HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Amending Chapter 3 of Municipal Code, Animal Ordinance ORDINANCE NO. 3030
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE
CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY REPEALING CHAPTER 3 AND
ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 3 ON REGULATING ANIMALS,
DANGEROUS ANIMALS, WILD ANIMALS AND TRAPPING;
ESTABLISHING A PENALTY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa:
Section One. The Municipal Code for the City of Ames, Iowa shall be
and is hereby amended by repealing Chapter 3 and enacting a new
Chapter 3 as follows:
"CHAPTER 3
ANIMALS
DIVISION I
Sec. 3.101. PURPOSE.
The purpose of the sections in Division I,of this chapter is to
establish regulations regarding the treatment and control of
animals in the city.
Sec. 3.102. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and
enforcement of this chapter.
(1) At large means any animal off the premises of its owner
and on other premises against the wishes of the person
in possession of such other premises or upon the public
streets, alleys, public grounds, school grounds or parks
within the city. An animal shall not be deemed at large
if:
(a) the animal is on the owner's property or a neigh-
bor's property with that neighbor's consent; or
(b) the animal is confined in a cage or motor vehicle;
or
(c) the animal is restrained by a leash of sufficient
strength to control its action; or
(d) a dog is actively engaged in training in dog obedi-
ence, for hunting or for other service under con-
tinual control of his owner or trainer provided that
the owner or trainer is conducting the training in
an open public area, is not endangering other users
or animals in the area, has the dog within 30 yards
and under continual voice control and has in his/-
her possession a dog leash appropriate to control
the dog.
(e) the animal is a draft animal engaged in drawing
vehicles or conveyances.
(2) Owner includes any person who owns, keeps or harbors
an animal.
(3) Animal is a nonhuman vertebrate. (State Law Ref. 702.3
Code of Iowa, 1987)
(4) Enforcement Officer is an animal control officeror a peace
officer.
(5) Animal Control Officer is any person designated to
enforce the regulations on animals, including those found
in this chapter.
Sec. 3.103. ANIMALS AT LARGE PROHIBITED
All animals shall be restrained by the owners thereof from
running at large.
Sec. 3.104. IMPOUNDING ANIMALS AT LARGE
Any animal found at large shall be apprehended and impound-
ed by an enforcement officer. The enforcement officer shall
have the right to enter upon private property when it is
necessary to do so in order to apprehend any animal that has
been running at large. Such entrance upon private property
shall be in reasonable pursuit of the animal(s) and shall not
include entry into a domicile unless it be at the invitation of
the occupant. If the enforcement officer determines that the
animal at large is dangerous or fierce and a threat to human
safety, and that it cannot be safely captured, the animal may
be killed.
Sec. 3.105. REDEMPTION OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS.
When an animal has been apprehended and impounded for
being at large or for any other reason, said animal may be
redeemed by the owner by a payment of the appropriate
service fee or fees as established by resolution of the City
Council and set out in Appendix E.
Sec. 3.106. DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED ANIMALS.
If the unknown owner of an animal apprehended or impounded
cannot be located after seven (7) days from publication of
notice, or if such owner when known, does not, after person-
al notice, claim the animal within seven (7) days, the animal
may be humanely destroyed or otherwise disposed of. If in
the opinion of the animal control officer, an animal is too sick
or injured to keep humanely for seven (7) days, the animal
may be euthanatized.
2
Sec. 3.107. RABIES VACCINATION
Every owner of a dog, cat or horse shall obtain a rabies
vaccination for each animal between three (3) and four (4)
months of age and at such intervals thereafter as stipulated
by the manufacturers of the vaccines used. This section
applies to all dogs, cats and horses kept within the city,
brought into the city for shows, exhibitions or performance,
or in transit. This section does not apply to dogs, cats and
horses in transit that are continuously held in secure cages
and dogs, cats and horses assigned to research, production
of biologics, and licensed animal care shelters or similar
facilities.
Sec. 3.108. FAILURE TO REPORT SUSPECTED RABIES
CASES.
It shall be the duty of the owner of any animal which has
bitten or attacked a person or is suspected of having rabies
or any person having knowledge of such bite or attack or
suspicion of rabies to report this to a local enforcement
officer.
Sec. 3.109. CONFINEMENT FOR RABIES DETERMINATION.
When an animal control officer receives information that any
person has been bitten by an animal or that an animal is
suspected of having rabies, the animal control officer shall
investigate and may order confinement of the animal in accor-
dance with the provisions of this section. Failure or refusal
to comply with such order shall be a violation of this section.
