Chapter 7.02
LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
7.02.010 Office designated.
7.02.020 Licensing of dogs and cats.
7.02.025 Maximum number of domestic animals.
7.02.030 Exceptions.
7.02.040 Display of tag.
7.02.050 Transfer or change of ownership.
7.02.060 Duplicate tag.
7.02.070 Removal of license tags.
7.02.080 Penalties for violations.
Section 7.02.010 Office designated.
1. The department is designated as the official agent of the city for the purpose of issuing city dog and cat licenses and collecting fees therefor pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
2. The poundmaster shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
3. The city manager shall have authority to enter into agreements with other governmental agencies, a corporation, or an individual as a collection agent, for the efficient collection of license fees and the issuance of city dog and cat licenses. (Ord. 2007-0100, 2006-0676, 82/T-1235)
Section 7.02.020 Licensing of dogs and cats.
1. Every owner of a dog or cat over six months of age or a dog or cat under six months of age that is no longer with its dam shall procure a city dog or cat license for each calendar year from the department before the first day of March of the calendar year for which the license is in effect, or within sixty days after such a dog or cat reaches the age of six months of age, or if under six months of age and is no longer with its dam, or is brought into the city, or is newly acquired by its owner.
2. After March 1st of each license year, delinquent license fees in the amount of two dollars shall be assessed in addition to the annual license fee; after April 1st of each license year, delinquent license fees in the amount of four dollars shall be assessed in addition to the annual license fee; and after May 1st of each license year, delinquent license fees in the amount of six dollars shall be assessed in addition to the annual license fee. In those cases where, by reason of residence outside the corporate limits, age, or ownership, the dog or cat was not subject to licensing until after January 1st of the license year, the license fee shall become due and payable within sixty days after the date that such dog or cat first becomes subject to the terms of this chapter. Sixty days after said date, the owner shall pay a delinquent-license fee of two dollars in addition to the annual license fee. Ninety days after said date, the owner shall pay a delinquent-license fee of four dollars in addition to the annual license fee. After one hundred and twenty days from said date, the owner shall pay a delinquent-license fee of six dollars in addition to the annual license fee.
3. All licenses, regardless of date of issue, shall expire on December 31st of the year the license was in effect.
4. The annual license fee shall be ten dollars for each neutered dog or cat and thirty dollars for each unneutered dog and unneutered cat. In those cases where a dog or cat becomes subject to the terms of this chapter after July 1 of any license year, the fee shall be 1/2 of the annual license fee.
5. At the time of making application for said city license, the owner shall furnish to the city treasurer or his assistants a veterinarian's certificate showing that the dog or cat for which the license is sought has been vaccinated against rabies and that such vaccination has not expired. In order to take advantage of the lower rate for neutered animals, the owner shall, at the time application is made for a dog or cat license, present a certificate of neutering, signed by a veterinarian, containing a description of the animal, its call name, and date of neutering if known. Such certificates may be used in subsequent annual license applications. Upon payment of the license fee set forth above, the city treasurer or his assistants shall issue to the owner a license which shall contain the name of the owner, his place of residence, and a description of the dog or cat. The city treasurer or his assistants shall keep a duplicate of each license issued as a public record.
6. The owner of a dog or cat less than six months of age which is no longer with its dam, but which is too young to be immunized, shall be issued a temporary city license upon application to the city treasurer and payment of the regular fee. Such temporary license shall automatically expire seven months from the date of birth of the dog or cat unless the owner shall furnish a veterinarian's certificate showing that the dog or cat has been immunized. If such certificate is furnished prior to the time such dog or cat reaches seven months of age, the temporary license shall automatically become a regular annual license.
7. Upon issuance of the license, the city treasurer or his assistants shall deliver or mail to the owner a metal tag stamped with the number of the license and the year for which it is issued.
8. Owners wishing to support the dog park located at Bacon Creek Park may make a voluntary additional annual fee of ten dollars or more to be collected for each calendar year along with the annual license fee. Visitors to Sioux City or city owners wishing to support the dog park may make a voluntary one dollar daily fee or more to be collected at the dog park.
(Ord. 2006-0676, 2005-0217; 2004-1012; 2004-0260; 92/U-719; 89/T-7492; 82/T-1235)
Section 7.02.025 Maximum number of domestic animals.
1. No owner or caretaker of any residential unit shall knowingly allow more than two (2) domestic animals of the same species or no more than three (3) domestic animals in total of any species over the age of three (3) months to be kept within the city limits.
