HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-19 Ordinance Amending Chapter 5 Various Articles: Responsible Animal and Pet Ownership Care and Control Regulations FS��8•,
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1300 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING U") t�C`, PHONE 574!r 235-9486
227 W JEFFERSON BOUI�VARD I `,a: FAX 574/235-7703
SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601-1830 t. '
1865
CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
DEPARTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
TRACY SHIBINS
DIRECTOR
Filed in Clerk's Office
Tim Scott, Council President, JUL 0 2 2019
South Bend Common Council -
County-City Building KAREEMlAH FOWLER
227 W. Jefferson Blvd CITY CLERK,SOUTH BEND, IN
South Bend, IN 46601
RE: Ordinance to Amend Chapter 5,Various Articles: Responsible Animal and Pet Ownership Care and
Control Regulations
Dear Council President Scott:
Since 2016, the Animal Care and Control Division of the Department of Code Enforcement has continued to
excel in services that save and enhance the lives of animals in our community. Animal adoption has soared
from 261 placements in 2016 to 652 in 2018. Pet licensing has grown to 1,671 licenses issued in 2018,an
increase of almost 1,000 more than were sold in 2016. The staff have embraced a culture of community care
that has driven up to these indicators of success. We are ready to rename and rebrand to signal our continued
positive direction.
To best reflect the mission and vision of animal services on behalf of the City of South Bend,the Department
has enclosed a proposed ordinance which updates Chapter 5, Responsible Animal and Pet Ownership Care and
Control Regulations. Amendments to the Animal Care regulations are appropriate to reflect this change in
mission,vision,and name:
• The mission of the South Bend Animal Resource Center("SBARC")is to prevent animal cruelty and
abandonment by promoting responsible,caring and compassionate attitudes towards animals.
• SBARC's vision is to serve the South Bend community with programs and services that improve the
welfare of animals. With the motto"Open Door--Open Heart", SBARC offers resources for animal
care, supplies,education, leisure,and training.
Additional amendments to the ordinance incorporate best practices for customer service,budgeting,and animal
welfare personnel management. The proposed changes to Article 4 improve the service delivery of licensing to
further grow the number of licensed pets and increase the reunification of lost pets with owners. Updates to
Article 8, Sec. 5-110 will allow the Department to better prepare an annual budget that is responsive to City
spending, community needs, and innovations in animal welfare. The changes allow for a regular and routine
review of fees through the various touchpoints of the budget process including Division,Department, Mayoral,
Financial, and Council accountability, as well as review by the public Commission. Finally, revising the job
description for the SBARC Manager will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role and the
Manager's accountability in developing operational policy.
I will present this Ordinance to the Council at its Committee meeting and regular evening meeting. I may be
accompanied by Assistant City Attorney Thomas E. Panowicz and Jamie Morgan, Project Manager, Office of
the Mayor to answer legal or other questions you may have.
Sincerely,
I i9
Tracy Skibins
Director,Code Enforcement
cc:
Karen White,Council Vice-President, Sixth District Representative
Jo M. Broden,Fourth District Representative,Committee Chair,Health&Public Safety
Filed in Clerk's Office
Bill NO JUL 0 2 2019
KAREEMAH FOWLER
CITY CLERK,SOUTH BEND,IN
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA,AMENDING VARIOUS ARTICLES AND SECTIONS OF CHAPTER FIVE
OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE, GENERALLY KNOWN AS THE
RESPONSIBLE ANIMAL AND PET OWNERSHIP CARE AND CONTROL
REGULATIONS, BY UPDATING ENTITY NAME DEFINITIONS,LICENSE
REQUIREMENTS AND FEE REGULATIONS
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
Since 2016, the Animal Care and Control Division of the Department of Code Enforcement has
continued to excel in services that save and enhance the lives of animals in our community.
Animal adoption has soared from 261 placements in 2016 to 652 in 2018. Pet licensing has
grown to 1,671 licenses issued in 2018, an increase of almost 1,000 more than were sold in 2016.
The staff has embraced a culture of community care that has driven up to these indicators of
success. The City wishes to rename and rebrand this Division to signal its continued positive
direction.
To best reflect the mission and vision of animal services on behalf of the City of South Bend,
this ordinance updates various Articles and Sections of Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal
Code: Responsible Animal and Pet Ownership Care and Control Regulations. These
amendments are appropriate to reflect this change in mission, vision, and name, as follows:
• The mission of the South Bend Animal Resource Center("SBARC") is to prevent animal
cruelty and abandonment by promoting responsible, caring and compassionate
attitudes towards animals.
• SBARC's vision is to serve the South Bend community with programs and services that
improve the welfare of animals. With the motto "Open Door— Open Heart", SBARC
offers resources for animal care, supplies, education, leisure, and training.
Additional amendments to the ordinance incorporate best practices for customer service,
budgeting, and animal welfare personnel management.The proposed changes to Chapter 5,Article
4 improve the service delivery of licensing to further grow the number of licensed pets and increase
the reunification of lost pets with owners. Updates to Article 8, Sec. 5-110 will allow the
Department to better prepare an annual budget that is responsive to City spending, community
needs, and innovations in animal welfare. The changes allow for a regular and routine review of
fees through the various touchpoints of the budget process including Division, Department,
Mayoral, Financial, and Council accountability, as well as review by the public Animal Welfare
Advisory Commission. Finally,revising the job description for the SBARC Manager will provide
a more comprehensive understanding of the role and the Manager's accountability in developing
operational policy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of South
Bend, as follows:
SECTION I. Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 5-2 (f), (g), (bb), (000) and (rrr) of the South
Bend Municipal Code definitions are each hereby deleted entirely and replaced with revisions to
read as follows:
(f)Animal Welfare Commission means the advisory Commission as established in Division III
of this chapter. This was previously known as the Animal Control Commission.
(g) Animal Welfare Officer means a person authorized to carry out the provisions of this
chapter, also referred to as AWO. This was previously known as Animal Control Officer.
(bb)Division of Animal Welfare means the municipally operated Division, formerly known as
the Division of Animal Care and Control, established for the purpose of animal control and
enforcement as used and described throughout this Article. It is operated by and is under the
direct supervision of the Director of the Department of Code Enforcement and the Resource
Center Manager.
(000) Resource Center means the South Bend Animal Resource Center (SBARC) and the
Division of Animal Welfare. The Resource Center is where the City shelters animals and the
Division of Animal Welfare enforces the ordinances relating to the care, treatment and
control of animals. This was previously known as SBACC or South Bend Animal Care and
Control.
