10-1468 City Code Animal Control Ordinance UpdateCITY OF MERIDIAN ORDINANCE NO. ~ U' I7 ~~
BY THE CITY COUNCIL: BIRD, HOAGLUN, ROUNTREE, ZAREMBA
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 2, TITLE 6 OF THE MERIDIAN CITY CODE, RELATING TO ANIMAL
CONTROL, INCLUDING DEFINITIONS; ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER; CITY DOG
POUND; CITY OF MERIDIAN DOG LICENSE; IMPOUNDMENT, RECLAMATION,
AND RELINQUISHMENT OF DOGS; DECLARATION OF ABANDONMENT;
DECLARATION OF VICIOUS DOG; REQUIREMENTS FOR VICIOUS DOGS;
LIVESTOCK HARBORED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY; PROHIBITED ACTS;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF THE
READING RULES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Meridian finds that it is in the best interest
of the public health, safety, and welfare to establish regulations regarding animal control;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, ADA COUNTY, IDAHO:
Section 1. That Title 6, Chapter 2 of the Meridian City Code is hereby repealed, and shall
be replaced with language to read as follows:
Title 6, Chapter 2: Animal Control
6-2-1: DEFINITIONS:
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall be defined as in this section provided:
A. 7-IN-1 VACCINE: An injection that vaccinates against distemper, parvovirus,
parainfluenza, adeovirus, leptospira I, leptospira II, and coronavirus.
B. ABANDONED ANIMAL: An animal that is impounded in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter, and is:
1. Suffering from serious injury, rabies, or other serious disease;
2. Not wearing a legible license when it is impounded;
3. Voluntarily relinquished by its owner; or
4. Not reclaimed by its owner after five (5) working days of such impoundment, except that
such time shall be tolled where the dog owner appeals a declaration that the dog is a
vicious dog.
C. ANIMAL: Any member of the animal kingdom, except members of the human race.
D. CITY DOG POUND: The primary location at which dogs shall be impounded in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter, as designated by the Chief of Police.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 1 OF 13
E. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS: The intentional and malicious infliction of pain, physical
suffering, injury or death upon an animal, including, but not limited to:
1. Depriving of or failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water, shelter, and/or
essential veterinary care.
2. Leaving an animal in one's possession, custody, control, or care unattended for more than
thirty-six (36) hours.
3. Maliciously or cruelly killing, maiming, wounding, beating, mutilating, torturing,
tormenting, overworking, or otherwise abusing any animal.
4. Allowing, arranging, or instigating a fight between two animals.
5. Making accessible to any animal, by any means, with intent to cause harm or death, any
substance that is poisonous, or that has, in any manner, been treated or prepared with any
harmful or poisonous substance, except that this definition shall not include the lawful
use of poisonous substances for the control of rodents and/or insects in furtherance of the
public health; nor shall this definition include the lawful use of poisonous substances by a
veterinarian or animal control officer for the purposes of euthanizing an animal.
F. DOG: Any male or female member of the canine family.
G. IMPOUND: To deliver a seized animal to the City dog pound.
H. LIVESTOCK: Domesticated animals, traditionally kept for use or profit, which are housed
outdoors and/or in outdoor enclosures such as pens, barns, barnyards, pastures, corrals,
coops, sties, stables, or paddock areas. Livestock shall include, but is not limited to: horses,
donkeys, mules, cattle, llamas, alpacas, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and/or
domesticated birds, except that this definition shall not include chicken hens.
I. OWN: to be the owner thereof; or to keep, harbor, or possess; or to accept or maintain
custody, control, or care thereof.
J. OWNER: Any person owning, keeping, harboring, or possessing an animal, or accepting or
maintaining custody, control, or care of an animal.
K. SEIZE: To take custody of an animal.
L. VETERINARIAN: A doctor licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Idaho.
M. VICIOUS DOG:
Any dog whose behavior or actions fall within one or more of the following shall be
declared a vicious dog:
a. Any dog which, when unprovoked, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any
person in apparent attitude of attack, which placed a reasonable fear in such a person
that such violence was imminent, upon the streets, sidewalks, any public grounds or
places, or private property not owned or possessed by the owner of the dog; or
b. Any dog which, when unprovoked, attacks or bites another person or other domestic
animal upon the streets, sidewalks, any public grounds or places, or private property
not owned or possessed by the owner of the dog; or
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 2 OF 13
c. Any dog with a prior history or documented incidents of attack or biting of persons or
other animals, or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury or to otherwise
endanger the safety of persons or other domestic animals; or
d. Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting or
attacking people or any dog trained for fighting or attacking of persons.
