other costs. (R.O. 1956, Sec. 4-6-13; Ord. No. 1981-39,
10-7-81)
Sec. 5-35. Holding period.
The
department shall hold an impounded lost or stray dog or cat for not less than
three (3) working days if it was not wearing a current year's license tag when
impounded and for not less than five (5) working days after notice is given pursuant
to this chapter if it was wearing a current year's license tag, so that the owner
or custodian may claim it prior to other disposition. (R.O. 1956, Section 4-6-14(a);
Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-36. Disposal of
unredeemed animals.
The department may dispose of humanely, or may
transfer to a new owner upon payment of the applicable fee, any impounded animal
not claimed by its owner or custodian within the prescribed holding time. Animals
relinquished by their owners may be humanely destroyed without regard to the prescribed
holding time in order to alleviate suffering or to protect other impounded animals
from exposure to a contagious disease. (R.O. 1956, Sec. 4-6-14(b); Ord. No. 1981-39,
10-7-81)
Sec. 5-37. Destruction of animals.
When, in the judgment of the Animal Regulation Coordinator, it is determined
that an impounded animal should be destroyed for humane reasons, disease control
or to protect the public or animal regulation personnel from imminent danger to
persons or property, such animal may be destroyed without regard to any time limitations
otherwise established herein, and without court order.
Sec. 5-38. Redemption of unvaccinated animal.
| A. | All unvaccinated animals at the county animal shelter may be vaccinated before being released. The person taking custody of the animal shall pay for the cost of the vaccination before the animal is released. | |
| B. | If veterinarian is not available then the owner of any impounded animal which has not been vaccinated as required by this chapter upon satisfactory proof of ownership may redeem his animal by making a deposit of $10.00 with the coordinator and be allowed ten days to get such animal vaccinated. If owner fails to procure vaccination certificate within such 10 days, the deposit shall be forfeited and the animal shall be impounded. Upon presentation within such period of time of a certificate of vaccination issued under this chapter, the deposit shall be refunded. |
Sec.
5-39. Vaccination
Any animal impounded at the county animal shelter
may be vaccinated for disease control.
Sec. 5-40.
Establishment of animal disposal facilities.
The department shall
establish at the county animal shelter a humane procedure for euthanasia of animals.
The department may, at its option, upon payment of applicable fees, accept animals
for humane disposal. The owner or possessor of such animals shall first complete
appropriate forms setting forth the facts constituting such ownership and/or possession,
certifying that he has the right to request disposal of such animals and agree
to hold the county, its against and employees harmless from any liability for
its acceptance and disposal of such animals. The owner or person requesting the
disposal of any animal shall certify in writing that, to the best of his knowledge,
the animal has not bitten a human being or animal within the period established
by this chapter for isolation of biting animals and suspected rabid animals. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the department, the health officer, or the county veterinarian
may authorize, with permission of the owner if known, the euthanasia of a biting
animal for the purpose of laboratory examination. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
ARTICLE IV: LICENSING AND REGISTRATION
Sec. 5-41. Licenses generally.