(rrr) Resource Center Manager means the Resource Center Manager for the South Bend
Animal Resource Center and the Division of Animal Welfare. This was previously known as
the Shelter Manager.
SECTION II. Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 5-2 of the South Bend Municipal Code is updated
to refer to the revised definitions from Section I above, as follows:
Sec. 5-2. - Definitions.
(ee) Enforcement Authority means law Enforcement Control Agencies and officers acting
on their behalf and Animal Welfare Officers sanctioned by the City of South Bend, St.
Joseph County, or the State of Indiana.
(iii) Quarantining authority means the Department of Code Enforcement, Division of
Animal Welfare, its agents, employees and designees, acting under directives and regulations
of the Health Department of St. Joseph County or the Indiana state board of animal health.
(tt) Litter permit means the permit required by any person who intentionally or
unintentionally causes or allows the breeding of a litter of dogs or cats in a twelve-month
period. Exception: if the parent animal(s) are altered within fourteen(14) weeks after giving
birth or the parent animal(s) and the litter are relinquished to SBARC within fourteen(14)
weeks after birth of the litter, all permit requirements shall be waived.
(vvv) Stray means any animal that is not under restraint and/or upon reasonable inquiry by
an animal welfare officer does not appear to have an owner. This section does not apply to free-
roaming and/or community cat(s) as defined in this chapter.
SECTION III. Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 5-4, of the South Bend Municipal Code,
Schedule of Fees is deleted entirely.
Sec. 5 4. Schedule of fees for the division of animal welfare.
Division of Animal Welfare is as follows:
Type-of-Fee Fee-Amount
- _ _ e -
First redemption $ 15.00
Second redemption $- 0
Third redemption $--7-54)0
$40000
' • . . 141141 $40.00
. . . --• $LA0
. - " . . • $ 2.00 per dose
Flea Treatment $ 10.00 per dose
$-25.00
.. . .. - . $40.00
— . . $40.00
10 day quarantine(per day/cat) $40.00
. . . ., ., - ,: $4-54)0
Microchip fcc $-20.00
Adoption—Fees
Dog t5115t $ 85.00
Puppy $1-00.00
Cat $-680
Small animal $-5.00
Small bird $ 10.00
• _ • $ 75.00
Rabbit $40.00
Small reptile $ 00
Medium or Large reptile X40.00
Protective Custody Impound Fees:
Fire, death,accident, acts of God, etc. No charge
for first three(3)days
$40440-per--day-per--eat
$ 15.00 per day per
deg
• ' ' ' ' S 10.00 per day per cat
etc.
$ 15.00 per day per
5.5-00
UPS shipping of biting anirn - • . . - $40,00
(b) The Shelter Manager has limited authority to waive or reduce fees based on:
(1) Considerations of responsible ownership of the animal(s); or
(2) Space available at the Shelter.
Secs. 5 5 5 7. Reserved.
Secs. 5-4 5-7. - Reserved.
SECTION IV. Chapter 5, Article 3, and all or certain subparts of Sections 5-16, 5-20, 5-
22, 5-36, 5-37, 5-39, 5-40, 5-42 and 5-44 of the South Bend Municipal Code are amended to
read as follows: Sec. 5-16. - Medical and grooming care requirements.
(b) Any animal deemed by the SBARC staff to require medical evaluation must be evaluated by
a licensed veterinarian to maintain humane care. Any treatment necessary shall be at the
discretion of the veterinarian. Proof of compliance must be provided.
(c) Any owner keeping an animal requiring grooming deemed by SBARC staff to maintain
humane standards of care must show proof that such grooming has been completed. 24[241
Sec. 5-20. - Urban chicken regulations.
(a) Anyone desiring to raise one (1) or more urban chickens within the city limits must file an
application for an Urban Chicken Permit with the Division of Animal Welfare in the Department
of Code Enforcement and pay an annual filing fee : - - • - •• e.!! , if provisions for
the chickens are deemed acceptable after inspection by the Division of Animal Welfare and the
application is approved. If the application is approved, the owner/harborer of the chicken(s) will
receive a durable metal tag, which must be affixed in plain view to the chicken coop. At the end
of each calendar quarter, the Division of Animal Welfare shall provide to the Office of the City
Clerk an electronic report summarizing: the residential street location, number of urban chickens
at each such location, size of the chicken coop and size of the chicken pen for each location
which has been issued such a permit. The Division of Animal Welfare may deny or revoke a
permit to any person who has failed or refused to comply with the permit requirements, who has
made any fraudulent or false statement or material representation in the permit application or in
connection with the keeping of urban chickens, who has violated a state or any provision of this
Code in connection with the application or keeping of urban chickens or who has kept urban
chickens or other animals in such a manner as to constitute a breach of the peace or a menace to
the health, safety or welfare of the public. Upon denial or revocation of a permit, the Law
Department shall provide notice to the permit applicant or holder and shall provide for a written
appeal and hearing pursuant to the procedures in Section 4-16 of this Code.
(c) The Department of Code Enforcement shall be responsible for the enforcement of this section.
The Department of Code Enforcement shall comply with the duties which require the filing
of a summary list of all warning notices and citations issued by the last Friday of each month
with the Law Department, the Chairperson of the Health and Public Safety Committee, the
Chairperson of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee, the Office of the City Clerk, and
the Animal Welfare Commission.
Sec. 5-22. - Fastening animals with rope or chain; choker collar.
(e) Multiple tangling during tethering. If one(1) or more dogs at a residence have required a
response from the Division of Animal Welfare to untangle tethers more than two (2) times in one
(1) year, it shall be a violation of this Section.
Sec. 5-36. -Notification of injury caused by motor vehicle to animals required.
Any person operating a motor vehicle who causes injury or death to a domestic pet or large
wild animal which may cause a public safety hazard shall stop at once, assess the extent of injury,
and immediately notify the owner or Resource Center of the location of such animal or call the
police or emergency services after hours.
Sec. 5-37. -Notification of lost or stray animals required.
(a) Persons finding a stray animal are to notify the Division of Animal Welfare within 24 hours
(or within the next business day). At the discretion of the Division,the animal may be kept by
the finder and a found report left with the department, to enable the finder an opportunity to
return the animal to its rightful owner.
(b) Upon demand by the Division of Animal Welfare, any found animal will be surrendered to
the Division and held for three(3) business days, before a disposition is made.