2. Notwithstanding this definition of a vicious dog:
a. No dog may be declared vicious if an injury or damage is sustained by a person who,
at the time that such injury or damage was sustained: (1) was committing a willful
trespass or other crime or tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog
(this does not require the owner to be present at the time of the unlawful trespass or
other crime); or (2) was teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog; or (3) Was
committing or attempting to commit a crime.
b. No dog may be declared vicious if the dog was protecting or defending a person
within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault.
c. No dog owned, maintained, or kept for work as a law enforcement dog, either
currently or retired, may be declared vicious if the action that would be so defined by
this definition, took place while the dog was acting within its capacity for law
enforcement purposes.
6-2-2: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER; CITY DOG POUND:
A. Animal control officer. The Chief of Police shall appoint one or more Animal Control
Officer(s) who shall, under the direction of the Chief of Police, have the authority to enforce
the provisions of this chapter. Additionally, the Animal Control Officer shall be authorized
to:
1. Seize and impound dogs that are at large and unattended in City limits.
2. Seize and impound dogs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
3. Remove and properly dispose of the carcass of any dead animal found in any public
place.
4. Declare that a dog is abandoned;
5. Decide whether an abandoned dog shall be euthanized or made available for adoption.
6. Declare that a dog is vicious and the owner thereof must meet the requirements for a
vicious dog as set forth in this chapter.
7. Issue uniform citations for violations of this chapter.
B. City dog pound. The Chief of Police shall designate a City dog pound. Such dog pound
shall provide adequate physical accommodations, materials, and staffing to provide basic
housing, feeding, watering, vaccination, and supervision of dogs impounded therein.
6-2-3: CITY OF MERIDIAN DOG LICENSE:
A. Dog license required.
1. Each dog owner living in or visiting Meridian for thirty (30) days or longer shall obtain a
City of Meridian dog license for each dog that is awned by such person and that is more
than six (6) months of age.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 3 OF 13
2. Application for a City of Meridian dog license shall be made to the City Clerk, Meridian
Police Department, or licensing designee duly authorized by the City as set forth in this
chapter. Such application shall include the following:
a. A completed application form, which form shall include the name, physical address,
mailing address, and telephone number of dog owner and a description of dog to be
licensed;
b. A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within the
previous year for a dog that was less than one (1) year old when vaccinated; or within
the previous three (3) years for a dog that was one (1) or more years old when
vaccinated;
c. A valid spay or neuter certification, if applicable; and
d. Applicable dog license fee per fee schedule. Where the fee schedule provides for a
lower license fee for a spayed or neutered dog, the City or its licensing designee shall
allow the payment of the lower license fee only upon the dog owner's presentation of
a certificate of neuter or spay issued by a veterinarian or by the Idaho Humane
Society. License fees shall be waived for:
(1) The owner of any dog used by a visually impaired, hearing impaired, or disabled
person and used as a seeing eye dog, hearing ear dog, or service dog shall not be
required to pay a license fee. The City or its licensing designee shall allow this
exception to the license fee only upon the dog owner's presentation of
certification of the dog owner's visual or hearing impairment or disability by a
licensed medical doctor.
(2) The owner of any dog in training to serve as a seeing eye dog, hearing ear dog, or
guide dog shall not be required to pay a license fee. The City or its licensing
designee shall allow this exception to the license fee only upon the dog owner's
presentation of proof that such dog is in training for such purpose.
(3) Any dog owned by a public entity or public agency.
3. The City Clerk, Meridian Police Department, or licensing designee shall issue a dog
license tag within two (2) working days of receipt of complete application materials and
fees.
B. Annual licensing required. All City of Meridian dog licenses shall be valid only in the
calendar year issued and shall expire December 31 of that year.
C. Lost dog license tag. The City or its licensing designee shall reissue a lost dog license tag
upon payment of lost dog tag fee as set forth in fee schedule and verification that the license
tag sought to be replaced is a current and valid City of Meridian dog license, which
verification shall be made by reference to the official log(s) of the City or its licensing
designee(s).
D. Dog licensing designees. In order to facilitate the licensing of dogs within the City of
Meridian, the City may enter into agreements with the Idaho Humane Society, veterinarians,
or vendors of pet products doing business within the City of Meridian authorizing such
licensing designee to issue City of Meridian dog licenses on behalf of the City, except that no
licensing designee shall be authorized to issue vicious dog licenses.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 4 OF 13
6-2-4: IMPOUNDMENT, RECLAMATION, AND RELINQUISHMENT OF DOGS:
A. Vaccination of impounded dogs. Upon impoundment of a seized dog, the Animal Control
Officer shall administer to such dog a 7-in-1 vaccination.
