Allegan County, Michigan

ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE #1008.02

ARTICLE II – Definitions

Section 201. Definitions.  Whenever the following terms are used they shall have the meanings set forth in this article.

ARTICLE V – Dog Kennels Section

501. Kennel Permit and Tags.  Any person operating a Dog Kennel shall obtain a kennel permit and tags from the Allegan County Treasurer’s Office.  The cost of such permit shall be set from time to time by the County Board of Commissioners.

Section 502. Application for Kennel Permit.  Each application for a kennel permit shall be on a form provided by the Animal Shelter or Code Enforcement Officer and shall set forth the location of the kennel and the maximum number of dogs which will be kept in the kennel.

Section 503. Rabies Vaccination.  Each dog kept in the kennel shall be vaccinated for rabies, and have certificate available for all dogs, as specified in Section 402, unless the dog is less than four months old.

Section 504. Inspection.  Each kennel shall be inspected prior to the issuance of a kennel permit to assure compliance with this Ordinance.  Additional inspections may occur at any time to assure compliance with this Ordinance and to prevent any community health problem.

Section 505. Revocation of Permit.  A kennel permit may be revoked if a condition exists which will endanger the health of the community or if the kennel is, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, not in compliance with this Ordinance.

Section 506. Forfeiture of Fee.  Upon revocation of a kennel permit, no part of the fees paid for the license and kennel permit shall be returned, and such fees shall be forfeited to the County.

Section 507. Display of License and Kennel Permit.  Every person having a kennel license and a kennel permit shall keep the license and permit posted and exhibited in a conspicuous manner at the kennel.

Section 508. Local Zoning.  No kennel permit shall be valid for any kennel which violates any zoning ordinance or official land use plan.  No permit shall be valid where such use is declared a nuisance by the relevant Township Board or City Commission.

Section 509. Conditions of Kennel.

(a) Kennel Facility.  A kennel facility shall be constructed as to prevent the public or stray dogs from obtaining entrance and gaining contact with dogs housed in kennel.

(b) Building.  The enclosure shall give adequate protection against weather extremes.  Floors and walls of building shall be of an impervious material to enable proper cleaning and disinfecting.  The building temperature shall be maintained at a reasonable level and adequate ventilation shall be provided. All kennels which are located within five hundred (500) feet of another dwelling house, shall also have provided a completely enclosed building within which such dogs shall be confined each day during the time between sunset and eight o’clock in the forenoon of the following day.  Such enclosed building shall be constructed or maintained as nearly sound proof as may be through ordinary building construction.

(c) Cages.  Cages shall provide enough space to let each dog stand up, lie down and turn around without touching the top or sides of the cage.  Cages shall be of a material and construction that permits cleaning and sanitizing.  Cages, unless heated, shall have either a resting area above the cage floor or some type of bedding.

(d) Runs.  Dog runs shall be of concrete or other suitable material.  Concrete runs shall have adequate slopes for sanitation.  Droppings must not be allowed to build up and must be collected and removed on a regular basis.  All runs must be periodically disinfected.

(e) Feeding.  All food shall be free of contamination, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to meet the daily requirements determined by the condition and size of the animal.

(f) Water.  All animals shall have fresh water available at all times.  Water vessels shall be mounted or secured in a manner which prevents tipping.