(d) With the exception of the SBARC, the finder will be considered the found animal's owner
for the purposes of this chapter only after the animal is in the finder's custody for fifteen (15)
continuous days and has been presented for microchip scanning.
Sec. 5-38. - Potentially dangerous animals.
(a) If an animal welfare officer or a law enforcement officer has investigated and determined
that there exists probable cause to believe that an animal is potentially dangerous or vicious,
the Resource Center Manager of SBARC shall request a hearing by the Animal Welfare
Commission for the purpose of determining whether or not the animal in question should be
declared potentially dangerous or vicious.
(1) Whenever possible, any complaint received from a member of the public which serves
as the evidentiary basis for finding probable cause shall be sworn to and verified by the
complainant and shall be provided to the Animal Welfare Commission.
(2) The hearing will be held within ten(10)calendar days at a special meeting of the Animal
Welfare Commission and shall be open to the public.
(4) The Resource Center Manager of SBARC shall notify the owner/guardian of the animal
of the date and time of such hearing, at which time he or she may present evidence as to
why the animal should not be declared potentially dangerous or vicious.
(5) The Animal Welfare Commission may consider all relevant evidence,including incident
reports,affidavits of witnesses,photographs and/or video media,and whether the incident
reasonably indicates whether or not the animal in question is potentially dangerous and/or
vicious in ordinary circumstances where the average person could not reasonably be
expected to foresee and take measures to prevent injury.
(6) If the owner/guardian of the animal fails to appear at the hearing, the Animal Welfare
Commission may find owner/guardian in default, and all ownership rights of the animals
shall be assumed waived.
(7)
b. An animal determined to be vicious shall be euthanized by the South Bend Division
of Animal Welfare when it is found by the Animal Welfare Commission that the
release of the animal would create a significant threat to the public health,safety, and
welfare
c. If it is determined that an animal found to be vicious shall not be euthanized, the
Animal Welfare Commission may impose reasonable conditions upon the ownership
of the animal that protect the public health, safety and welfare, which are consistent
with the chapter.
d. Decisions of the Animal Welfare Commission are subject to appeal to the Circuit
Court of St. Joseph County. The Owner/Guardian of the animal(s)must do so within
ten (10) calendar days, or they will waive their right to the appeal, and all decisions
will be considered final. The Owner/Guardian must also notify the Animal Welfare
Commission of their decision to appeal in writing, which will then be forwarded to
the Law Department for the City of South Bend.
(b) If, upon investigation, it is determined by the animal control officer or law enforcement
officer that probable cause exists to believe the animal in question poses an immediate threat to
public safety, then the animal welfare officer or law enforcement officer may seize and impound
the animal pending the hearing to be held pursuant to this section. The owner/guardian of the
animal shall be liable to the City of South Bend Division of Animal Welfare where the dog is
impounded for the costs and expenses of keeping the animal, if the animal is later declared
potentially dangerous or vicious.
(d)
(5) The enclosure shall be inspected and approved by the City of South Bend Division
of Animal Welfare prior to its usage for confinement.
(8) The animal must also be identifiable via a microchip implanted in to the skin of the
animal, and such microchip number must be provided to the Division of Animal Welfare.
(0
(3) If the animal in question dies, or is sold or transferred, the owner/guardian shall notify
the City of South Bend Division of Animal Welfare of the changed condition and new
location of the animal in writing within two (2)business days.
(4) Any violation of the above provisions and/or restrictions placed on the owner/guardian
by the Animal Welfare Commission will result in immediate impoundment of the animal,
fines to be issued in accordance with Section 5-106 of this chapter, and ownership rights
in the animal be immediately waived.The Resource Center may also seek injunctive relief
in a court of law against the owner/guardian and seek prohibition of ownership of animals
for a time period deemed necessary by the court
(5) An owner/guardian may submit one (1) request for reconsideration per year to the
Animal Welfare Commission to have the designation of potentially dangerous or vicious
removed from his or her animal.
b. The application must be filed with the Division of Animal Welfare.
d. The Animal Welfare Commission has the authority to hear evidence, both pro and
con, as to whether and why the designation should or should not be removed.
f. The Animal Welfare Commission may make a decision to remove or not to remove
such designation.
Sec. 5-39. -Biting animals; report; procedure.
(a) Owner or harborer of any animal which has bitten a person or another animal must report
the incident to the St. Joseph County Health Department and the Division of Animal
Welfare and immediately make the animal available for quarantine. Upon receiving the
report of a bite, Division of Animal Welfare will quarantine the animal for ten(10) days
with the place of confinement to be in the discretion of the Division of Animal Welfare.
During the quarantine period, the animal is to be securely confined and kept from contact
with any other animal or person.
(b) During the quarantine period,the owner must provide a current rabies vaccination certificate
for his or her cat or dog that is being quarantined. If proof of vaccination cannot be supplied,
the animal will be vaccinated by a veterinarian at the owner's expense before after release, and
the owner must provide the Animal Welfare Commission with name, address and phone
number of the veterinarian performing the rabies vaccination, which will be verified before
the animal can be released to the owner.
(1) If the animal is quarantined at the Resource Center, a microchip shall be implanted in
it prior to its release from quarantine. The animal shall be registered for its life with the
Division of Animal Welfare. The cost of the implant shall be at the owner's expense
before release.
(2) If the animal is quarantined in a place other than the Resource Center, as determined by
the Division of Animal Welfare, a microchip shall be implanted in it within thirty(30)
days following the animal's release from quarantine. The animal shall be registered for
its life with the Division of Animal Welfare. The cost of the implant and registry shall
be at the owner's expense.
(c) No person other than an Animal Welfare Officer or veterinarian shall euthanize or cause to
be euthanized any animal suspected of being rabid except in cases of immediate self-
protection. If that occurs, the person will retain the body and immediately notify the Division
of Animal Welfare.
Sec. 5-40. - Exotic animals and native wildlife.
(f) Costs. The owner of any animal, which is impounded and/or euthanized or relocated under
this section, shall be held responsible for payment of any expenses so incurred by the Division
of Animal Welfare. Fees will be paid prior to release or relocation of the animal.
Sec. 5-42. - Destruction of animals.
(a) All animals impounded by Resource Center, a public or private sheltering agency or rescue
group shall be euthanized, only when necessary and consistent with the requirements of this
chapter by lethal intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital, except as follows:
(b) No person other than a duly authorized agent of Resource Center may euthanize any
domestic animal within the city limits; provided, however, this provision shall not apply to
the following:
(c) The Division of Animal Welfare,other animal shelters, and/or public animal facilities which
destroy animals in the city, shall use only sodium pentobarbital or a derivative substance for
said purpose.