B. Notice of impoundment. Within two (2) working days of seizing a dog wearing a legible
dog license, the Animal Control Officer shall serve or mail to the dog's owner at the licensed
address notification that such dog has been impounded. Such notice of impoundment shall
contain the following information:
1. Date and location of the dog's seizure;
2. Date and location of the dog's impoundment;
3. Hours and location at which the owner may reclaim ownership and take custody of such
dog;
4. Fees that must be paid prior to reclaiming ownership and taking custody of such dog;
5. Notification that the Animal Control Officer shall declare such dog abandoned if not
reclaimed within five (5) working days of its impoundment;
6. The date upon which such dog shall be declared abandoned if dog owner fails to reclaim
and take custody prior thereto; and
7. Notification that upon declaration of abandonment, such dog shall be euthanized or made
available for adoption.
Notice of impoundment shall not be required where address of the dog's owner is unknown
or where the whereabouts of the dog's owner are unknown.
C. Reclamation of impounded dog. The owner of a dog that has been impounded may reclaim
such dog by accomplishing the following within five (5) working days of such dog's
impoundment:
1. Personally appearing at the location of such impoundment;
2. Paying in full all applicable fees per City fee schedule, including, but not limited to: 7-in-
1 vaccination fee, impound fee, and/or daily boarding fee;
3. Paying in full all costs incurred by City to provide basic veterinary care to the impounded
dog, upon presentation of an invoice for same;
4. Submitting complete application materials and fee for a City of Meridian dog license for
such dog if the dog is not then licensed and the dog owner is a resident of Meridian; and
5. Taking physical custody of such dog.
D. Relinquishment of living or dead dog. An Animal Control Officer shall, upon a dog
owner's request and payment of fee established by fee schedule, take possession of any dog,
living or dead, that is owned by such person. The Animal Control Officer may require proof
of ownership before taking possession of a voluntarily relinquished dog. When a dead dog is
voluntarily relinquished to an Animal Control Officer, the Animal Control Officer shall
dispose of the dog.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 5 OF 13
6-2-5: DECLARATION OF ABANDONMENT:
A. Declaration of abandonment. Animal Control Officers are authorized to declare that a dog
is abandoned where such dog meets the definition thereof as set forth in this chapter.
B. Effect of declaration of abandonment. Upon the Animal Control Officer's declaration that
a dog is abandoned, such dog may be euthanized or made available for adoption by any
person. The decision to euthanize a dog or to make a dog available for adoption shall be
made in the sole discretion of the chief of police or designee based on factors including, but
not limited to, the health, disposition, behavior, and/or adoptability of the dog.
6-2-6: DECLARATION OF VICIOUS DOG:
A. Declaration of vicious dog. The Animal Control Officer is authorized to declare that a dog
is vicious where such dog meets the definition thereof as set forth in this chapter. Upon
declaration that a dog is vicious, the Animal Control Officer is authorized to seize and
impound such dog until the owner thereof obtains a vicious dog license and reclaims the dog
pursuant to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
B. Notice of declaration of vicious dog. Within two (2) working days of declaring a dog to be
vicious, the Animal Control Officer shall serve or mail to the dog's owner at the licensed
address written notification that such dog has been declared vicious. Such notice of
declaration shall contain the following information:
1. Date of such declaration;
2. Facts supporting such declaration;
3. Notification of licensing requirements for vicious dogs;
4. Notification of fees that must be paid prior to reclaiming ownership and taking custody of
such dog;
5. Notice of the right to appeal such decision as set forth in this section and notice that the
dog owner shall be responsible for all costs of boarding the dog during such appeal;
6. Date and location of the dog's seizure;
8. Date and location of the dog's impoundment;
9. Hours and location at which the owner may reclaim ownership and take custody of such
dog after obtaining a vicious dog license;
10. Fees that must be paid prior to reclaiming ownership and taking custody of such dog;
11. Notification that the Animal Control Officer shall declare such dog abandoned if not
reclaimed within five (5) working days of its impoundment;
12. The date upon which such dog shall be declared abandoned if dog owner fails to reclaim
and take custody prior thereto; and
13. Notification that upon declaration of abandonment, such dog. shall be euthanized or made
available for adoption.
