Pascagoula, Mississippi

Sec. 10-1. – 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 litters of offspring per year and receives monetary compensation for the sale of these offspring.

Sec. 10-9. – Pet stores, boarding kennels, grooming establishments, and for-profit pet breeders.

(a) The city manager 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 $10.00 and inspection of the premises by the animal control supervisor to ensure all conditions set forth in subsection (b) of this section are being met. The license shall expire one year from the date of issuance, unless earlier revoked for cause. Such license shall not be transferable.

(b) Upon application for issuance or renewal of a license, an inspection shall be made of the premises to determine compliance with the following provisions:

(1) Any building on the premises 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.

(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 rodentproof containers. Food and water containers must be kept clean and sanitary.

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

(7) No nuisance caused by odor or noise shall be permitted.

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

(d) 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 in this section. However, before any license is renewed after the first year, the owner of any such establishment must first meet the conditions of subsection (b) of this section. 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 subsection (b) of this section. Charges may be filed for any violations of the provisions of this section. Each violation will be deemed a separate offense. The city manager may revoke a license for serious or repeated noncompliance with the provisions of this section. Appeal of a license revocation may be made in writing to the city council within five business days, and the revocation shall be stayed pending action by the council.