(d) The duly authorized Resource Center agent(s) must be trained in humane procedures by a
licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician and shall perform the destruction of
animals in a humane manner as specified by the American Veterinary Medical Association
AVMA's Guidelines for Euthanasia. Said person(s) must have letter from a licensed
veterinarian citing their competency in humane euthanasia procedures and must be evaluated
by a licensed veterinarian on a yearly basis.
Sec. 5-43. - Habitual animal offender.
(b) If upon investigation by an Animal Welfare Officer it is found that an owner and/or harbor
meets the definition of a Habitual Offender, the matter will be set for hearing before the
Animal Welfare Commission.
(c) If found to be a habitual animal offender the Animal Welfare Commission may order a limit,
restriction, or prohibition against animal ownership for a minimum of five (5) years or more
as determined by the Animal Welfare Commission based on the totality of the circumstances
of the violations observed.
Sec. 5-44. - Free roaming cat trap-neuter return regulations.
(c) The Division of Animal Welfare, or a community cat caretaker or a trap/neuter return
organization, in order to encourage the stabilization of the free-roaming cat population may:
(3) Release the cat to the Division of Animal Welfare for adoption or other disposition
in accordance with law, or to a colony caretaker who will maintain the cat as part of a
managed colony of community cats. Cat must be returned as close as possible to its
location of capture unless illness or injury presents imminent danger to the animal.
(d) Traps discovered by the Division of Animal Welfare to have been unlawfully set may be
seized.
SECTION V. Chapter 5,Article 4, Sections 5-50, 5-51 and 5-52 of the South Bend Municipal
Code are hereby deleted and replaced to read in their entirety as follows:
Sec. 5-50. -- Application for license or permits.
(a) Application for licenses or permits may be made at the Resource Center, a SBARC designated
facility, SBARC website, or by mail, and shall include the name, address of applicant, type of
license or permit applied for, number and description of animal(s), information regarding
sterilization, rabies vaccination certificate, microchip information; and upon request a list of
all other vaccinations administered, if known, the date and type of vaccinations and the name
of the person, business, or entity who administered them, a record of any known disease,
illness or condition with which the animal is or has been afflicted; and record of any veterinary
treatment or medication received by the animal and appropriate fee.
(b) All license and permit fee schedules will be determined under the provisions of Sec. 5-110.
(c) Pet Licenses are to be issued for a term of one (1) year to three (3) years, commencing and
concluding with the date of the most recent rabies vaccination. Owner/guardians must contact
the Resource Center with changes of address, telephone or ownership. Failure to keep contact
information current may result in the inability of the Resource Center to contact an
owner/guardian.
(d) All Permits are to be issued for a term of one (1) year, commencing with the date of issuance,
and required to be renewed annually.
(e) Upon approval, the Resource Center shall issue a license or permit in written or electronic
form,which includes the number of the license or permit and the type of license or permit.
(f) The Resource Center shall maintain records of the identifying license/permit number.
(g) All dogs or cats over the age of three (3) months must be licensed with a current pet license.
The owner/guardian of any dog or cat, which dog or cat is over the age of three (3) months,
must also have in his or her possession a current rabies vaccination certificate showing that
such animal has been vaccinated against rabies as provided in Sec. 5.75. Any owner/guardian
of such animal who moves into the city for purposes of establishing a residence or residing or
who becomes a resident as result of annexation shall have thirty (30) days in which to obtain
the license or permit required by this chapter.
(h) All owners/guardians have the responsibility to keep all license or permit information current
with the Resource Center.
(i) All commercial permits may be issued after completing a yearly inspection whereby the
Division of Animal Welfare verifies that the person applying for such commercial permit has
met all applicable Code requirements.
Sec. 5-51. - Pet licensing and microchip required; exceptions to licensing fees.
(a) Any person owning, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog or cat over the age of
three (3) months must obtain a pet license for such animal; provided, however, that no pet
licensing shall be required of any animal rescue organization,municipal animal control facility
or governmental agency, or service dog agency.
(b) Starting January 1, 2020, if a dog or cat does not have a microchip, SBARC will register and
implant one (1) permanent microchip with a corresponding discrete number upon completion
of the licensing application and payment of licensing fees. Existing microchip
implants/numbers will be used to license the corresponding animal and the Resource Center
will scan and verify any existing microchip and its information. Microchip implants may be
registered for the life of the animal with the Resource Center. Additionally, a durable tag will
be issued for an animal that has received a microchip implant from the Resource Center. The
durable tag will have a corresponding number to that of the implanted microchip and will
display a national, toll free, twenty-four(24)hour, seven(7) days per week telephone number
for the purpose of animal and owner/guardian identification.
(c) The license will be on file with the Resource Center and proof of payment/license will be
provided to the owner/guardian.
(d) The Resource Center will consider the registered microchip owner/guardian to be the legal
owner/guardian. If no registered microchip is found or present, then the Resource Center will
consider tags, or other identifiers to determine the legal owner/guardian.
(e) Any person owning any dog or cat which has been implanted with a microchip shall transfer
the microchip documentation with the Resource Center and national registry upon sale, trade,
barter, gift or transfer of an animal.
(f) Annual pet licenses are non-transferable.
(g) Fee schedules will be determined under the provisions of Sec. 5-110.
(h) Limited fee exceptions to licensing requirements:
(1) Threat to health of animal. Upon a written statement from a licensed veterinarian
setting forth that the neutering of the animal shall constitute a threat to the health of
that animal, the payment of the license fee for unaltered animal shall not be required
but the animal shall be classified as an altered animal for purposes of pet licenses and
fees. Licensing at the altered tag price under this section will constitute agreement not
to breed the animal. Doing so will result in fines and revocation of said license.
(2) Service Animal Exception. A person who is impaired by:
(i) Blindness or any other visual impairment;
(ii) Deafness or any other aural impairment;
(iii)A medical condition or any other condition governed by the Americans with
Disabilities Act(ADA)
shall be exempt from the fees listed in this section for their service animal,however
licensing of such service animal is required.
12
(i) Senior Citizen Exemption. Any person sixty-two (62) years of age or older, with valid proof
thereof, who owns, keeps, harbors or has custody of an altered and microchipped animal
licensing his/her animal will have the licensing fees for such animal waived in their entirety.