(1) Dogs or cats may be confined for observation for ten
(10) days at the animal shelter or under the care of a
licensed veterinarian. The animal control officer may
permit confinement at the residence of the owner if the
dog or cat has appropriate vaccination records, the dog
or cat is not clinically suspected of being rabid and
subject to other conditions imposed by the animal control
officer. Dogs and cats suspected of rabies may be hu-
manely euthanatized and examined by an authorized diag-
nostic laboratory for rabies upon the owner's request or
when there has been a severe attack on the face or
neck.
(2) Animals other than dogs or cats which are known to
have bitten a person or are suspected of rabies shall be
examined by a licensed veterinarian. Depending on the
veterinarian's recommendation, the animal may be quar-
antined and/or humanely euthanatized and examined by
an authorized diagnostic laboratory for rabies.
Sec. 3.110. RABIES TAGS.
All dogs and cats over the age of four months shall wear a
collar or harness to which a valid rabies tag is attached.
This section shall not apply to dogs being exhibited or
3
trained at a kennel club event or while being transported to
and from such event if the dog is properly controlled and the
owner or trainer has in their possession documentation of
valid vaccination and registration.
Sec. 3.111. STANDARD OF CARE
All owners and keepers of any animal shall comply with the
following standards of care. Failure to comply with any
standards shall be a violation of this section.
(1) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal to
provide adequate food, shelter and water for that ani-
mal. No person keeping an animal shall abandon any
such animal. Abandon shall mean ceasing to provide
control over, shelter, food and water for an animal
without having made responsible arrangements for such
care, custody, and physical control to be provided by
another person.
(2) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to provide adequate food which shall mean providing at
intervals appropriate for the species a quantity of whole-
some food stuff, suitable for the physical condition and
age of the animal, served in a clean receptacle or con-
tainer, sufficient to maintain an adequate level of nutri-
tion for such animal.
(3) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to provide adequate outdoor shelter for such animal when
it is kept outdoors, tanglefree, which shall mean a
structurally sound, weather-proof, properly ventilated
shelter, which provides access to shade from direct
sunlight and regress from exposure to weather condi-
tions. The shelter should be appropriate for the parti-
cular species and breed.
(4) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to provide adequate indoor shelter for such animal when
it is kept indoors, which shall mean a property ventilat-
ed and illuminated facility, sufficiently regulated by
heating or cooling to protect the animal from extremes of
temperature, and to provide for its health and comfort.
It should be appropriate for the particular species and
breed.
(5) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in the duty,
to provide adequate sanitation which shall mean periodic
cleaning or sanitizing housing facilities, and any area
where the animal is confined or restrained to remove
excreta and other waste materials and dirt, so as to
minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease hazards.
4
(6) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to provide adequate space which shall mean primary
enclosures and housing facilities shall be constructed and
maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each
animal to make normal postural and social adjustments
with adequate freedom of movement to maintain physical
condition. The space shall be appropriate for the par-
ticular species.
(7) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to provide adequate veterinary care which shall mean
that a sick, diseased, or injured animal shall be provid-
ed with a proper program of care by a veterinarian, or
humanely euthanatized. All animals shall be provided
with proper immunizations and preventive health care
including parasite control.
(8) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to provide adequate water which shall mean reasonable
access to a supply of clean, fresh, potable water, pro-
vided in a sanitary manner. If potable water is not
accessible to the animal at all times, it shall be provided
daily, for such duration and of sufficient quantity as
appropriate for the species.
(9) It shall be the duty of each person keeping an animal,
and no person keeping an animal shall fail in that duty,
to keep the animal cleaned and to provide proper groom-
ing as appropriate for the species.
Sec. 3.112. SALE OR DISPOSAL OF LIVE ANIMALS; ANI-
MALS AS PRIZES
(1) No person shall give away any live animal, fish, reptile,
or bird as a prize for, or as an inducement to enter any
contest, game, or other competition, or as an inducement
to enter a place of amusement or offer such vertebrate
as an incentive to enter into any business agreement
whereby the offer was for the purpose of attracting
trade.
(2) No person shall sell, offer for sale, raffle, offer or give
as a prize, premium or advertising device or display in
any store, shop, carnival or other public place a chick,
duckling, gosling, or rabbit that has been dyed or
otherwise colored artificially.
(3) No person may sell chickens or ducklings younger than
four weeks of age in quantities of less than twenty-five
to a single purchaser.
5
Sec. 3.113. POISONED MEAT.
No person shall knowingly expose any poisoned meat or other
poisoned substances on public or private property where the
same may be taken by any human being or domestic animal.
Sec. 3.114. DUTIES UPON STRIKING AN ANIMAL
Any person who, as the operator of a motor vehicle, strikes
an animal shall report such injury or death to the animal
control officer or the Ames Police Department.