C. Appeal to Chief of Police. Appeal of the Animal Control Officer's declaration that a dog is
vicious may be made by the dog's owner. Such appeal shall be made in writing, shall state
the reasons for such appeal, and shall be delivered to the Chief of Police via U.S. Mail within
five (5) working days of impoundment. Upon receipt of such written appeal, the Chief of
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 6 OF 13
Police shall notify the animal shelter and the dog pound that the time for declaring such
impounded dog abandoned should be tolled until final decision, and shall schedule a hearing
within seven (7) working days of the receipt of the appeal. At the scheduled hearing, the
Chief of Police or designee shall review the decision of the Animal Control Officer to declare
the dog vicious. The hearing shall be informal and no rules of evidence shall apply. The dog
owner shall be allowed to present any reasonable evidence to show cause for reversal of the
Animal Control Officer's decision. The chief or designee may establish procedures and time
limits for the hearing, but shall hear all reasonable evidence, and upon conclusion thereof
shall either affirm the decision of the Animal Control Officer that the dog is vicious, or
reverse the decision. The chief or designee shall mail to the dog owner a brief written
finding supporting his or her decision, including notice of the right to appeal such decision as
set forth in this section, within three (3) working days following the hearing. If the chief or
designee affirms the decision of the Animal Control Officer, the dog owner may obtain a
vicious dog license and reclaim the dog as established in this chapter. If not appealed, the
decision of the chief or designee shall be final eight (8) working days following the hearing
before the Chief or designee. If the chief or designee reverses the decision of the Animal
Control Officer, the dog owner shall not be required to obtain a vicious dog license, but shall
be responsible for all fees related to impoundment and reclamation of the dog.
D. Appeal to City Council. Appeal of the Chief's or Designee's affirmation of the Animal
Control Officer's decision that a dog is vicious may be made by the dog's owner. Such
appeal shall be made in writing, shall state the reasons for such appeal, and shall be delivered
to the City Clerk via U.S. Mail or in person within seven (7) working days the hearing before
the Chief or designee. Upon receipt of such written appeal, the City Clerk shall schedule a
public hearing on the appeal at a City Council meeting within fourteen (14) days. City
Council shall conduct a de novo review and may establish procedures and time limits for
such hearing. Following such hearing, City Council either affirm or reverse the Chief's or
designee's decision. If City Council affirms the decision of the chief or designee, the dog
owner may obtain a vicious dog license and reclaim the dog as established in this chapter. If
City Council reverses the decision of the chief or designee, the dog owner shall not be
required to obtain a vicious dog license, but shall be responsible for all fees related to
impoundment and reclamation of the dog. The City Council's decision on such appeal shall
be a final decision.
6-2-7: REQUIREMENTS FOR VICIOUS DOGS:
A. Vicious dog license. Any person owning a vicious dog shall obtain, and cause such dog to
wear at all times, a City of Meridian vicious dog license. Application for a City of Meridian
vicious dog license shall be made to the City Clerk, Meridian Police Department, or licensing
designee duly authorized by the City as set forth in this chapter. Such application shall
include the following:
1. A completed application form, which form shall include the name, physical address,
mailing address, and telephone number of dog owner and a description of the dog to be
licensed.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 7 OF 13
2. A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within the previous
year for a dog that was less than one (1) year old when vaccinated; or within the previous
three (3) years for a dog that was one (1) or more years old when vaccinated.
3. Vicious dog license fee per fee schedule.
4. Proof of liability insurance in a single incident amount of five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000.00) for bodily injury to or death of any person or persons or for damage to
property owned by any person which may result from the ownership, keeping or
maintenance of such animal. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation of
the policy will be made unless ten (10) days' written notice is first provided to the City
Clerk.
5. Two (2) color photographs of the dog, showing clearly the size and markings of the
animal.
B. Visible tag. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a vicious dog to fail to cause such vicious
dog to wear, at all times, a durable, secure collar bearing a valid City of Meridian vicious dog
license tag, whether or not such dog is on premises owned or lawfully possessed by such
person. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer may
seize and impound any dog found in violation of this section.
C. Leash and muzzle required. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a vicious dog to allow or
permit such dog to be or remain beyond the premises owned or lawfully possessed by such
person unless such dog is securely controlled by a leash not exceeding six feet (6') in length
and a muzzle. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer
may seize and impound any dog found in violation of this section.
D. Confined to premises. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a vicious dog to fail to securely
confine such dog to the premises owned or lawfully possessed by such person. A vicious
dog shall be securely confined only where it is indoors with no access to the outside, or in a
securely enclosed or locked pen or structure with secure sides and top and where the sides are
secured to the bottom or embedded in the ground no less than two feet (2'). A violation of
this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars
($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer may seize and impound any
dog found in violation of this section.