(j) Military Exemption. Any active duty military personnel or veteran, with valid military
identification, who owns,keeps,harbors or has custody of an altered and microchipped animal
licensing his/her animal will have the licensing fees for such animal waived in their entirety.
Sec. 5-52. - Fees.
(a) Commencing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter derives, and for
each subsequent year thereafter, each approved application for licensing or permit issued by
the City under this chapter shall be valid upon payment of all required fees.
(b) All license and permit fee schedules will be determined under the provisions of Sec. 5-110.
SECTION VI. Chapter 5, Article 4, and all or certain subparts of Sections 5-54 and Section 5-55
of the South Bend Municipal Code are amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-54. - Appeals; re-inspections; denials or revocation of permit.
(b) The permit holder may request a re-inspection for permit reinstatement based on compliance
or may appeal the SBARC revocation. All requests for appeals must be in writing and
addressed to the Animal Welfare Commission; whereupon, the Commission shall set the
appeal for hearing within forty-five(45) days of the receipt of the written request.
(c) Upon re-inspection by SBARC following an appeal, a permit reinstatement fee e-fifty
dollars ($50.00)will be required prior to reopening.
Sec. 5-55. - Redemption of impounded animals seized for permit denials, suspensions or
revocation.
(a) When the re-inspection indicates full compliance that the conditions that caused the denial,
suspension or revocation have been corrected, the permit shall be restored and impounded
animals that are in the care of SBARC at the time of full compliance may be redeemed.
(b) Animals seized will be impounded by SBARC for no less than five(5)business days. After
five(5)business days, seized animals will be considered unredeemed unless the SBARC and
the licensee whose permit was denied, suspended, or revoked reach an agreement regarding
the housing and care of the seized animals for the period in which the licensee is working to
correct the conditions that caused the denial, suspension or revocation.
(c) Any animal remaining unredeemed after the prescribed holding period shall at once become
the property of SBARC.
SECTION VII. Chapter 5, Article 5, and all or certain subparts of Sections 5-60, 5-61, 5-62, 5-
63, 5-65, and 5-68 of the South Bend Municipal Code are amended to read as follows:
13
Sec. 5-60. - Kennel/cattery permit regulations.
(a)
a. Initial application eligibility requires no more than three (3) unaltered pets, no
outdoor housing in the absence of the owner, suitable exercise space for the breed
and number owned,no history of violations with SBARC, and all animals current on
vaccinations.
(c) Grandfather Clause. Animals owned or harbored and exceeding the ownership limits of this
section at the time of passage of this law may be registered with the Division of Animal
Welfare within ninety (90) days of passage to be exempted from ownership limits. Animals
owned or harbored in excess of these limits and not registered within this time frame will not
be considered exempt.
Sec. 5-61. - Major breeders permit.
(a) A major breeder's permit shall be obtained by:
(2) Any person who offers for sale, sells,trades,receives other compensation or gives away
more than one(1)litter of dogs or cats in a 12-month period; excepting a litter of dogs or
cats taken to the Division of Animal Welfare.
(b) Such person shall:
(2) Furnish the Department of Animal Welfare with information on the birth of each litter
of dogs or cats as may be required by Division of Animal Welfare to register that litter of
dogs or cats with Division of Animal Welfare, and to be assigned a litter number for each
litter; and
(3) Further be required to register with the Division of Animal Welfare the name, address,
and telephone number of each buyer or new owner of any dog or cat sold or transferred
within five(5) days after the date of such sale or transfer; and
(5) Immunize all cats and dogs offered for sale, trade or other compensation or for free
giveaway (except an animal taken to the Division of Animal Welfare) against common
disease; in the case of dogs, against canine distemper, adeno-virus parainfluenza,
parvovirus, coronavirus, and leptospirosis, and in the case of cats, against feline
rhinotracheitis, and panleucopenia; and
(6) Not offer a puppy or kitten under the age of ten (10) weeks for sale, trade, other
compensation or for free giveaway (except a puppy or kitten or litters of them taken to
the Division of Animal Welfare); and
Sec. 5-62. - Minor breeders permit; sale of underage animal prohibited.
(a) A minor breeder's permit shall be obtained by:
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(2) Any person who offers for sale, sells,trades,receives other compensation or gives away
any litters of dogs or cats; excepting a litter of dogs or cats taken to the Division of Animal
Welfare; or
(3) Any owner or person having custody of a dog or cat that has delivered a litter or caused
the delivery of a litter,who chooses not to relinquish the animal to the Division of Animal
Welfare and also chooses not to have the animal spayed or neutered shall cause the animal
to be implanted with a microchip and to register this dog or cat within thirty(30) days of
having received notice to accomplish this procedure from the Division of Animal
Welfare.
(b) Such person shall:
(2) Not be allowed to offer for sale, sell, trade, receive other compensation or give away
more than one(1) litter of dogs or one(1) litter of cats in a 12-month period; excepting a
litter of dogs or cats taken to the Division of Animal Welfare; and
(3) Furnish the Division of Animal Welfare with information on the birth of each litter of
dogs or cats as may be required by the Division of Animal Welfare to register that litter
of dogs or cats with the Division of Animal Welfare, and to be assigned a litter number
for each litter; and
(4) Further be required to register with the Division of Animal Welfare the name, address,
and telephone number of each buyer or new owner of any dog or cat sold or transferred
within five (5) days after the date of such sale or transfer; and
(6) Immunize all cats and dogs offered for sale, trade or other compensation or for free
giveaway (except an animal taken to the Division of Animal Welfare) against common
disease; in the case of dogs, against canine distemper, adeno-virus parainfluenza,
parvovirus, coronavirus, and leptospirosis, and in the case of cats, against feline
rhinotracheitis, and panleucopenia; and
(7) Not offer a puppy or kitten under the age of ten (10) weeks for sale, trade, other
compensation or free giveaway (except a puppy or kitten or litters of them taken to the
Division of Animal Welfare); and
(c) Any owner or person having custody of a dog or cat which has been neutered within ten(10)
weeks after giving birth to a litter or who turns the adult dog or cat over to the Division of
Animal Welfare within 10 weeks from the birth date of the litter,will be required to purchase
a minor breeder permit . - . - . - - : ; .. . !.!! .
