ORDINANCE - Revision of Chapter 4 Animal Services Ordinance 9-18-17

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Chapter 4 Lee County Code Animals Sec. 4-41. Animals running at large. (a} It shall be unlawful for: (1} an animal to be "at large" as defined in this Chapter. (2) a dog to be in a park other than a designated dog park, school, building or other area to which the public has access unless the dog is, at all times, on a leash. (3) a female dog or cat to be at large during its estrus period. During this period, the owner must restrain the animal in a manner that will prevent it from coming in contact with a male of its species. This sub -section shall not be construed to prohibit the intentional breeding of animals on the premises of the owner of the animal. (b) Exceptions. (1) An animal which is not dangerous may be at large in the course of a show, obedience school, tracking tests, field training or other events sanctioned or supervised by a recognized organization. Hunting dogs may be at large in the course of hunting, provided they are under the control of the owner. (2) This exception does not exempt an owner from otherwise complying with any other provision of this Chapter. (c) Animal Services shall impound at the county animal shelter any animal found to be at large in violation of this section. (d) A dog or cat impounded for running at large may be reclaimed by its owner only upon the owner's agreement to have the animal micro - chipped at the owner's expense within thirty days of the date the animal is reclaimed. Proof of microchipping the animal impounded must be provided to Animal Services within 72 hours after the thirty day period has expired. (e) Animal shall be vaccinated by the animal shelter when reclaimed at the owner's expense or written proof of rabies vaccination must be provided within 72 hours of reclamation. If owner decides to have the animal vaccinated at their chosen veterinarian, written proof must be provided to animal services within 72 hours of reclamation. (f) A dog or cat impounded for running at large for a second or subsequent time may be reclaimed by its owner only upon the owner's agreement to have the animal altered at the owner's expense within thirty days of the date the animal is reclaimed. Notwithstanding this requirement, a dog or cat impounded for running at large a second or subsequent time will not be required to be altered provided the owner has notified the animal shelter of the missing animal within three (3) business days of impoundment. (g) Disposition of an impounded animal shall be as provided in Section Lj