Sec. 3.115. ANIMAL NUISANCE
The following acts and circumstances are hereby declared to
be nuisances and therefore prohibited.
(1) The keeping of an animal on private property in such
number or in such manner that allows for the accumula-
tion of solid waste of such animal which becomes a
detriment to or menace to the health of the animal, or an
annoyance to humans.
(2) Allowing any dog to habitually bay or bark or any cat to
habitually screech, yell or make a sound of any kind or
nature for prolonged periods in such manner as to
unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of the vicinity.
(3) Allowing a pet animal to cause any damage or defilement
to public or private property:
(4) Allowing a pet animal to molest any person on public or
private property who has a legitimate reason to be
thereon.
Sec. 3.116. ANIMALS IN MOTOR VEHICLES; RESCUE
No person shall leave an animal unattended in a standing or
parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health
or safety of the animal.
The following persons may use reasonable means, including
reasonable force to remove an animal from a motor vehicle
when there is an apparent violation of this section.
(1) animal control officer under the jurisdiction of a state or
local governing body
(2) peace officer
(3) a professional of a fire or rescue squad
The person rescuing the animal shall notify the animal control
officer who may take the animal to a veterinarian for treat-
ment, if necessary. The cost of such treatment shall be paid
by the City and the City shall claim reimbursement from the
6
person judged to be responsible for leaving the animal unat-
tended.
Sec. 3.117. ANIMAL RELATED EVENTS
No performing animal exhibition, circus, or animal related
event shall be permitted in which animals are induced or
encouraged to perform through the use of chemical, mechani-
cal, electrical, or manual devices in a manner which will cause
or is likely to cause injury or suffering. All equipment used
on a performing animal shall fit properly and be in good
working condition.
The animal control officer shall be notified of all public animal
auctions and all public events in which animals perform, are
exhibited or are available for hire.
Where applicable, all animal related events, including public
auctions, animal exhibitions, and circuses must comply with
the standards set out in the Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 9, Part 3, Animals and Animal Products.
Sec. 3.118. ANIMALS IN TRANSPORT.
No person shall transport an animal in a box, container, or
cage without proper ventilation and proper space requirements
for that animal. Applicable standards set out in the Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 9, Part 3, Animals and Animal
Products shall apply.
Sec. 3.119. ANIMAL WASTE.
Any person who walks an animal on private or public grounds
shall be responsible for the proper and immediate disposal of
the solid waste excreted by that animal, except when the
animal is on the owner's or keeper's property. This section
shall not apply to animals under control of a handicapped
person and especially trained for the purpose of assisting
handicapped persons.
Sec. 3.120. NOTIFICATION OF GUARD DOG LOCATION.
Any person who harbors a guard dog in an area not adjoining
the owner's residence shall post notice of the animal's pre-
sence and purpose at the place where the dog is being har-
bored.
Sec. 3.121. SHELTER FEES AND REGULATIONS.
There shall be established annually a reasonable schedule of
fees for the purpose of defraying the cost of caring for
impounded animals. Said fee schedule shall be established by
resolution of the City Council and is found in Appendix E.
From time to time regulations regarding impoundment, adop-
tion and care of animals may be adopted by the Ames Humane
League and approved by the Ames City Council. Failure to
7
pay required fees and failure to comply with the regulations
shall constitute a violation of this section.
Sec. 3.122. HARASSMENT OF ANIMALS.
It shall be unlawful to engage in harassment of an animal
except when this action is deemed necessary to protect per-
sons or their property from the animal. No person, except
the owner of an animal or his/her authorized agent shall
willfully open any door or gate on any private or public
premises for the purpose of enticing or enabling any such
animal to leave such premises.
Sec. 3.123. DUTY TO REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE, NEGLECT.
It shall be the duty of any person having knowledge of or
observing animal abuse, cruelty or neglect to report such to
a local enforcement agent.
Sec. 3.124. PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF ANIMALS.
When animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect as defined in Section
3.111 is suspected and, if in the judgment of the animal
control officer, the well being of the animal is jeopardized,
the animal control officer may enter upon any premises upon
which the animal is kept and remove the animal from the
premises. Entry shall be only with the consent of the person
in possession or after obtaining an administrative search
warrant pursuant to Sec. 808.14, Code of Iowa, 1987. The
disposition of the abused or neglected animal shall be deter-
mined by the court after notice and hearing.
Sec. 3.125. PROHIBITED PRACTICES.
Any practice and/or procedure designed or intended to in-
crease the aggressiveness and attack propensities of an animal
is unlawful.
