§ 14-2. Animal shelters; permits.

(a)

No person, partnership, or corporation residing in the city for more than 30 days shall operate a commercial animal establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with the city licensing authority.

(b)

The licensing authority may promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits which may include requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable laws. The licensing authority may amend such regulations from time to time as deemed desirable for public health and welfare and for the protection of animals.

(c)

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to keep or harbor within the city more than three domestic animals over six months old at a single residence. This limitation shall not apply to any person, group of persons or corporation engaged in the commercial business of breeding, buying, selling or boarding dogs, or operating a veterinary hospital or a chartered animal shelter. This limitation shall not apply to any person or persons within the city limits who, on the date of enactment of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived (April 21, 1992), own more than the permitted number of dogs or cats. However, this shall not be construed to allow such person or persons to replace dogs or cats upon the dog's or cat's death or loss with a like number of dogs or cats in excess of the number permitted herein.

(Code 1978, § 614.03; Ord. No. 4496-4-92, 4-21-1992)