| a. | Required. All dog owners, except tourists or visitors who stay less than one month in an area coming within the jurisdiction of this chapter shall apply for an obtain a separate dog license for each dog they won, possess, keep, or harbor, after it is four (4) months old. Each license shall be issued by Utah county, by duly authorized veterinarians, or by municipalities under contract with Utah County. All dog owners must possess such license at the time the dog is four (4) months old or one month after obtaining or bringing into an area coming within the jurisdiction of this chapter any dog over four (4) months of age. Dog owners shall renew the dog license before it becomes delinquent for as long as they own, possess, keep, or harbor, or otherwise have custody of the dog. If renewal is not required, dog owners shall within two (2) months after the expiration date advise the department of the reason therefor. Licenses not purchased or renewed within fifteen (15) days after expiration, of the date on which they become due, shall be considered delinquent and a late fee as determined by the board of commissioners shall be added to the cost of the new license. | ||
| b. | Presumption that license required. Any dog is legally impounded according to the provisions of this chapter shall be presumed to be a dog which, prior to impounding, required a license, regardless of such dog's actual age or owner's place of residence. | ||
| c. | Issuance. Upon presentation by the dog owner of a properly completed license application form including proof that the rabies vaccination will be valid throughout the license period, the proper license fee, and if applicable, a late or delinquent fee, the county shall issue a validated dog license. The dog owner shall retain the dog license for inspection by any person charged with the enforcement of this chapter. | ||
| d. | Validity; rabies vaccination prerequisite to issuance. Licenses shall be valid from the date issued until the expiration date. No dog shall be licensed without proof of approved rabies vaccination. No license may expire later than the expiration date of the rabies vaccination. An owner may purchase a license for twenty four (24) months depending upon the date and kind of vaccine used upon payment of the fee established by the board of commissioners. In the event the owner demonstrates proof of an unexpired rabies vaccination, the license fee shall be appropriately prorated. | ||
| e. | Lost or damaged tags to be worn; exception. Whenever a license tag is lost or damaged, the owner shall apply for and secure a replacement from the county upon payment of the prescribed fee. Each dog required to be licensed shall wear at all times the current license tag assigned to the dog; except: | ||
| 1. | when the dog is participating in any dog exhibition, field trial, or competition; or | ||
| 2. | When the dog is confined in a licensed kennel or veterinary hospital, in which case the license tag number shall be recorded and placed nearby so that it is readily identifiable with the dog with which it belongs; or if not licensed, that fact shall be clearly indicated on the facility's records. a license tag shall not be removed from any dog without the consent of the owner thereof. | ||
| f. | Duty of person issuing license. Each duly authorized person issuing a dog license for any dog shall complete the license in triplicate. He shall keep one copy, and shall give one copy to the owner of the licensed dog, which the owner shall retain in his possession. He shall file the other copy with the county on a monthly basis. | ||
| g. | Transfer license. | ||
| 1. | Owners of dogs having a current license issued by another dog licensing agency may upon proof of license issued by said agency by issued a county dog license upon payment of the applicable transfer fee. The rabies vaccination for any such dog must be valid for the duration of the license issued. | ||
| 2. | Whenever the ownership of a licensed dog changes, the new owner shall apply for and obtain a transfer license and pay the applicable fee. | ||
| 3. | The address of the owner is presumed to be the address where the dog is kept. Any change of address must be reported to the county within one month following such change. | ||
| 4. | Dog
owners or the parent or guardian of minor children who sell or otherwise transfer
the ownership or custody of a dog shall within one month thereafter inform the
department of the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner and the
name and description of the dog. If the ownership or custody of a vicious dog
is transferred, the owner or the custody of a vicious dog is transferred, the
owner or the parent or guardian of minor children shall, in addition, advise the
new owner in writing of the details of the dog's record and provide the department
with a copy thereof containing an acknowledgment by the new owner of his receipt
of the original. (Ord. No. 1968-4, Sec. 1, 9-4-68) | ||
Sec.
5-42. Exceptions.
The provisions of this article shall not
apply to the following:
| a. | Transient, show dogs. Dogs whose owners are nonresidents temporarily within the county for thirty (30) days or less, or dogs brought into the county for purpose of participating in any dog show. | |
| b. | Dog maintained in a licensed kennel. Any dog which has not reached the age of four (4) months or any dog kept or maintained exclusively in a licensed kennel shall not be registered an no fee is required. | |
| c. | Seeing eye, hearing and law enforcement dogs. Any dog which has been duly or properly trained to assist the blind, deaf, or law enforcement personnel and is currently acting in that capacity. | |
| d. | Dogs maintained by impecunious person. If any person shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the department that such person, by reason of unavoidable poverty, merits exemption from the payment of any fees or charges by this article, the dog shall be registered buy the department shall waive the payment of any such fees or charges. (R.O. 1956, Sec. 4-6-7; Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81) | |
| e. | Police Service Dogs. |
Sec. 5-43. Vaccination- Dogs.