DIVISION II
DANGEROUS DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Sec. 3.201. PURPOSE.
The purpose of the sections in Division II of this chapter is
to establish regulations to protect the public from the hazards
associated with dangerous domestic animals which are now or
may hereafter be kept in the City.
Sec. 3.202. DANGEROUS ANIMALS.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep a dangerous
domestic animal except as otherwise provided in this
section.
For purposes of this section dangerous domestic animal
means:
8
(a) Any animal which has inflicted serious injury on a
person without provocation.
(b) Any animal which has at the animal's own initiative,
killed a domestic animal.
(c) Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part
for the purpose of animal fighting.
(d) Any animal which by breeding, training, disposition
or behavior may pose a potential risk of attacking
and inflicting injury without provocation upon
people or other animals.
(2) Questions or disputes as to whether a certain animal
shall be considered dangerous shall be judged by the
Ames Humane League, as hereinafter provided for, on
the basis of reasonable evidence and expert opinion
presented in a public hearing, including the testimony or
report of the city animal control officer. Prior to a
determination by the Ames Humane League, the animal
may be taken into protective custody by the animal
control officer. If the animal control officer has reason
to believe that the animal threatens the safety of the
public or other domestic animals, the animal control
officer may enter upon any premises upon which the
animal is kept and remove the animal from the premises.
Entry shall be only with the consent of the person in
possession or after obtaining an administrative search
warrant pursuant to Sec. 808.14, Code of Iowa, 1987.
The disposition of the animal shall be determined by the
court after notice and hearing.
Sec. 3.203. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
(1) All animals within the scope of section 3.202 shall be
registered with the City animal control officer by an
adult person responsible for the keeping of the animal.
Failure or refusal to register each such animal, stating
the animals location and identifying characteristics, on
forms provided by the city, shall constitute a violation
of the Ames Municipal Code. Failure to re-register if
the animal's owner is changed, or it is moved to another
location, or to report an animal as missing, shall also be
a violation hereof.
(2) The registration of an animal shall be renewed annually.
The premises and facilities where such registered animals
are kept shall be inspected annually, unless there is
reason to believe animals are being improperly kept or
cared for, in which case inspections may be made as the
animal control officer deems necessary. The city council
may establish a schedule of fees to cover costs of ad-
ministration and inspection.
9
Sec. 3.204. CONFINEMENT STANDARDS.
All animals within the scope of Sec. 3.202 shall be confined.
If such confinement facilities are indoors, all access doors
must be continually locked. When taken outside the premises,
the animals must at all times be muzzled and leashed or
confined in a vehicle, cage or other animal carrier. If such
confinement facilities are outdoors, they must be securely
constructed with chain link fences and ceilings and with con-
crete floors. Entrance gates must be continually locked. A
perimeter fence at least 4 feet from the primary enclosure
must surround all sides of the enclosure not adjacent to a
solid wall of a building.
Sec. 3.205. REMOVAL.
The animal control officer shall order in writing that an owner
shall have an animal euthanatized within ten (10) days of the
order when the animal control officer determines that the
owner cannot keep the animal in compliance with the stan-
dards set out elsewhere in this chapter and that the animal
presents a risk of harm to the public. Failure to comply with
the animal control officer's order shall be a violation of this
section.
Any person aggrieved of the animal control officer's decision
may appeal that decision to the Ames Humane League within
ten (10) days of the date of the order. The Ames Humane
League shall affirm or reverse the order of the animal control
officer. The decision shall be made on the basis of reason-
able evidence and expert opinion presented in a public hear-
ing, including testimony or a report of the city animal control
officer. A request for an appeal shall stay the enforcement
of this section pending the appeal.
DIVISION III
DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS
Sec. 3.301. PURPOSE AND SCOPE.
(1) The purpose of the sections in Division III of this chap-
ter is to establish regulations to protect the public from
the hazards associated with dangerous animals of wild
species which are now or may hereafter be kept in the
City.
(2) These regulations shall apply to all those animals of the
kinds hereinafter listed, and any other dangerous wild
animal not listed, except those , which are expressly
exempted. In that regard, a dangerous wild animal is
any wild animal species which, if not properly kept when
in captivity, is known to have caused serious injury,
death, or disease to humans, or is manifestly capable of
10
doing so. Questions or disputes as to whether a certain
animal shall be subject to these regulations shall be
judged by the Ames Humane League, as hereinafter
provided for, on the basis of reasonable evidence and
expert opinion presented in a public hearing, including
the testimony or report of the city animal control officer.
(3) The following are exempt from these regulations:
(a) Domestic ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs,
domestic hares, rabbits, and domestic rodents.
