Great Falls, Montana

6.1.010– Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed to each:

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P. “Commercial kennel/cattery” means any building, structure, or premise which is used for the business of charging fees for boarding, training, or breeding of domestic animals, exclusive of medical or surgical care, or for quarantine purposes.

6.1.100– Commercial kennel.

A. A commercial kennel license shall be required for any person, persons, family, or entity who, for compensation, wishes to engage in the boarding and/or breeding of domestic dogs, cats, reptiles, or any other animal allowed within the City, shall be obtained through application from the Planning and Community Development Department and shall be subject to the following:

1. Inspection. The intended facilities must be inspected by an Animal Control Officer, such inspection to include the physical facilities as well as the effect on the neighborhood.

2. Recommendation. Following the inspection, the Animal Control Officer will recommend to the licensing authority either approval or disapproval of the application.

3. Fee. The annual commercial kennel fee shall be established by resolution of the City Commission.

4. Zoning. Commercial kennels will be permitted only in areas of the City zoned for such usage as defined in Title 17 OCCGF. A zoning permit and business license must be obtained prior to applying for a commercial kennel license.

5. Renewals. Licenses must be renewed within sixty (60) days of the expiration date or the application will be treated as a new application.

6. License Revocation. All kennel licenses will expire one (1) year from the date of issuance unless sooner revoked. The Animal Control Officer will investigate all complaints concerning licensing or improperly operated kennels and may recommend revocation of the license if it is deemed necessary. The licensee will be given at least five (5) days’ written notice of such recommendation during which time the licensee may appeal the Animal Control Officer’s recommendation to the Animal Shelter. The licensing authority will then take action as required.

7. The applicant or licensee may appeal the denial or revocation of a Commercial Kennel License to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to 17.16.34.010.

B. Exclusions. No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or government zoological park.

1. Separate Facilities. Every facility regulated by this section shall be considered a separate enterprise and shall have an individual license.

2. Penalty. Failure to obtain a license before opening any facility covered in this section shall result in a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

6.1.150– Animals running at-large.

A. It is unlawful for any person, or the parents or guardians of a person under the age of eighteen (18), who owns or harbors an animal to allow such animal to run at large within the corporate limits of the City. All animals not confined within a secure enclosure (as defined in Section 6.1.010 shall be kept on a leash (as defined in Section 6.1.010 not more than ten (10) feet long. Cats are not required to be on a leash, but they must be confined to the owner’s property or be under the physical control of the owner. Any animal which has been duly and properly trained and registered as a Service Animal as described in Section 6.1.010 is exempt from this section.

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J. A person found guilty of a violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). If the animal is unaltered the minimum fine shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00).