| a. | Vaccination required. Dog owners shall obtain a rabies vaccination for each dog they own, keep, harbor, or have custody of, within one month after it becomes four (4) months of age, or within one month after obtaining any dog over four (4) months of age. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to own, keep, harbor, or possess or to have in his or her care, charge, or custody, any dog four (4) months of age or over unless such dog has a current and valid rabies vaccination administered by any duly qualified and licensed veterinarian, with a rabies vaccine approved by the state department of health for use in dogs. Such vaccination shall be repeated at intervals specified by the state department of health in order to maintain adequate immunity. | |
| b. | Exemption from rabies vaccination during illness. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a dog need not be vaccinated for rabies during an illness if a licensed veterinarian has examined the dog and certified in writing that such vaccination should be postponed because of a specified illness. Old age, debility and pregnancy are not considered contraindications to rabies vaccination. Exemption certificates are subject to approval by the department and shall be valid only for the duration of the illness. Exemption from vaccination does not exempt a dog from the licensing requirement. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81) |
Sec.
5-44. Same-Cats.
Cat owners shall obtain a rabies vaccination for
each cat they own, keep, harbor, or have custody of, within one month after it
becomes four (4) months of age, or within one month after obtaining any cat over
four (4) months of age. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to own,
keep, harbor, or possess or to have in his or her care, charge, or custody, any
cat four (4) months of age or over unless such cat has a current and valid rabies
vaccination administered by any duly qualified and licensed veterinarian, with
a rabies vaccine approved by the state department of health for use in cats. Such
vaccination shall be repeated at intervals specified by the state department of
health in order to maintain adequate immunity. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-45. Voluntary registration of cats.
The owner of any cat may, upon submission of proof of rabies vaccination,
certified to by a licensed veterinarian, and upon payment of the fee established
by resolution of the board of commissioners, be issued a license certificate and
tag. No person shall remove a registration tag from a cat without the consent
of the owner thereof. Licensing shall be valid for the period of rabies vaccination.
The obtaining of such a license shall be optional on the part of the owner. (Ord.
No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
ARTICLE V. RABIES CONTROL
Sec.
5-46. Report of bites.
All persons bitten and the parents
or guardians of minor children bitten by a dog, cat, skunk, fox, bat, coyote,
bobcat, or other animal known to constitute a serious threat of rabies shall notify
the department or county health department immediately thereafter. Physicians
treating such bites and other persons having the knowledge of such bites shall
also be required to make such notification. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-47. Report of suspected rabid animals.
Any
person who observes or has knowledge of an animal which shows symptoms of rabies
or which acts in a manner which would lead to a reasonable suspicion that it may
have rabies shall notify the department or county health department and comply
with appropriate laws and regulations regarding suspected cases of rabies as directed
by the department or city-county health department. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-71)
Sec. 5-48. Quarantined for ten (10) day of biting or suspected
rabid animals.
Upon the reasonable order of the department
or public health officer, a biting or suspected rabid animal shall be at the owner's
expense if owned, in strict confinement under proper care and under the observation
of a licensed veterinarian in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other
adequate facility in a manner approved by the department or county health department.
(Ord. No. 1981-39 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-49. Examination
of head.
Any biting or suspected rabid animal or bat may be
humanely euthanized immediately by the department or the health department, and
such animal's undamaged and properly packaged and properly refrigerated head shall
be delivered promptly to an approved medical facility having the capability of
performing the florescent antibody test to demonstrate the presence of rabies.
(Ord. No. 1981-39. 10-7-81)
Sec. 5-50. Domesticated
animals.
The provisions of section 4-48 notwithstanding, if
the biting or suspected rabid animal is of the domesticated variety that is owned
or obviously could have an owner, said animal shall be confined for a period of
ten (10) days to allow time for an attempt to locate an owner unless county veterinarian
or other licensed veterinarian shall reasonably deem it necessary to sacrifice
the animal for the purpose of laboratory examination. (Ord. No. 1981-39, 10-7-81)
Part 3:This ordinance shall take effect either: (1)
sixteen days after it is passed if it has been published in the interim; or (2)
after it has been published, if the date of publication is more than sixteen days
after its passage; whichever date is later.
APPROVED by the Board of County Commissions of Utah County on the 10th day of July, 1989.