2. The number of domestic animals permitted in subsection 1 may be increased by obtaining a permit issued by the city manager or the city manager's designee. Such permit shall specify any restrictions, limitations, conditions or prohibitions including the applicant's consent to a voluntary initial inspection and periodic inspections during the term of the permit which the city manager or his designee deems reasonably necessary to protect any person or neighboring use from unsanitary conditions, unreasonable noise or odors, or annoyance, or to protect the public health or safety. Such a permit may be modified from time to time or revoked by the city manager or his designee for failure to conform to such restrictions, limitations, conditions or prohibitions outlined by the community development director or his/her designee. The permit may be revoked at any time for violation of state or local laws and regulations. Such modification or revocation shall be effective from and after ten (10) days following the mailing of written notice thereof by certified mail to the person or persons keeping or maintaining such animals. At no time will a permit be issued for a residence with more than two (2) unspayed or un-neutered of the same species, unless a commercial kennel license is obtained in accordance with State of Iowa statutes and/or municipal codes.
3. All permits issued hereunder shall be effective for the specific property and person listed on said permit and shall be in full effect for two years or until surrendered or revoked. At the end of the two year period, the permit must be reapplied for. An initial fee for such permit shall be ten dollars ($10.00). The fee shall be paid at the time of the application or application renewal. The city will conduct an initial inspection, and at its discretion, periodically inspect the premises to determine continued allowance of the permit. The owner or caretaker shall display or have readily available the permit allowing for the extra animals.
4. Any applicant who is denied a permit may request a hearing before the city manager or his designee by filing a written appeal with the city clerk within ten days of the denial. The appeal shall be heard by the city manager or his designee within 15 days of the date of the notice of the appeal. The applicant may be represented by counsel and may be allowed to submit a written statement in his/her defense prior to the hearing as well as present evidence at the hearing. (Ord. 2007-0100, 2006-0676)
Section 7.02.030 Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter shall not be intended to apply to:
1. Dogs or cats whose owners are nonresidents temporarily within the city;
2. Kennel dogs which are kept or raised in facilities licensed pursuant to the Code of Iowa solely for the bona fide purpose of sale and which are kept under constant restraint;
3. Dogs or cats brought into the city for the purpose of participating in any dog or cat show;
4. Seeing-Eye dogs properly trained to assist blind persons for the purpose of aiding them in going from place to place, a service dog or assistive animal as defined in Chapter 216C of the Iowa Code used to assist a person with a disability; provided, however, that such dogs or assistive animal are kept restrained on the owner's premises, under supervision or control at all times, or under leash at all times; and
5. Dogs being utilized by the Sioux City police department and Woodbury County sheriff's department for law enforcement purposes under its canine patrol program. (Ord. 2007-0100, 82/T-1235)
Section 7.02.040 Display of tag. The tag as described in Section 7.02.020-7 shall be attached by the owner to a substantial collar during the term of the license, or it must be displayed at the demand of a health officer, police department official, or poundmaster or his designee. Dogs in fenced kennels, fenced exercise yards, on pickets, in buildings, automobiles, or under effective control for exercise, work or training will not be required to wear tags or collars, or leashes, if the stated conditions of training, work or exercise are incompatible with the wearing of such articles. Upon the expiration of the license, the owner shall remove the tag from the dog or cat. (Ord. 2006-0676, 82/T-1235)
Section 7.02.050 Transfer or change of ownership.
1. It shall be unlawful for any person engaged in the business of keeping or providing dogs and cats for adoption or selling dogs or cats to transfer ownership of a dog or cat to a resident of the City of Sioux City, Iowa unless the purchaser has acquired a dog or cat license from the City or the seller, or the seller has made application for such license on behalf of the purchaser along with the fees herein required.
2. In all other instances, when the permanent ownership of the dog or cat is transferred, the new owner shall, within thirty days from the date of change of ownership, make application for a new license as provided in Section 7.02.020, regardless of whether or not the dog or cat was previously licensed under the provisions of Section 7.06.030, and shall pay the full annual license fee. (Ord. 89/T-7492)
Section 7.02.060 Duplicate tag. Upon the filing of an affidavit that the license has been lost or destroyed, the owner may obtain another tag upon payment of two dollars to the department. The department shall enter in the license record the new number assigned. (Ord. 2006-0676, 82/T-1235)
Section 7.02.070 Removal of license tags. It is unlawful for any person who is not the owner or the agent of such owner or an employee of the city or its agent, acting in an official capacity, to remove a license tag from a dog or cat prior to the expiration of the license. (Ord. 82/T-1235)
Section 7.02.080 Penalties for violations. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a municipal infraction. (Ord. 89/T-7492)
