Chapter 7.02
KENNELS
Sections:
7.02.030 General requirements.
7.02.040 Environmental requirements.
7.02.050 Operational requirements.
7.02.080 Monitoring and enforcement.
7.02.010 Definitions.
This chapter incorporates by reference the kennel definitions found in SCC 14.04.020. (Ord. O20080004 (part))
7.02.030 General requirements.
(1) All kennel operators must meet the requirements of this Chapter.
(2) All owners of land upon which a kennel is sited must have valid land use approval under SCC Chapter 14.16. (Ord. O20080004 (part))
7.02.040 Environmental requirements.
(1) A kennel shall be maintained in the following manner so as to protect human health and to ensure safe and humane treatment of the animals. A kennel must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) A suitable system of drainage shall be provided in holding areas to prevent accumulation of water, mud, debris, or excrement;
(b) Enclosure floors shall not be constructed with wire or other materials that may damage or irritate animals’ feet;
(c) Enclosures shall meet USDA size requirements (Code of Federal Regulations Title 9, Section 3.6) for day-use and boarding kennels. Enclosures for limited kennels shall meet three times the USDA size requirements (Code of Federal Regulations Title 9, Section 3.6);
(d) Run surfaces shall be constructed of cement, gravel, or shavings;
(e) Sanitary, sheltered sleeping areas shall be provided for all animals;
(f) Exercise areas appropriate to animals’ size, breed, characteristics, and normal climate shall be provided.
(2) A kennel must have a waste disposal program approved by the Skagit County Health Department. (Ord. O20080004 (part))
7.02.050 Operational requirements.
A kennel shall be maintained in the following manner so as to protect human health and to ensure safe and humane treatment of the animals. A kennel must meet all of the following requirements:
(1) All enclosures shall be clean and free of excrement build-up;
(2) A supply of clean drinking water shall be available to the animals 24 hours a day;
(3) Ventilation shall be adequate to provide for the health of the animals and to ensure the removal of foul and obnoxious odors;
(4) Sufficient shelter, lighting, and temperature controls shall be provided to protect the animals from conditions to which they are not normally acclimatized;
(5) Animals kept overnight shall be clean and provided with necessary food;
(6) Medical attention shall be provided to animals whenever necessary. (Ord. O20080004 (part))
7.02.080 Monitoring and enforcement.
(1) The Skagit County Animal Control Officer shall make unscheduled visits in response to complaints to inspect a kennel for conformity with the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) Upon a finding by the Animal Control Officer of noncompliance with the provisions of this Chapter, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Department shall send a letter to the owner of the noncomplying kennel informing him or her of its findings.
(a) In the case of environmental noncompliance, the owner of the kennel shall then have 90 days to comply with these provisions. Continuing noncompliance after 90 days shall constitute a failure to comply with a mandatory provision of a Skagit County ordinance, punishable under SCC 1.24.010.
(b) In the case of operational noncompliance, the owner of the kennel shall have 30 days to comply with these provisions. Continuing noncompliance after 30 days, or receipt of two operational noncompliance letters within 180 days, shall constitute a failure to comply with a mandatory provision of a Skagit County ordinance, punishable under SCC 1.24.010.
(3) All penalties required to be paid by owners for violations of the provisions of this Chapter shall be made to the Animal Control Authority. (Ord. O20080004 (part))