6-2-8: LIVESTOCK HARBORED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY:
A. Stable refuse care. It shall be unlawful to allow stable refuse to accumulate in such a manner
that it becomes unsightly and/or offensive to the smell. It is hereby required that such refuse
be removed from the legal sanitary limits of the city at least once each week.
B. Undue noises. It shall be unlawful to harbor or allow to remain within the corporate limits of
the city any livestock which emits noises disturbing to residents of the city.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 8 OF 13
C. Stock tight fences. It shall be unlawful to allow or maintain fences which are inadequate to
keep livestock within the confines of the plot, lot or pasture where such livestock is normally
harbored.
6-2-9: PROHIBITED ACTS:
A court sentencing a person for a violation of this chapter may assess court costs in addition to
the fines and penalties set forth herein.
A. Barking dog. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to permit a dog owned by such person
to bark, howl or otherwise create a disturbance. A violation of this section shall constitute a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days
jail.
B. Cruelty to animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to commit cruelty to animals. A
violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred
dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer may seize and
impound any animal found in violation of this section.
C. Damage to property. It shall be unlawful for any person owning any animal to cause or
allow such animal to damage private or public property without the consent of the property's
owner. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
D. Dog at large in public place. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to allow or cause any
dog owned by such person to be or remain in any public place, unless such dog is controlled
by a leash not exceeding six feet (6') in length. A person's first violation of this section shall
constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). A person's
second violation of this section shall constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of fifty
dollars ($50.00). A person's third violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The
Animal Control Officer may seize and impound any dog found in violation of this section.
E. Dog at large on private premises. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to allow or cause
such dog to be or remain upon any private premises without the consent of the person in
possession of such premises. A person's first violation of this section shall constitute an
infraction punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). A person's second violation
of this section shall constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). A
person's third violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer may
seize and impound any dog found in violation of this section.
F. Dog attacking or biting. Any owner of a dog which, when unprovoked, attacks or bites
another person or other domestic animal upon the streets, sidewalks, any public grounds or
places, or private property not owned or possessed by the owner of the biting dog, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 9 OF 13
(90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer may seize and impound any dog found in
violation of this section. Where a dog seized pursuant to this provision shows any symptom
of rabies or has not been vaccinated for rabies, the Animal Control Officer shall deliver the
biting animal to the Idaho Humane Society or to a licensed veterinarian for examination for
rabies, and all related costs of such examination shall be paid by the dog owner upon demand
from City. Such examination may include, at the discretion of the Idaho Humane Society or
veterinarian to whom the biting dog is surrendered, a period of quarantine, confinement,
and/or impoundment. If such biting dog is determined to be free of rabies, the dog shall be
returned to the owner upon payment to the Idaho Humane Society or licensed veterinarian
who examined such animal of all related fees and/or costs. If such biting dog is determined
to be afflicted with rabies, the biting dog shall be euthanized according to the provisions of
this chapter.
G. Dog rushing. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog which, when unprovoked, in a
vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in apparent attitude of attack upon the
streets, sidewalks, any public grounds or places, or private property not owned or possessed
by the owner of the dog. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
H. Failure to display dog license tag. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to fail to cause
any licensed dog owned by such person to wear, at all times, a durable, secure collar bearing
a valid City of Meridian dog license tag. Production of proof that such dog is licensed shall
be an affirmative defense to a charge of violation of this section. The person raising such
affirmative defense shall bear the burden of proof that such defense applies. A violation of
this section shall constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
I. Failure to license dog. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to fail to obtain a City of
Meridian dog license for any dog owned by such person. It shall be an affirmative defense to
a charge of violation of this section that such dog is six (6) months of age or younger. The
person raising such affirmative defense shall bear the burden of proof that such defense
applies. A person's first violation of this section shall constitute an infraction punishable by
a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). A person's second violation of this section shall
constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). A person's third
violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred
dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
J. Failure to update dog owner contact information. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner
to fail to provide to the City Clerk's Office or Meridian Police Department updated contact
information where there is a change in such dog owner's physical address, mailing address,
and/or telephone number registered with any City of Meridian dog license. A violation of
this section shall constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of ten dollars ($10.00).
