Chapter 6.10
LIVESTOCK, FOWL AND CHICKENS
Sections:
6.10.020 Keeping of livestock in town.
6.10.030 Keeping of chickens in town.
6.10.040 Chickens – Enclosures and structures.
6.10.060 Livestock, fowl or chickens at large.
6.10.070 Youth development or animal husbandry programs.
6.10.080 Livestock on private or town property.
Prior legislation: Ords. 151 and 401.
6.10.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“At large” means to be off the premises of the owner and not under control of either the owner or a person authorized by the owner.
“Chicken” means the common domestic fowl (Gallus gallus).
“Fowl” means domesticated birds such as turkeys, ducks, geese, swans, quail, pheasants, peacocks, pigeons and any other bird similar in nature and size.
“Livestock” means domesticated animals such as horses, mules, donkeys, ponies, oxen, cattle, llamas, goats, sheep, swine and any other animal similar in nature and size.
“Owner” means any person possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or any person having control or custody of an animal. In a household setting, the owner is presumed to be the head of the household.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity. [Ord. 415 § 1, 2002.]
6.10.020 Keeping of livestock in town.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any livestock or fowl, as defined herein, within the corporate limits of the town of Yacolt unless previous permission has been granted by the town of Yacolt. [Ord. 415 § 2, 2002.]
6.10.030 Keeping of chickens in town.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain chickens within the town without first securing written permission from the town council of the town of Yacolt, Washington. No more than eight chickens will be allowed per household. Any person in violation of this section shall be notified in writing. If conformity to this section is not reached within 30 days of receipt of the written notification, a civil penalty will be assessed. [Ord. 415 § 3, 2002.]
6.10.040 Chickens – Enclosures and structures.
Chickens shall be kept within an enclosure or structure adequately built and maintained to prevent escape. Chickens shall be reasonably sheltered. Enclosures and structures, which provide confinement and feeding areas for such animals, shall be located not less than 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling and must meet applicable zoning requirements. [Ord. 415 § 4, 2002.]
6.10.050 Nuisance.
Should two adjoining neighbors find said keeping of chickens a nuisance, and each provide a written complaint, the town of Yacolt shall have the authority to recall its permission for the keeping of said chickens. The town council reserves the right to rescind its permission for the keeping or maintaining of chickens by written notice to the owner or custodian of the chickens for violation of the terms of any part of this chapter. [Ord. 415 § 5, 2002.]
6.10.060 Livestock, fowl or chickens at large.
It is unlawful for any person being the owner or custodian of any livestock, fowl or chickens to permit such livestock, fowl or chickens to be at large upon any public street, highway, or public place, or upon the private property of another within the town. [Ord. 415 § 6, 2002.]
6.10.070 Youth development or animal husbandry programs.
Participants in a recognized youth development or animal husbandry program such as FFA or 4H may make written request to the town council for the keeping of fowl for a specified time. [Ord. 415 § 7, 2002.]
6.10.080 Livestock on private or town property.
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit or allow the leading or riding of any livestock on private property or town property such as parks, parkways, sidewalks or using any part thereof for a bridle path. It shall, however, be lawful for any person to permit or allow the leading or riding of any livestock on private property or town property for special events such as parades with prior written permission from the mayor of the town of Yacolt, Washington. [Ord. 415 § 8, 2002.]
6.10.090 Violation – Penalty.
Any person in violation of the terms of any part of this chapter shall be assessed a civil penalty of not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00 plus legal fees. [Ord. 415 § 9, 2002.]