(b) Macropodidae, e.g. kangaroos and wallabies;
(c) Dosypodidae, e.g. armadillos;
(d) Canis familiaris, e.g. domestic dogs;
(e) Fells domestica, e.g. domestic cats;
(f) Camelidae, e.g. camels and llamas;
(g) Cervidae, e.g. deer;
(h) Antilocopridae, e.g. pronghorn antelopes;
(i) Bovidae, e.g. buffalo;
(j) Wild Iowa rodents, rabbits and hares if the owner
has a valid Iowa Collectors Permit from the Iowa
State Conservation Commission.
(4) The following animals, unless exempted above, are
subject to these regulations:
(a) Didelphidae, e.g. opossums;
(b) Chiroptera, e.g. bats;
(c) Lemuridae, e.g. lemurs;
(d) Cebidae and Cercopithecidae, e.g. monkeys and
baboons;
(e) Callithricidae, e.g. marmosets, tamarins;
(f) Pongidae, e.g. gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees,
gorillas;
(g) Mymecophagidae, e.g. anteaters;
(h) Leporidae, e.g. non-domestic rabbits and hares
except as provided for by 3-f above;
(i) Sciuridae, e.g. squirrels, woodchucks, prairie dogs
and chipmunks;
11
(j) Geomyidae, e.g. gophers;
(k) Castoridae, e.g. beavers;
(1) Canidae, e.g. non-domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes,
foxes, jackels, wolf-dog crosses, and coyote-dog
crosses;
(m) Ursidae, e.g. bears;
(n) Procyonidae, e.g. raccoons, pandas, kinkajous;
(o) Mustelidae, e.g. weasels, minks, skunks, wolver-
ines, otters, and polecats;
(p) Viverridae, e.g, civets and mongooses;
(q) Hyaenidae, e.g, hyaenas and aardwolves;
(r) Felidae, e.g. lynxes, bobcats, pumas, jaguars,
lions and tigers;
(s) Helodermatidae, e.g. gila monsters;
(t) Crotalidae, e.g. rattlesnakes, copperheads, and all
other pit vipers;
(u) Viperidae, e.g. puff adders and all true vipers;
(v) Elapidae, e.g. cobras and coral snakes;
(w) Hydrophiidae, e.g. sea snakes
(x) African boomslang and African bird snake;
(y) Those more than six feet long of the following:
anaconda, boa constrictor, amythistine python,
African rock python, Burmese python, and reticu-
lated python;
(z) Crocodylidae, e.g. crocodiles, alligators and
caimans.
Sec. 3.302. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
(1) All animals within the scope of section 3.301 shall be
registered with the City Animal Control officer by an
adult person responsible for the keeping of the animal.
Failure or refusal to register each such animal, stating
the animals location and identifying characteristics, on
forms provided by the city, shall constitute a violation
of the Ames Municipal Code and be punishable as a
municipal infraction. Failure to re-register if the animal's
owner is changed, or it is moved to another location, or
to report an animal as missing, shall also be a violation
hereof.
12
(2) The registration of an animal shall be renewed annually.
The premises and facilities where such registered animals
are kept shall be inspected annually, unless there is
reason to believe animals are being improperly kept or
cared for, in which case inspections may be made as the
animal control officer deems necessary. The city council
may establish a schedule of fees to cover costs of admin-
istration and inspection.
Sec. 3.303. DISPOSITION OF UNCARED FOR ANIMALS.
In the event that the city animal control officer encounters or
learns of a dangerous wild animal being uncared for by
reason of the death or absence of its owner, or if such an
animal is loose upon public or private property, the city
animal control officer shall take the animal into protective
custody and reasonable efforts made to learn the identity of
persons lawfully entitled to have the animal. If no such
person can be found within a reasonable, but not less than 7
days' time, the animal shall be disposed of in a humane
manner. Disposition may be to return the animal to the wild
if it is known that the animal is a native to Iowa and is
capable of survival. The animal control officer will seek
expert advice from persons designated by the Ames Humane
League on the proper keeping and disposition of such animal.
Sec. 3.304. PROHIBITED ANIMALS.
Registration and keeping of certain animals, as specified in
this section, shall not be allowed. The keeping of such an
animal shall be a violation hereof and punishable as such.
Furthermore, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the
animal control officer shall take such animals into protective
custody pending appropriate disposition.
(1) Bears, large cats, and wolves shall not be permitted
unless the animal was being kept prior to the effective
date of this ordinance and the animal is kept under
conditions which meet the security and space require-
ments of this ordinance.
(2) Imported mammals shall not be permitted unless the
owner shows documentation of entry through a licensed
quarantine station and shows an official certification of
health.
