Independence, Missouri

Sec. 3.01.001. – Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

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COMMERCIAL BREEDING KENNEL means a person, other than a hobby or show breeder, engaged in the business of breeding dogs or cats for sale or for exchange in return for a consideration, and who harbors more than three intact females for the primary purpose of breeding dogs or cats for sale.

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HOBBY OR SHOW BREEDER means a noncommercial breeder who breeds dogs or cats with the primary purpose of exhibiting or showing dogs or cats or improving the breed or selling or giving away the dogs or cats, and having no more than four intact females. Such breeder shall be classified as a hobby or show breeder if such person only sells or gives away such dogs or cats to other breeders or to individuals.

Sec. 3.02.014. – Commercial breeding kennels.

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity within the City to maintain or operate a commercial breeding kennel.

Sec. 3.02.021. – Hobby or show breeders.

A. Any person who is a hobby or show breeder shall obtain a license issued by the City License Officer and a hobby or show breeder permit issued by the Director. The permit cost is established by the City Council in the Schedule of Fees.

B. Hobby or show breeders shall comply with the following:

1. Not allow the whelping of more than one litter per each dog or cat in a 12-month period in order to protect the wellbeing of the animal;

2. In the event a permit holder must destroy a litter of dogs or cats due to poor health or disease, as verified by a licensed veterinarian, the Director may authorize the whelping of one additional litter within the same permit year. The permit holder shall show proof of verification by a licensed veterinarian upon request by the Director;

3. Cause all dogs and cats, prior to their sale or transfer of ownership, to be immunized against common disease and microchipped. In the case of dogs, said immunizations shall be against distemper, parvo, adenovirus type-2, coronavirus and parainfluenza; in the case of cats, said immunizations shall be against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Upon the sale or transfer of ownership of a dog or cat, a signed statement from the seller/transferor attesting to his knowledge of the animal’s health shall be tendered to the buyer/transferee, and said statement shall include the animal’s immunization history;

4. Sale or transfer of ownership of or release of any dog or cat shall be prohibited until such time that the animal has become accustomed to taking solid food, and has done so without nursing for a period of at least five days, and is at least eight weeks of age; and

5. Furnish the City animal control section of the Department of Health with a complete transfer of ownership notice, which shall be provided by the City animal control section, for each dog or cat sold or transferred within five days after the same.

C. The City animal control section of the Department of Health shall furnish the permit holder with printed information regarding City animal control services and regulations. If the buyer/transferee resides in the corporate limits of the City, such information shall be provided by the permit holder to the buyer/transferee of any dog or cat from a hobby or show breeder.

D. Persons subject to this section shall not publish or advertise the sale or giving away of any dog or cat unless said publication or advertisement is accompanied by their permit number.

E. Each permit issued hereunder shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

F. If the hobby or show breeder fails to comply with the requirement of Chapter 3, the Director may suspend or revoke such permit.

Sec. 3.03.002. – Restraint and control required.

A. The owner of any dog shall keep his or her dog under restraint at all times.

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F. In the case of a conviction in municipal court, the Judge shall fine the owner of any unrestrained dog at least the following amounts for each offense during any twelve-month period:

First offense: A fine of not less than $50.00 and not more than $500.00. In addition to said minimum fine, the Judge shall direct that the dog comply with animal identification as provided in Section 3.01.009. In addition to said minimum fine, the Judge may direct that the dog be spayed or neutered.

Second offense: A fine of not less than $150.00 and not more than $500.00. In addition to said minimum fine, the Judge may direct that the dog be spayed or neutered.

Sec. 3.03.011. – Outside cats required to be sterilized.

A. It shall be unlawful for any owner of any kitten/cat over the age of four months to permit such kitten/cat to go or remain outdoors, unless such kitten/cat has been sterilized.

B. Any owner determined to be in violation of this section may be issued a written warning or a general ordinance summons requiring said owner to have the kitten/cat sterilized by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days.

C. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00.