Chapter 6.07
ACCOMMODATION OF LARGE NUMBERS OF ANIMALS
Sections:
6.07.010 Definition of kennel.
6.07.020 Kennels – General standards.
6.07.030 Kennels – Indoor facilities – Specific conditions.
6.07.040 Kennels – Outdoor facilities – Specific conditions.
6.07.050 Inspection authority.
6.07.060 Registration of kennels.
6.07.070 Preexisting kennels – Continue to operate.
6.07.010 Definition of kennel.
“Kennel” means (1) any premises used to conduct a business relating to the breeding, buying, selling or letting of dogs and/or cats for hire, boarding or training; or (2) any premises at which 10 or more adult dogs and/or cats are kept for any purpose, including animal shelter, but excluding animal hospitals where animals are kept for treatment by licensed veterinarians; provided the veterinarian does not solicit for boarding or animal shelter. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.020 Kennels – General standards.
Every kennel located within the city limits of Longview shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Animal housing facilities shall be provided for the animals. Such facilities shall be structurally sound, in good repair, and designed so as to protect the animals from injury and to restrict the entrance of other animals.
(2) Each animal shall be provided with adequate floor space to allow such animal to turn about freely and to stand, sit and lie in a comfortable position.
(3) Any electrical power shall be supplied in conformance with the applicable electrical codes and shall be adequate to supply heating and lighting as may be required by this chapter.
(4) Water shall be supplied at sufficient pressure and quantity to clean indoor housing facilities and enclosures of debris and excreta.
(5) Suitable food and bedding shall be provided and stored in facilities adequate to provide protection against infestation or contamination by insects or rodents. Refrigeration shall be provided for the protection of perishable foods.
(6) Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals and debris. Disposal facilities shall be so provided and operated as to minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease hazards.
(7) Animals which are caged, closely confined or restrained shall be permitted daily exercise for an appropriate length of time, as determined by their size, age and species in an area suitable for that purpose. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.030 Kennels – Indoor facilities – Specific conditions.
In addition to the requirements of LMC 6.07.020, the following additional requirements for indoor kennels are imposed:
(1) Indoor kennels shall be sufficiently heated or cooled when necessary to protect the animals from temperatures to which they are not accustomed, taking into consideration their age, size and species.
(2) Indoor kennels shall be adequately ventilated to provide for the health of the animals and to remove foul odors.
(3) Indoor kennels shall have ample light, of good quality and well distributed to provide for such illumination as is necessary to inspect and clean the kennel. Indoor kennels shall be placed so as to protect animals from excessive illumination. Sufficient lighting shall be additionally supplied in the area of sinks and toilets to provide for the hygiene of animal caretakers.
(4) Indoor kennels shall have interior walls and floor surfaces constructed of materials which are resistant to the absorption of moisture and odors, or that are treated with sealant or with paint. Floor surfaces shall not be made of unsealed wood. Interior walls shall be constructed so that the interface with floor surfaces is sealed from the flow or accumulation of moisture or debris.
(5) Indoor kennels shall contain a suitable system of drainage to facilitate the rapid elimination of excess water under any weather or temperature condition. Such system shall be connected to a sanitary sewer or septic tank system which shall conform with standards of state health codes and city building codes. If drains are used, they shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(6) Indoor kennels shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, with the use of a safe and effective disinfectant in cleaning.
(7) Indoor kennels shall provide adequate soundproofing to reduce noise. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.040 Kennels – Outdoor facilities – Specific conditions.
In addition to the requirements of LMC 6.07.020, the following conditions for outdoor kennels are imposed:
(1) Outdoor kennels shall be constructed to provide shelter from excessive sunlight, rain, snow, wind, heat, cold or other elements.
(2) Outdoor kennels shall be constructed to provide sufficient space for the proper exercise and movement of each animal contained therein.
(3) Outdoor kennels shall be constructed to provide a suitable system of drainage and prevent an accumulation of water, mud, debris, excreta or other material.
(4) Outdoor kennels shall be enclosed by walls, fences, and/or vegetative screen sufficient to reduce noise and visual impacts of the kennel operation, to keep animals within, and prevent entrance of other animals.
(5) Outdoor kennels shall be designed and located to avoid any portion of the kennel facility, including runs, being closer than 30 feet from a property boundary line of an adjacent property.
(6) Outdoor kennels shall be adequately ventilated and otherwise maintained to remove foul odors.
(7) Outdoor kennels shall not be located on, and are expressly prohibited on, residential lots of lot sizes less than 5,001 square feet. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.050 Inspection authority.
The animal control authority, as defined in LMC 6.06.010(5), shall have the authority to enter and inspect the premises of a kennel registered pursuant to this chapter at reasonable times to determine whether such facility is being operated in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.060 Registration of kennels.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to own or operate a kennel without first obtaining a registration certificate under this section and complying with the requirements of this section.
(2) Any person applying for a kennel registration certificate shall submit to the animal control authority the following information:
(a) Name, address and phone number of the owner and the person having primary supervision of the kennel.
(b) Address or location and phone number of the kennel.
(c) Maximum number of animals which the kennel will contain at any single time.
(d) An approved plan for storing and disposing of food and animal wastes, bedding, dead animals and debris.
(e) A statement giving permission for the inspection of such facility at any reasonable time.
(3) The annual fee for issuance of a registration certificate shall be $50.00 per year, with a late registration penalty of $50.00.
(4) Upon application for a kennel registration certificate, the animal control authority shall inspect the proposed kennel to see if the kennel will comply with the requirements of this chapter. If it is found that it does not so comply, the registration certificate shall not be issued, and the applicant shall be advised in writing as to why the application is denied. If the proposed kennel meets the requirements of this chapter, the animal control authority shall issue a registration certificate.
(5) Registration certificates are nontransferable.
(6) Each registration certificate shall expire one year from the date of issuance. Registration certificate renewals shall be processed in the same manner as the original application.
(7) Registration for any kennel may be revoked, denied or not renewed for failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, or for failure to afford the animal control authority permission to enter the property on which said kennel is located at a reasonable time in order to conduct an inspection. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.070 Preexisting kennels – Continue to operate.
(1) Any kennel in operation as of the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed to be preexisting and shall be licensed; provided, that the kennel was operational on the effective date of this chapter and the kennel is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) All such preexisting kennels shall be licensed within one year following the effective date of this chapter, or such preexisting status shall expire and subsequent licensing approvals shall be subject to the provisions of LMC 6.07.060.
(3) Any additions to preexisting kennel structures or other modifications to any kennel shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).
6.07.080 Violations.
A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. 3216 § 5, 2012).