(3) Wild species which are hazards of rabies or plague
transmission, e.g. skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats and
mongooses, and rodents captured in plague endemic
areas, shall not be permitted unless there is produced
certification by a state or federal regulatory agency that
the animal was born and maintained continuously in
captivity in accordance with all applicable regulations.
13
See. 3.305. CARE AND FEEDING OF ANIMALS.
(1) Keepers of animals subject to these regulations shall
provide adequate treatment for such animals, and all
appropriate care, including veterinary care, to maintain
the health of the animal. If the animal control officer
has evidence that such animal is not being provided
proper nutrition and health care, the said officer may,
after notice and opportunity for hearing, take such
animal into protective custody pending veterinary evalua-
tion.
(2) All animals subject to these regulations shall be kept
under conditions which meet the federal standards set
out in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Part 3,
Animals and Animal Products, in so far as said regula-
tions pertain to: structural strength of facilities, water,
electrical safety, waste disposal, heating, ventilation,
shelter from sunlight, shelter from rain and snow,
shelter from wind and cold, drainage, cleaning and
sanitation, pest control, feeding and watering. Copies
of said regulations shall be kept on file by the animal
control officer.
Sec. 3.306. MAMMAL SECURITY STANDARDS.
All mammals subject to these regulations shall be kept only in
a manner that substantially conforms to the following stan-
dards:
(1) A sign to identify the species being kept, by its common
name, shall be displayed on the holding pen.
(2) Mammals shall be kept in locked holding pens or locked
cages.
(3) The following pen and fence requirements apply to the
mammalian orders as stated. A "C" means that a ceiling
is required on the pen. A "P" means that a perimeter
fence is required in addition to the pen. A required
perimeter fence shall be at least four (4) feet out from,
and entirely surrounding the primary holding pen, and
shall be at least five feet high. An "N" means that no
perimeter fence is required.
(a) Didelphidae - Chain link fence and concrete floor;
or wood frame cage with 1/4" - 1/2" mesh hardware
cloth; or room in a house with screen or 1/4" mesh
hardware cloth over window openings; P, C
(b) Myrmecophagidae - Chain link fence and concrete
floor; P, C
(c) Chiroptera - Wood frame cage with 1/4" mesh hard-
ware cloth or 3/16" plate glass; or large aquarium
with fitted wood frame and 1/4" mesh hardware
cloth top; N, C
14
(d) Primates - Wire cage or chain link fence and con-
crete floor; P, C
(e) Leporidae - Wood frame cage and chicken wire or
1/4" - 1/2" mesh hardware cloth; N
(f) Sciuridae - Strong all-metal cage; N (except for
woodchucks), C
(g) Geomyidae - Large Aquarium; N
(h) Castoridae - Chain link fence and concrete floor; P
(i) Cricetidae - Commercial mouse cage or aquarium
with fitted wood frame and 1/4" mesh hardward
cloth top; N, C
(j) Canidae - Chain link fence and concrete floor; P, C
(k) Procyonidae - Chain link fence and concrete floor
or strong metal cage; P, C
(1) Mustelidae - Chain link fence and concrete floor or
strong metal cage; for small weasels - aquarium
with fitted wood frame and 1/4" mesh hardware
cloth top or strong metal cage; P, C
(m) Hyaenidae - Chain link fence and concrete floor; P,
C
(n) Viverridae - Chain link fence and concrete floor; P,
C
(o) Ursidae - Chain link fence and concrete floor; P, C
(p) Felidae (larger than bobcat and ocelot) - Chain link
fence and concrete floor; P, C
(q) Felidae (bobcat and ocelot or smaller) - Chain link
fence and concrete floor; P,C; or room in house
with screen or 1/4" mesh hardware cloth over
window openings in this room
(r) Perissodactyla - Chain link or woven wire or barbed
wire fence; N
(s) Artiodactyla - Chain link or woven wire or barbed
wire fence
(4) The perimeter fence is not required if there is a primary
holding pen that is located entirely within an enclosed
building.
15
Sec. 3.307. SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN MAM-
MALS.
The following states the total required combined measurements
for holding and exercise enclosures, for which substantial
compliance shall be required. For each additional animal, add
25 0 of the stated amount. Infant animals in pet stores shall
be exempt for not more than two weeks.
SPECIES FLOOR (ft.2) HEIGHT (ft.)
