Westlake, Louisiana

Sec. 8-4001. – Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and derivations shall have the meanings given herein, unless it shall be apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.

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Commercial breeder means any person, corporation or other entity, other than a hobby breeder, who breeds and sells animals.

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Commercial kennel means any person engaged in the commercial breeding of dogs and/or cats for sale, individually or in litter lots; or in the boarding, training, selling or letting for hire of dogs and cats for compensation. Animal hospitals maintained by a veterinarian as part of the practice of veterinary medicine, shelters operated by a public jurisdiction or tax-exempt humane organizations, or private kennels, shall not be considered commercial kennels.

Sec. 8-4078. – Adopting impounded animals.

(b) Any person adopting an unspayed or unneutered dog or cat from the animal control and care center must sign an agreement assuring that he shall have the animal spayed or neutered within sixty (60) days or as soon as it reaches an appropriate age as certified by a veterinarian. If the animal is not spayed or neutered according to the agreement, such animal shall be reimpounded and all adoption fees forfeited.

Sec. 8-4131. – Permit to operate pet shops, commercial kennels, guard dog service dealers, grooming shops or public auctions.

No person shall operate a pet shop, commercial kennel, guard dog service dealer, grooming shop, or public auction for more than six (6) months subsequent to the effective date of this chapter unless a permit to operate such an establishment shall have been granted by the city. Application procedures and requirements for such permit shall be in accordance with rules and regulations provided in this chapter. The permit period shall be the calendar year and the permit fee shall be established by the mayor and city council.

Sec. 8-4132. – Permits required.

(a) Compliance. No person shall operate an animal establishment without first obtaining a permit from the animal control officer, nor shall any person operate an animal establishment in a manner which violates any provision of this chapter.

(b) Term. The permit period shall begin with the first day of the calendar year and shall run for one (1) year. Renewal applications for permits shall be made during the thirty (30) days prior to January 1 of each year. Application for a new establishment under the provisions of this chapter shall be made within sixty (60) days of the start of business or operation.

(c) Each location deemed separate enterprise. Every animal establishment regulated by this chapter shall be considered a separate enterprise, each requiring an individual permit (e.g., two (2) kennels at different locations but owned by the same person shall be considered as two (2) animal establishments).

(d) Display. Permits obtained in accordance with this chapter shall be displayed in a prominent location on the premises of the animal establishment so that each is visible and accessible to any reasonably aware adult.

Sec. 8-4133. – Application procedure.

(a) Each animal establishment shall annually file an application for a permit from the animal control officer within the time periods provided in section 8-4132. All pre-existing establishments shall have six (6) months from the effective date of this chapter to file such application.

(b) Upon receipt of a completed application, the animal control officer shall make an inspection of the facility to ensure that all animals are provided for in a humane manner and that the establishment is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter.

(c) The animal control officer shall either issue a permit to the applicant, or, if a permit is not granted, the animal control officer shall notify the applicant in writing of the specific reasons for denial within thirty (30) days of receiving the application.

(d) Any animal establishment denied a permit shall not reapply for a period of at least six (6) months. Each reapplication shall describe any previous denial or revocation.

(e) If an applicant is shown to have withheld or falsified any material information on the application, the animal control officer may refuse to issue or may revoke a permit.

Sec. 8-4134. – Revocation of permits.

(a) The animal control officer may revoke any permit if the person holding the permit refuses or fails to comply with this chapter, or any other law or regulation governing the protection and keeping of animals, including refusal to allow inspection of the animal establishment as provided in this chapter.

(b) Whenever a permit is revoked for cause or pending any proceeding to contest such action, the animal control officer shall have power of entry to inspect all premises where the animals are being kept and shall notify the owner in writing as to the reasonable period of time that shall be allowed for removal of animals from such premises and shall state the specific reasons for revocation. In the event any such owner shall fail to remove such animals as directed, the animal control officer may impound such animals.

Sec. 8-4140. – General requirements.

(a) An animal establishment shall not sell, trade or give away any dog or cat over four (4) months of age unless the dog or cat has been licensed and/or vaccinated as required by this chapter.

(b) Every person engaged in the commercial business of buying, selling, breeding or boarding animals, except veterinary hospitals, humane organizations, and city shelters must possess a current permit as provided for in this chapter and may, at his option, pay the city an annual registration fee by January 31 of each year, in lieu of registering his dogs and/or cats individually in accordance with this section. Provided further, that no dog or cat may be sold unless it has been inoculated for distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis and also for rabies if four (4) months or older. A certificate shall be provided by the seller and signed by a veterinarian.

Sec. 8-4141. – Inspection of premises.

The animal control officer shall be permitted to inspect any animal establishment, all animals and the premises where such animals are kept at any reasonable time during normal business hours to ensure compliance with all provisions of this chapter. The owner of an animal establishment shall show the name, current address and telephone number of the owner of each animal kept at the facility; the date the animal entered the facility; the reasons for such animal being at the facility such as for boarding, sale, breeding or grooming; the description of the animal including its age, breed, sex, and color. In addition, the owner shall post in a visible place the name, address and telephone number of a veterinarian or other party who can be contacted in case of an emergency to assume care of the animals on the premises.

Sec. 8-4143. – Commercial breeders and/or dealers.

All commercial breeders and dealers shall, in addition to all other requirements of this chapter, comply with the following requirements:

(1) Each animal shall have sufficient space to stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides or top of the enclosure.

(2) Cages are to be of material and construction that permit cleaning and sanitizing.

(3) Cage floors of concrete, unless radiantly heated, shall have a resting board or some type of bedding.

(4) There shall be sufficient clean, dry bedding in each cage to meet the needs of each individual animal. Boxes of sand or prepared litter shall be provided for cats.

(5) The temperature shall be maintained at a level that is healthful for every species of animal kept in the facility.

(6) No animals shall be kept in darkness during daylight hours.

(7) All animals must be fed and watered and have their cages cleaned daily, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. All animals under three (3) months of age are to be fed at least two (2) times per twenty-four (24) hours, with at least ten (10) hours between feedings. Food for each animal shall be served in a clean dish so mounted that the animal can not readily tip it over or defecate or urinate in same.

(8) Adult animals of opposite sexes shall not be kept in common cages.

(9) No commercial breeder shall allow any female cat to produce more than two (2) litters in any one (1) continuous twelve-month period.

Sec. 8-4151. – Permit fees.

(a) No permit under this chapter shall be issued until the applicable fee as follows has been paid to the city. All permit fees are on an annual basis and must be renewed prior to January 1 of each year. A fee for an initial application for a period of less than six (6) months shall be half the amount shown, except for transient zoos.

(b) Annual permit fee per establishment:

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(5) Kennel, commercial ….. 50.00