(d) Any owner or person having custody of a dog or cat which has delivered a litter,who chooses
not to relinquish said animal to the Division of Animal Welfare and also chooses not to have
the animal neutered, will be required to purchase a minor breeder permit at the ratc of one
plus any applicable kennel/cattery permit fee. The permit shall be
issued provided all requirements of this chapter are met.
Sec. 5-65. - Pet shop permit.
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(c) The pet shop permit holder shall be further required to register with the Division of Animal
Welfare the name, address, and telephone number of each buyer or new owner of any dog or
cat transferred within five (5) days after the sale or transfer.
(d) The Animal Welfare Officer or County Health Department of St. Joseph County may restrict
the sale of any animal suspected of being diseased or otherwise unfit for sale. An examination
by a licensed veterinarian may be requested at the expense of the enforcement agency. The
Animal Welfare Officer may seize the animal to ensure and protect the health and safety of
any other animals present and/or the public.
(f) No puppy or kitten under the age of eight (8) weeks may be offered for sale, trade or other
compensation or for free giveaway (except a puppy or kitten, or litter or litters taken to the
Division of Animal Welfare).
Sec. 5-68. - Exceptions for Division of Animal Welfare and animal welfare organizations.
No permit shall be required of the Division of Animal Welfare or animal welfare organization;
however, all other provisions of this chapter shall apply and such organizations are subject to
inspection.
SECTION VIII. Chapter 5, Article 6, Section 5-77 of the South Bend Municipal Code is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-77. - Sale of puppies and kittens.
A puppy or kitten must be at least ten(10)weeks old and weaned before it may be offered for
sale, traded, or given away for other compensation or for giveaway (except a puppy or kitten or
litter or litters may be surrendered to the Division of Animal Welfare.)
SECTION IX. Chapter 5, Article 7 Section 5-86 of the South Bend Municipal Code is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 5-86. - Euthanizing animals.
(a) All animals impounded by Resource Center, a public or private sheltering agency or rescue
group shall be euthanized, only when necessary and consistent with the requirements of this
article, by lethal intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital, except as follows:
(b) No person other than a duly authorized agent of the Division of Animal Welfare may
euthanize any domestic animal within the city limits; provided, however, this provision shall
not apply to the following:
(c) The Division of Animal Welfare, other animal shelters, and/or public animal facilities which
euthanize animals in the city, shall use only sodium pentobarbital or a derivative substance
for said purpose.
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(d) The duly authorized Resource Center agent(s) must be trained in humane procedures by a
licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician and shall perform the animal
euthanization in a humane manner as specified by the AVMA's Guidelines for Euthanasia.
Said person(s)must have letter from a licensed veterinarian citing their competency in humane
euthanasia procedures and must be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian on a yearly basis,with
such required documentation being kept on file and open for public inspection.
SECTION X. Chapter 5, Article 8, Division 1, Section 5-90 of the South Bend Municipal
Code is hereby deleted and replaced to read in its entirety as follows:
Sec. 5-90. - Duties of Resource Center Manager.
(a) The Division of Animal Welfare shall be operated by the Resource Center Manager.
(b) The Resource Center Manager will be advised on matters of policy by the Animal Welfare
Commission.
(c) The duties and powers of the Resource Center Manager are as follows:
(1) To ensure that all city ordinances and state laws regarding animal care and control are
enforced.
(2) To manage the Resource Center's operations.
(3) To purchase all necessary materials for the proper and efficient performances of the
services and work required of the Resource Center consistent with the City's established
purchasing procedures.
(4) To hire and supervise all personnel necessary for the efficient performance of the duties
required of the Resource Center and Division of Animal Welfare.
(5) To provide training opportunities and continuing education for all staff.
(6) To prepare and submit,after review and comments of the Animal Welfare Commission,
to the South Bend Common Council through the City Controller, an annual budget, for
its financing of its operations and performance of its duties.
(7) To provide the Director with a report of its activities and operation for the prior year,
to be submitted with the Department of Code Enforcement's annual report. The
Director will submit this to the Mayor's office and the City Clerk by the assigned date.
(8) To work with the Director and Director of Finance for the Department of Code
Enforcement to create and maintain the Division of Animal Welfare annual budget and
fee schedule.These fees are to be reasonable and are to be charged for services provided
by the Resource Center.
(9) To prepare monthly reports for the Animal Welfare Commission on performance,
operation and intake/outtake metrics including adoption,rescue transfer and euthanasia
and any other statistics that the Animal Welfare Commission may request.
(10) To ensure that all dogs and/or cats released for adoption shall be spayed or neutered,
implanted with an electronic microchip, and provisions made for a program to monitor
said spay/neuter and microchip plan.
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(11) To assure that any violations of the animal adoption contract shall result in
impoundment of the animal. Return of the animal to the adopter will be at the discretion
of the Resource Center Manager.
(12) To adopt internal rules and regulations as may be necessary or appropriate in its
judgment to carry out the provisions of the ordinances and laws under which it exists
and performs its functions, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the
internal operations of the Resource Center and the Division of Animal Welfare.
(13) To cooperate with the Legal Department of the City regarding legal matters under this
Chapter, such as hearings, appeals and search warrants.
(14) To establish partnership with other municipalities and animal rescues as necessary and
appropriate.
(15) To assist all law enforcement agencies in animal related investigations.
(16) To work with approved nonprofits for the benefit of the Resource Center.
(17) To enter into reciprocity agreements with other cities, counties, and states to report
owners or harborers with a violation history of animal regulations that move out of or
into the City.
SECTION XI. Chapter 5, Article 8 and all or certain subparts of Division 2. Animal Control
Commission. Sections 5-95, 5-96, and 5-97 of the South Bend Municipal Code are amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 5-95. - Animal Welfare Commission established; membership.
(a) A five-member Animal Welfare Commission is established.
(c) Two (2) of the Commission members shall be appointed by the Mayor. The three (3)
remaining members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Common Council. At the
outset, the Mayor shall appoint one (1) person to serve two (2) years, and one (1) person to
serve three (3) years. The Common Council shall appoint one (1) person to serve two (2)
years, and one (1) person to serve three (3) years. At least one (1) member appointed by the I
Common Council of this Commission must be a licensed veterinarian.This selection shall not
be based on political affiliations,but on interest in animal welfare and knowledge of same.
Sec. 5-96. - Officers; meetings and meeting minutes of the Animal Welfare Commission.
(a) The first meeting of the Commission shall be convened by the Resource Center Manager.
The Commission must meet for the first time within thirty (30) days of the effective date of
this Chapter. The Commission shall elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and a Secretary from among
its members.