Opossum (1-2) 100 4-7
Prairie Dog 50 5
Agouti 100 6
Porcupine 150 7
Foxes (various species) 125 7
Coyote 200 7
Dingo 200 7
Wolf 2000 7
American Black Bear 3000 10
Kinkajoo 80 7
Raccoon and Coati 100 7
Wild Ferrets 25 5
Skunk 100 5
Otter 250 7
Tayra 100 7
Grison 100 7
Cougar 2000 12
Leopard 2000 12
Jaguar 2000 12
Cheetah 2500 12
Lion 2500 12
Tiger 2500 12
Lesser Cats (less than 20 lb.) 100 7
Lesser Cats (more than 20 lb.) 250 7
Wild Goats & Sheep 1500 6
Hyaenas 500 7
Civets & Mongooses 100 5
Beavers 100 7
Pocket Gophers 25 2
Squirrels 50 7
Woodchuck 50 5
Chipmunks & Ground Squirrels 10 2
Wild Small Rodents (mice, etc.) 0.5 0.5
Wild Rabbits & Hares 50 5
Anteaters 250 7
Apes 500 10-12
Old World Monkeys & Baboons 500 10-12
New World Monkeys 500 10-12
Lemurs 100 7
Marmossets & Tamarins 100 7
Bats 50 5
Sec. 3.308. SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR REPTILES.
The following space requirements, for which substantial
compliance shall be required, are applicable to the keeping of
reptiles which are subject to these regulations:
16
(1) Helodermatidae: A cage as wide as and twice as long as
the lizard's total length and 12 inches high. For each
additional lizard in the same cage, take the floor area
needed by the largest occupant and increase it by 25 0.
(2) Snakes: Half a square foot of floor space per foot of
length for a snake up to six feet long. One square foot
of floor space per foot of length for a snake up to ten
feet long. Two square feet of floor space per foot of
length for a snake over ten feet. For each additional
snake in the same cage, take the floor area needed by
the largest occupant and increase it by 25 0.
(3) Crocodiles and their allies: There must be a pool of
water as wide as and twice as long as the crocodilian's
total length. It must be deep enough for total submer-
sion. There must be a dry area as long and as wide as
the occupant's total length. For each additional speci-
men in the same cage, take the area needed by the
largest occupant and increase it by 25%.
Sec. 3.309. KEEPING OF VENOMOUS REPTILES.
(1) No person shall be permitted to keep venomous reptiles
unless they have first demonstrated two years of secure
and humane keeping of harmless snakes. Thereafter the
person shall be restricted for one year to the keeping of
non-lethal venomous reptiles, e.g. copperheads, pigmy
rattlesnakes, and sidewinders.
(2) It shall not be permitted to keep venomous reptiles in
buildings containing more than one dwelling unit.
(3) Venomous reptiles shall be kept in locked cages in locked
rooms and the cage shall be labeled to identify the
reptile contained.
(4) Venomous reptiles that have had duct legation surgery
shall nevertheless be regarded as subject to these regu-
lations.
(5) Cages shall be so constructed as to not break or give
way as a result of reasonable foreseeable accident or
misuse.
Sec. 3.310. KEEPING OF LARGE NON-VENOMOUS REPTILES.
(1) No person shall be permitted to keep a snake as speci-
fied in Section 3.301(4)(y) unless the person can show
two years of experience in the secure and humane keep-
ing of constricting snakes.
(2) Snakes as specified in 3.301(4)(y) shall be kept in
locked cages in locked rooms.
17
(3) Cages shall be so constructed as to not break or give
way as a result of reasonably foreseeable accident or
misuse.
(4) No person shall be permitted to keep a reticulated py-
thon, African rock python or an anaconda except after
demonstrating to the satisfaction of the animal control
officer that the person has sufficient knowledge and
experience to keep such reptiles in a safe and humane
manner.
Sec. 3.311. TRAVELING WILDLIFE, MENANGERIES,
SHOWS, PETTING ZOOS.
(1) Non-resident persons, itinerant shows, traveling menag-
eries, traveling petting zoos, and similar displays of
wildlife that travel from place to place, shall not bring
any dangerous wild animal, as defined in Sec. 3.301(2)
hereof into the City of Ames without a permit from the
City of Ames animal control officer. To obtain that
permit an application shall be made in writing to the
animal control officer stating the number and species of
animals, anticipated itinerary, scheduled stops, and the
purposes for bringing the animal or animals into the
city. The permit shall be issued provided the applicant
can demonstrate advance compliance with the standards
of the Ames Municipal Code, or in the alternative, meet
the federal standards set out in CFR Title 9, Part 3,
Animal and Animal Products, including those standards
governing the transportation of animals, while the appli-
cant's animals are within the city. The permit shall be
valid for one (1) year, but the animal control officer
shall be notified of the time, date and place of each and
every exhibition not less than twenty-four hours in
advance thereof. Fees shall be set by the city council
on the basis of costs. Fees shall be differentiated be-
tween reasonable classifications and categories of exhibi-
tors when there is a significant difference in costs of
administration with respect to each classification.
