Bellevue, Nebraska

§ 6-0 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter, unless otherwise specified, the following terms mean:

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COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT. Any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibit or kennel.

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KENNEL. An entity which:

(1) Is engaged in the commercial business of buying, selling, breeding, training for a fee, care or boarding of dogs, or keeps four or more dogs over four months of age; and

(2) Does not possess a valid pet avocation permit nor a valid pet shop permit.

§ 6-101 PERMIT—REQUIRED.

No person shall operate a commercial animal establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with this article.

§ 6-102 SAME—REGULATIONS AUTHORIZED.

The licensing authority shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits and shall include requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable laws. The licensing authority may amend such regulations from time to time as deemed desirable for public health and welfare and for the protection of animals.

§ 6-103 SAME—ISSUANCE.

Upon a showing by an applicant for a permit under this article that he is willing and able to comply with the regulations promulgated by the licensing authority, a permit shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee.

§ 6-104 SAME—DURATION; RENEWAL; TIME OF APPLICATION.

The permit period under this article shall begin with the fiscal year and shall run for one year. Renewal applications for permits shall be made 30 days prior to, and up to 60 days after, the start of the fiscal year. Applications for a permit to establish a new commercial animal establishment under the provisions of this article may be made at any time.

§ 6-105 SAME—TRANSFER.

If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner may have the current permit transferred to his or her name upon payment of a transfer fee as described in the Master Fee Schedule.

§ 6-106 SAME—FEE.

Annual permits under this article shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee as described in the Master Fee Schedule.

§ 6-107 SAME—SEPARATE FACILITIES; EXEMPTIONS.

(A) Every facility regulated by this article shall be considered a separate enterprise and requires an individual permit.

(B) No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, animal shelter or government-operated zoological park.

§ 6-108 LICENSE AND PERMIT ISSUANCE AND REVOCATION.

(A) The licensing authority may revoke any permit or license if the person holding the permit or license refuses or fails to comply with this chapter, the regulations promulgated by the licensing authority or any law governing the protection and keeping of animals.

(B) Any person whose permit or license is revoked shall, within ten days thereafter, humanely dispose of all animals owned, kept or harbored; and no part of the permit or license fee shall be refunded.

(C) It shall be a condition of the issuance of any permit or license that the licensing authority shall be permitted to inspect all animals and the premises where animals are kept at any time and shall, if permission for such inspections is refused, revoke the permit or license of the refusing owner.

(D) If the applicant has withheld or falsified any information on the application, the licensing authority shall refuse to issue a permit or license.

(E) No person who has been convicted of cruelty to animals shall be issued a permit or license to operate a commercial animal establishment.

(F) Any person having been denied a license or permit may not reapply for a period of 30 days. Each reapplication shall be accompanied by a fifteen-dollar fee.