K. Female dog in heat. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a female dog in heat to fail to
enclose such female dog in such a manner as to preclude other dogs from attacking or being
attracted to such female dog. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 10 OF 13
L. Fraudulent display of dog license tag. It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to fail to
cause or allow any dog owned by such person to wear a dog license tag issued for another
dog, or to wear any imitation of a City of Meridian dog license tag. A violation of this section
shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and
ninety (90) days jail.
M. Harboring excess dogs. It shall be unlawful for any person to own; keep, harbor, possess,
accept, or maintain custody, control, or care of; or license more than three (3) dogs at any
single residence, property, or premises. It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge of
violation of this section that such dogs comprise a single litter of puppies under six (6)
months of age that is kept at a single location with the mother dog. The person raising such
affirmative defense shall bear the burden of proof that such defense applies. A violation of
this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars
($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
N. Harboring rabid animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, possess,
accept, or maintain custody, control, or care of any animal afflicted with rabies. A violation
of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars
($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail. The Animal Control Officer may seize and impound any
animal found in violation of this section.
O. Improper disposal of dead dogs. It shall be unlawful for any person to place or leave any
dead dog on public or private property, including premises lawfully owned or possessed by
such person. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
P. Interference with Animal Control Officer. It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder or
interfere with in any manner an Animal Control Officer who is enforcing any of the
provisions of this chapter. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (90) days jail.
Q. Removal of dog feces. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to promptly remove and
dispose of, in a sanitary manner, any and all feces left by a dog owned or being handled by
such person on property, public or private, other than the premises of the owner or handler of
such dog. A violation of this section shall constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of
twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
R. Unlawful reclamation of impounded dog. It shall be unlawful for any person to recover or
attempt to recover possession of any impounded dog, in any manner contrary to City policy
or the provisions of this chapter. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and ninety (94) days jail.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 11 OF 13
6-2-10: SEVERABILITY:
If any provision or section of this chapter shall be held to be invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, then such provision or section shall be considered separately and apart from the
remaining provisions or sections of this chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 2. That all ordinances, resolutions, orders, or parts thereof or in conflict with this
ordinance are hereby voided.
Section 3. That pursuant to the affirmative vote of one-half (1/2) plus one (1) of the
members of the full Council, the rule requiring two (2) separate readings by title and one (1)
reading in full be, and the same is hereby, dispensed with, and accordingly, this ordinance shall
be in full force and effect after its passage, approval and publication.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this o~ ~ day of December,
2010.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this ~ day of December,
2010.
APPROVED:
Tammy e W erd
Mayor
1 i
~,~ ~~ ~
~ ~/1. ~i
Jaycee lman _ ~~~L _
City Clerk - o~'
~ ~~ O
'~~% ~oun,T~ ~ ,,,,~.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 12 OF 13
NOTICE AND PUBLISHED SUMMARY
OF ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO I.C. § 50-901(A)
CITY OF MERIDIAN ORDINANCE NO. 10- (~ ~ o
PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT OF THE MERIDIAN CITY
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
An ordinance of the City of Meridian repealing and replacing Chapter 2, Title 6 of the Meridian
City Code, relating to animal control, including definitions; animal control officer; city dog
pound; City of Meridian dog license; impoundment, reclamation, and relinquishment of dogs;
declaration of abandonment; declaration of vicious dog; requirements for vicious dogs; livestock
harbored on private property; prohibited acts; providing a savings clause; providing for a waiver
of the reading rules, and providing an ef~e~ii~e date. The full text of this ordinance is available
for inspection at City Hall, Gity of. Moridiaii ,,~33 East Broadway, Meridian, Idaho. This
ordinance shall become effective upon its passage„ar'~c~ publication.
/ `. ! ..
Ci o M ri an '
Mayor d City Council '~~ _
By: Jaycee Holman, City Cllt.~, -
tii
First Reading: la ~ ~ 1 D ~ ~~
Adopted after first reading by suspension bf the Rule as allowed pursuant to
Idaho Code § 50-902: YES_.~~ NO
Second Reading: "'-
Third Reading: ~
STATEMENT OF MERIDIAN CITY ATTORNEY AS O
ADEQUACY OF SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 10- L ~b
The undersigned, William L.M. Nary, City Attorney of the City of Meridian, Idaho,
hereby certifies that he is the legal advisor of the City and has reviewed a copy of the attached
Ordinance no. 10-~ of the City of Meridian, Idaho, and has found the same to be true and
complete and provides adequate notice to the public pursuant to Idaho Code § 50-901A(3).
DATED this ZZ day of el~~ _, 2010.
L~
William. L.M. Nary
City Attorney
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE PAGE 13 OF 13