(2) This section and the preceding sections of Division III of
Chapter 3 of the Ames Municipal Code shall not apply to
common carriers.
Sec. 3.312. EXEMPTIONS.
The following are exempt from the requirements of Division III
of Chapter 3 of the Ames Municipal Code:
(1) A person possessing or having custody of a sick or
injured animal in the city solely for the purpose of
transporting the animal to a veterinarian for care, or to
an animal shelter operated by the City of Ames, or to a
State or Federal facility with authority or apparent
authority to handle the animal.
18
(2) Private veterinarians, animal hospitals or clinics, provid-
ed such persons or establishments notify the animal
control officer on the same day that they obtain custody
of the animal.
(3) Any "research facility" within the meaning of Section
2(e) of the Federal Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. See.
2132(e), licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture of the
United States pursuant to that Act.
Sec. 3.313. RESIDENT EXHIBITORS PERMIT.
(1) A permanent resident of the City may, either at the time
of the initial registration of an animal covered by these
regulations, or at any other time, apply to the animal
control officer for a permit to exhibit such animal or
animals at places other than the site where the animal is
kept. This shall be an annual permit for which a rea-
sonable fee shall be set by the city council. Such
animal shall not be taken off the premises of the site
where the animal is kept without said permit, and the
animal control officer shall be notified twenty-four hours
in advance of each exhibition, of the time, date and
place thereof.
(2) The animal control officer shall grant such permit to
persons who, upon questioning by the said officer,
demonstrate such knowledge of the animal and its behav-
ioral characteristics, and such personality traits as to
give no reason to doubt the ability of the applicant to
exhibit the animal without substantial risk of harm to the
animal or to persons to whom the animal is exhibited.
(3) When exhibiting an animal off the premises of where the
animal is kept the exhibitor shall have a strict duty of
care. If the animal escapes, for any reason whether the
exhibitor's fault or not, or if any harm occurs to the
animal, or to any person during such exhibition, the
exhibition permit shall then be, ipso facto, revoked and
null and void and any further exhibition off premises
shall be punishable as a violation hereof.
DIVISION IV.
TRAPPING
Sec. 3.401. PROHIBITION ON TRAPPING.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to set and maintain
animal or bird traps upon public or private property at
any time except as follows:
(a) Traps set and maintained by the City Animal Con-
trol Officers, or by persons acting under written
permission of such officers, for the purpose of
controlling animals determined by such officials to
be a public hazard or nuisance.
19
(b) Humane live box traps on public or private proper-
ty, with the written permission of the City Animal
Control Official. Such permission must detail the
approximate location of each trap and bear the
identification of the trap's owner. Such permission
shall be withheld if the traps used and/or the
locations of placement are deemed to be cruel or a
hazard to people or domestic animals.
(c) Instant kill snap traps designed for small rodents'
pest control.
(2) The use of cannibear traps, snare traps, steel jaw
traps, leghold traps, spring traps, or any similar device
designed to catch and hold the animal by the leg or
other part of the body; or which is likely for any reason
to cause injury, pain and suffering before death, are
prohibited.
(3) The Animal Control Officials of the City may, with the
approval of the City Council, promulgate and publish
detailed regulations and policies for trapping in the City
of Ames violation of which shall constitute a violation of
this ordinance.
Section Two. Any person, corporation or other legal entity who vio-
lates or resists the enforcement of any of the ,provisions of this chapter
commits a municipal infraction punishable by a civil penalty of thirty
dollars ($30) for the initial offense, one hundred dollars ($100) for the
second offense, and two hundred dollars ($200) for each repeat offense,
except that for violations of Sections 3.107, 3.110, 3.111, 3.115(1) -
(3), 3.119 and 3.120, the civil penalty shall be five (5) dollars for the
initial offense, ten (10) dollars for the second offense, and fifteen (15)
dollars for each repeat offense. Each day that a municipal infraction
occurs constitutes a separate offense. Any person, corporation or
other legal entity who violates this ordinance after having previously
been found guilty of violating the same ordinance provision at the same
location or at a different location shall be considered to have committed
a repeat offense. Seeking a civil penalty as authorized in this section
does not preclude the city from seeking alternative relief, including an
order for abatement or injunctive relief.
Section Three. All ordinance or parts of ordinances in conflict here-
with are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after its passage and publication as required by law.
Adopted this _ 20th _ day of December 1988
3 _SIC
Nanc . Dionigif"Acting City Jerk F. Paul Goodland, Mayor
20