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(c) Three (3) members of the Animal Welfare Commission shall constitute a quorum to do
business.
(d) Copies of all Animal Welfare Commission agendas shall be electronically sent to the Law
Department, Division of Animal Welfare, Office of the City Clerk, and the Chairpersons of
the Council's Health and Public Safety Committee and Residential Neighborhoods
Committee.
(e) Meeting minutes of all Animal Welfare Commission meetings shall be maintained and
regularly posted on the City's website for the Division of Animal Welfare with electronic
copies being sent to the Resource Center Manager, the Law Department, Office of the City
Clerk, and the Chairpersons of the Council's Health and Public Safety Committee and
Residential Neighborhoods Committee.
--- (39) ---
Note—The Indiana Open Door Law requiring a minimum of 48-hour notice applies to all
meetings of the Animal Welfare Commission pursuant to IC 5-14-1.5-5.
Sec. 5-97. - Duties and responsibilities of the Animal Welfare Commission.
The Animal Welfare Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) To receive and review recommendations made by the Resource Center Manager;
(6) Such determinations shall be reduced to writing with the original of the same being
maintained by the City and copies being sent to the person or persons filing an appeal,
with copies also being maintained in the Division Animal Welfare. Electronic notification
of such determinations shall be sent to all Animal Welfare Officers and the South Bend
Police Department.
SECTION XII. Chapter 5, Article 8 and all or certain subparts of Division 3, Implementation
and Enforcement. Sections 5-105 through 109 inclusive, and Section 5-111 of the South Bend
Municipal Code are amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-105. - Interfering with enforcement.
No person shall interfere with an Animal Welfare Officer in the pursuit of his/her duties as an
officer.
Sec. 5-106. - Impoundment.
(a) Animals found in cruel, abusive or neglectful situations,animals trained,bred or kept for the
purpose of animal fighting, animals considered potentially dangerous, animals abandoned as
a result of owner arrest, or animals that have been abandoned may be promptly seized,
provided, however, that the Animal Welfare Officer shall leave written notice.
(b) Animals so removed will be impounded and held at the Division Animal Welfare or a
designated facility, provided, however, that in no event shall this period exceed five (5)
calendar days, at which time the animal shall become the property of the Department of
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Animal Welfare. An animal may be held longer if an extension is necessary for the Animal
Welfare Officer to have ample time to prepare a court case if prosecution is warranted, or a
request for a bond has been filed as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. In the case of
animals impounded for quarantine at the Division of Animal Welfare,the animal will become
the property of the Division if not claimed by closing time of the Division on the eleventh(11
Th)day of the quarantine. Owners requesting quarantine but failing to claim animals at the end
of the quarantine period will be responsible for all medical, quarantine, and euthanasia fees.
(c) Animals impounded for reasons of tragedy beyond the control of the owner, such as but not
limited to house fire or death of the owner, will be held for seven (7) calendar days during
which time a reasonable effort will be made to contact the owner and/or their representative
to make reclaim or alternative housing arrangements. After the seventh (7 Th) day of
impoundment, the animals will become the property of the Division of Animal Welfare.
(d) Animals awaiting disposition by the courts shall remain in the custody of the Division of
Animal Welfare, unless such disposition is made, or placed in a foster home until legal
arrangements have been completed.
(e) Pursuant to impoundment of an animal under paragraph (a) of this section, the Division of
Animal Welfare may file a petition with the court requesting that the owner or custodian of
the animal post a bond to cover the costs of care of the animal while it is in the custody of the
Division.
(2)
a. Bond must be posted within a maximum of three (3) business days following
the bond hearing judgment. If bond has not been posted within the allotted three (3)
business days, the animal shall immediately become the property of the Division of
Animal Welfare.
b. Bond must be posted at the Division of Animal Welfare in cash or certified
funds only. The bond shall be deposited into the budget for the Division of Animal
Welfare, in a subaccount specific for each case. The Division may draw on this
account to cover the actual expenses incurred in the care of the animal.
d. Upon conviction of the accused,the court or hearing body, at its discretion may
order any remaining bond money and/or the animal(s) forfeited to the Division of
Animal Welfare.
(4) This section applies to any and all animals housed at the Resource Center, or under the
direction of the Division of Animal Welfare at a remote facility,irrespective of the agency
that seized the animals.
(6) When a community cat is captured, such animal need not be impounded but may be
returned to its owner or community cat caretaker if,in the opinion of the Resource Center
officer, the return would not present a danger to the public, continued or repeat public
nuisance, or otherwise result in a violation of this chapter.
Sec. 5-107. - Notice to owner.
(b)
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(3) Cooperation of effort with other governmental and private agencies,such as the Humane
Society of St. Joseph County or other humane and/or breed rescue organizations
recognized by the Division of Animal Welfare.
Sec. 5-108. - Redemption.
(a) A person may reclaim an animal in the custody of the Division of Animal Welfare upon
providing the following:
(3) It shall be mandatory that any dog or cat not displaying a current city pet registration or
current identification tag if not a city resident, affixed to its collar, after the effective date
of this chapter, upon its redemption by its owner, and prior to its release by the Division
of Animal Welfare, be implanted with a microchip and registered for purposes of
identification and recovery. The cost for this process shall be at the owner's expense
before the animal's release.
(b) Stray or at-large animals will be held three (3) business days at the Division of Animal
Welfare.
(c) Unclaimed animals become the property of the Division of Animal Welfare and may be
placed for adoption,transferred to rescue or humanely euthanized, pursuant to Section 5-106.
Sec. 5-109. - Inspections and entry on property.
(a) Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or perform
any duty imposed by this chapter or when there is probable cause to believe that there exists
in any building or upon any premises any violation of the provisions of this chapter or State
law, the Animal Welfare Officer or Health Officer or police officer is authorized at all
reasonable times to inspect the same for compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any
state law; provided that:
(b) In the event the Animal Welfare Officer, County Health Officer or his or her designee or
police officer has probable cause to believe that the keeping or maintaining of an animal is so
hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the animal or
the public health or safety, the officer shall first present proper credentials and request entry,
explaining the reasons therefor. If entry is refused or cannot be obtained because the owner or
other person having charge or control of the property cannot be found after reasonable search,
the officer shall have recourse to secure lawful entry and inspection of the property via a
warrant issued by a judge in good standing.
Sec. 5-111. - Penalties.
