Poplarville, Mississippi

Sec. 6-1. – Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

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Commercial animal establishment means any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, public animal sale, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibition, or kennel.

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Kennel means any premises wherein any person or entity engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs or cats; or where there are regularly kept six or more adult dogs or cats, or any combination thereof.

Sec. 6-52. – Commercial animal establishment permit required.

(a) No person or entity shall operate a commercial animal establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with this section. Every facility regulated by this article shall be considered a separate enterprise and shall require an individual permit.

(b) The city police department may promulgate, and amend as necessary, regulations for the issuance of permits, and any such regulations shall include requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this article and other applicable laws. Applicants must show proof that they are able to comply with any regulations promulgated by the city police department before a permit shall be issued.

(c) Written application for permits shall be submitted to the city clerk, which shall include the name and address of the applicant, description of the establishment activity, description of the animals to be affected by such activity, and payment of the appropriate fee.

(d) No fee shall be required of any veterinary office, hospital, animal welfare organization, or government operated establishment. For all other permits, initial and annual fees shall be as provided in the city fee schedule.

(e) Any person who has a change in the category under which a permit was issued shall be subject to reclassification and the appropriate adjustment of the permit fee shall be made.

(f) The permit period shall begin January 1 and end December 31 of each calendar year. Renewal applications for permits must be made 30 days prior to the expiration date.

(g) If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner may have the current permit transferred to his name upon payment of a transfer fee in the amount provided in the city fee schedule.

(h) Failure to obtain a permit before opening any facility or enterprise covered by this section shall result in a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00.

Sec. 6-53. – Inspections.

It shall be a condition of the issuance of any permit or license that the city police department shall be permitted to inspect all animals and the premises where animals are kept at any reasonable time and shall, if permission for such inspections is refused, revoke the permit or license.

Sec. 6-54. – Denial of issuance or renewal; revocation; reapplication procedure.

(a) No person who has been convicted of cruelty to animals shall be issued a permit to operate a commercial animal establishment within two years of conviction.

(b) If the applicant has withheld or falsified any information on the application, the city police department either shall refuse to issue a permit or license or shall revoke a permit or license.

(c) The city police department may revoke any permit or license if the person or entity holding the permit or license refuses or fails to comply with this article, any regulations promulgated by the city police department, or any law governing the protection and keeping of animals.

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

(e) Any person having been denied a license or permit or having had a license or permit revoked may not reapply for a period of 90 days. Each reapplication shall be accompanied by a reapplication fee in the amount provided in the city fee schedule.