Ordinance No. 141 Domestic Fowl and Pigeons

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An area outside of the bird structure must be designated and reserved for the birds to exercise and forage outside of the bird structure. The designated area must provide a minimum of 11 square feet per bird. 6. All grains and food stored for the use of the domestic fowl on a licensed premises shall be kept in a rodent proof container. 7. All premises on which domestic fowl are kept or maintained shall be kept reasonably clean from filth, garbage, and any substances which attract rodents. The bird structure and its surroundings must be cleaned daily. Section 4. Animal Licensing and Identification. Domestic Fowl / Pigeon Keeping License. No person shall own, keep or harbor domestic fowl / pigeon within the City of Gem Lake without first obtaining a license. Applicant shall complete an application form provided by the City. The application shall include, but not be limited to the following information: 1. A site plan showing the location and size of the premises, and the location size and type of all structures for housing the birds, and demonstration that said structures will comply with City zoning requirements; 2. A statement of the maximum number of domestic fowl / pigeon to be kept on the premises at one time, by type; and; 3. An agreement by the applicant that the premises may be inspected by the City at all reasonable times so as to assure compliance with the conditions outlined in Section 3.7 and 3.8. 4. Only one license may be issued per property. 2. Duration of License; Fee. Each license issued hereunder shall expire one (1) year after issuance unless sooner revoked. A license must be renewed annually to continue the keeping of domestic fowl. The City Council shall set the annual fee for a license by Ordinance with other City fees. Fees shall be paid at the time of the making of the application for license renewal. Number of Animals. The number of domestic fowl permitted to be kept under an approved license is calculated by dividing the area of floor space in approved structures by five (5) (minimum space per bird). Exceeding the number of birds allowed by the permit may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the permit, and denial of subsequent applications for renewal. In addition to any action taken against a license, the person responsible for keeping birds in excess of the maximum stated may be referred for prosecution under State laws prohibiting animal cruelty. Denial or Revocation. The domestic fowl keeping license may be revoked, or renewal denied, if the license fails to comply with any of the conditions outlined in Section 3. Section 5. Enforcement, Records and Penalties. 1. Enforcement. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be enforced by the Animal Control Officer and other such persons or agencies as may, from time to time, be appointed by the City Council. 2. Records. The City shall maintain accurate records of all licenses, impoundments, quarantines, disposition of animals taken into custody, reports of all animal attacks or bites, and fees and fines related thereto and to make such records available as public documents within reasonable times. 3. Penalties. Any owner, harborer, or other person, or the parents of any person under eighteen (18) years of age violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished to the maximum extent allowed by law. 4. Other Associated Costs. Any owner, harborer, or other person, or the parents of any person under eighteen (18) years of age violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with enforcement of this Ordinance including, but not limited to, impound fees, boarding, notification of owners, and disposal. Section 6. Exemptions to this Ordinance. Hospitals, clinics, and other premises operated by licensed veterinarians for the care and treatment of animals are exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance except where such duties are expressly stated and where such facility meets the applicable zoning code. Ordinance No. 141 Domestic Fowl and Pigeons Page 4 of 5