Meridian, Mississippi

Sec. 6-1. – Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

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For-profit pet breeder means any owner who breeds more than two (2) litters of offspring per year and received monetary compensation for the sale of these offsprings.

Sec. 6-19. – Pet stores, boarding kennels, grooming establishments and for-profit pet breeders.

(a) License required. The city clerk’s office shall issue a license to pet stores, boarding kennels, grooming establishments and for-profit pet breeders upon submission of a completed application, payment of a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) and inspection of the premises by the animal control supervisor to ensure all conditions set forth in paragraph (b) are being met. Each such license shall expire one (1) year from the date of issuance, unless earlier revoked for cause. Such license shall not be transferable.

(b) Conditions for issuing and maintaining license. Upon application for issuance or renewal of license, an inspection shall be made to determine compliance with the following provisions:

(1) The building shall be in good repair, structurally sound, shall not leak and shall be easy to clean and sanitize. Drains must rapidly eliminate excess water on the floor. There must be adequate heat, cooling, ventilation and lighting.

(2) Cages must allow the animals enough room to stand easily, turn about freely and sit and lie in a normal position. Cages must be kept clean and in a good state of repair.

(3) All animals must be maintained in a healthy condition or, if ill, shall be given appropriate veterinary treatment immediately.

(4) Animal and food waste and bedding must be removed as often as necessary to prevent an odor nuisance.

(5) Food supplies shall be stored in rodent-proof containers. Food and water containers must be kept clean and sanitary.

(6) Premises and animals shall be kept reasonably free of insect infestations.

(7) No nuisance caused by odor, noise or animals running at large shall be permitted.

(c) Periodic inspection, noncompliance.

(1) Periodic unannounced inspections by the animal control division shall be conducted.

(2) Citations shall be issued for any violations of the provisions of this section. Each violation will be deemed a separate offense.

(3) Revocation of license. The supervisor of animal control may revoke a license for serious or repeated noncompliance with the provisions of this section. Appeal of revocation may be made in writing to the animal control advisory board within five (5) days and the revocation shall be stayed pending action by the board. Any party in interest aggrieved by a decision of the animal control advisory board may appeal to the state courts as provided by law.

(d) Currently operating establishments. Any pet store, boarding kennel, grooming establishment or for-profit pet breeder that is currently lawfully operating within the city at the time this chapter is enacted shall be given a license for the first year without having to meet the conditions set forth above. However, before any license is renewed after the first year, the owner of any such establishment must first meet the conditions of paragraph (b). If the owner of any establishment that is currently operating changes its location or ownership the first year, the owner must apply for a new license and comply with all the requirements established in paragraph (b).