(a) Violators shall be issued a citation and fined by a law enforcement officer or animal
welfare officer as follows:
(b) Upon finding of violations of this chapter, the City may seek injunctive relief through the
court which may order relinquishment of an animal(s) deemed to be a public safety risk
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and/or a repetitive public nuisance that has not been abated or an animal that is a victim of
cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, to the Division of Animal Welfare for disposition.
(c) In the event that an animal is retained at the Division of Animal Welfare because its owner
or harborer has been in violation of this chapter,the person redeeming the animal by paying
the prescribed fees shall also be required to pay the costs incurred by the Division of
Animal Welfare for impoundment and caring for including but not limited to:
SECTION XIII. Chapter 5, Article 8, Division 3, Section 5-110 of the South Bend
Municipal Code is hereby deleted and replaced to read in its entirety as follows:
Sec. 5-110. - Disposition of fees, donations and bequests.
(a) All money generated, received or collected as the result of payment of fees required by this
chapter shall be deposited into the Division of Animal Welfare fund.
(b) All money received by the Division of Animal Welfare through donations, gifts, bequests or
devises shall be payable to the City Controller and deposited into the fund 217.The expenditure
of funds shall be subject to all state and local appropriation and purchasing requirements.
(c) All money generated, received or collected in response to the Division's special fund-raising
projects shall be payable to the Division of Animal Welfare and shall be deposited into the
appropriate fund and shall be used in a manner consistent with the announced purpose of any
special fund-raising event or project.
(d) No expenditure may be made from these funds unless first approved by the Resource Center
Manager. The expenditure of funds from the dedicated animal control special projects fund
shall be subject to all state and local appropriation and purchasing requirements.
(e) In addition to any other fees required to be paid under federal and state law, the Director and
Resource Center Manager, under advisement from the Animal Welfare Commission, will
review and recommend changes to the schedule of fees in accordance with the annual budget
process overseen by the Director of Finance for the Department of Code Enforcement, the
Office of the Mayor, and Common Council.
(0 All fees are to be posted in the Resource Center, on SBARC websites, and available to the
public upon request.
SECTION XIV. Chapter 5, Article 9 and all or certain subparts of Sections 5-121 and 5-123 of
the South Bend Municipal Code are amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-121. - Permits and administration.
(c) An application for a license or renewal of a license shall be made to the Division of Animal
Welfare. Applications for renewal must be submitted no later than ten(10)business days prior
to expiration of the current license. All such applications shall contain the name and address
22
of the owner of the horse and the rental horse business in which such horse is to be used. The
horse shall be identified by breed, age, sex, color, markings, and the location of the stables
where the horse is to be kept, recorded on a veterinary certificate provided by the Division of
Animal Welfare. No license shall be transferable. Upon the transfer of ownership or use of
any horse to a new owner or operator shall obtain a new license for such horse within thirty
(30) days of the transfer date.
(d) The annual fee per working animal license or renewal •. - . • - -• • - •• 't.'-'
for carriage horses and ten dollars ($10.00) for riding horses, and shall be paid upon
submission of an application to the Division of Animal Welfare.
(f) An owner or operator of a rental horse business shall keep an accurate daily record of the
movement of each licensed horse when in the city limits including driver's name, horse's
identification number, vehicle license plate number, time of leaving stable and time of return
to stable. Such records shall be kept on the premises of the stable where rental horses are kept
or maintained and shall be made available to the Department Division of Animal Welfare
upon request.
(g) An owner or operator of a rental horse business shall make the stable (if located within the
city limits) in which horses used in the rental business are kept open for inspection at all
reasonable time by authorized personnel of the Division of Animal Welfare to enforce the
provisions of this article.
Sec. 5-123. - Regulations.
(c) Certified weights of all horses and horse drawn vehicles shall be registered with the Division
of Animal Welfare annually. At the discretion of the Division of Animal Welfare, when
supported by the opinion of a consulting veterinarian, a rental horse within a business may be
restricted in regard to pulling/riding capacity,based on individual characteristics and abilities.
(1) The rental horse business shall take immediate action to obtain veterinary treatment, care and
attention when any horse is or becomes sick, diseased, lame or injured. If a horse dies while
at work or in the stable area, or is involved in an accident resulting in an injury to a horse, the
Division of Animal Welfare shall be notified immediately.
(k) Every horse whose use requires a license hereunder shall be examined by a veterinarian prior
to its use in a rental horse business, and thereafter at intervals of not less than once a year.The
horse shall be examined and treated for internal parasites. Its general physical condition shall
be evaluated, which examination shall include but not be limited to, inspection of teeth,
hooves,and shoes, and for its physical ability to perform the work or duties required of it. The
examination shall also include a record of any injury, disease, or deficiency observed by the
veterinarian at the time, together with any prescription or professional recommendation
regarding humane correction or disposition of the same. An Indiana health certificate
containing the above information and signed by the examining veterinarian shall be
maintained at the stable premises at which such horse is located, and shall contain the
identification number, age and condition of the horse. With a copy on file with SBARC.
(m) A horse covered by this subchapter which is or becomes lame or suffers from a physical
condition or illness making it unsuitable for work shall be removed from work by the rental
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horse business or may be ordered removed from work by the Division of Animal Welfare. In
the event of a dispute regarding such physical condition or illness, the Division may require
that a rental horse be examined by a veterinarian in order to determine its ability to safely
work as a rental horse. The cost of any such examination shall be borne solely by the rental
horse company. A horse which has been removed from work under this division shall not be
returned to work until it has recovered from the condition which caused removal from work,
or until such condition has improved sufficiently that its return to work will not aggravate the
condition or otherwise endanger the health of the horse. A violation of this section shall be
presumed if a horse is found at work in a sick or disabled condition within forty-eight (48)
hours after its removal from work for the same condition which caused such removal. Such
presumption may be rebutted by offering a written statement from a veterinarian who
examined the horse after the time of removal from work but prior to its return to work, which
statement sets out the veterinarian's professional evaluation of the condition and his/her
opinion that it was suitable for the horse to return to work prior the expiration of the 48-hour
period. This statement shall be carried with the horse during the presumed 48-hour recovery
period, and provided to the Division of Animal Welfare upon request.
SECTION XV. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect of and from its date of passage,
approval by the Mayor, and any publication required by law.
Member of the Common Council
Attest:
City Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana on the day
of , 2 , at o'clock . m.
City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of , 2 , at
o'clock . m.
Mayor, City of South Bend, Indiana
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Mayor, City of South Bend, Indiana
25