Chapter 8.08
DOG CARE AND HOUSING STANDARDS
Sections:
8.08.020 General requirements.
8.08.030 Structure requirements.
8.08.010 Definitions.
Whenever, in this chapter or in any resolution or standard adopted by the Norco City Council pursuant to this chapter, the following terms are used, they shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, unless it is apparent from the context thereof, that some other meaning is intended.
A. “Dog run/kennel” means any enclosure or structure of any kind, designed or used for the harboring or containment of a dog for long periods of time.
B. “Dog cage/crate” means a safe and secure area where a dog can stand, sit, lie down and turn at will for short periods of time. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)
8.08.020 General requirements.
Animal owner(s)/caretaker(s) shall comply with all Federal, State, and municipal codes related to the care, handling, keeping, and management of animals. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)
8.08.030 Structure requirements.
A. Dog Run/Kennel.
1. Must be designed to be structurally sound, stable and constructed in a way the animal cannot escape. Combustible material is not allowed.
2. Must be kept clean and in good repair to protect the dog/s from injury, promote health, and control rodent and pest populations.
3. Must be constructed and maintained so that it:
a. Securely confines the dog/s and prevents contact with other roaming or stray animals or wildlife.
b. Has no exposed sharp points, protrusions or edges, and free of rust.
c. Allows the dog/s to remain clean, dry, and kept clear of standing water.
4. No animal may be tethered as a means of kenneling unless for a short period of time for cleaning and/or temporary purposes to correct fencing, housing and/or living arrangements.
5. Floors and walls must be constructed of non-porous materials which may be easily cleaned and sanitized.
a. Wire flooring of any kind, coated or otherwise, is not permitted.
6. Indoor housing areas must:
a. Be sufficiently ventilated to provide for the health and well-being of the dog/s, minimize odors and prevent the spread of airborne viruses.
b. Be adequately lighted to permit routine inspection and cleaning of dog run/kennel or cage/crate and for observation of the dog/s.
c. Meet the minimum safety requirements pertaining to fire extinguishers and fire suppression equipment.
7. Outdoor housing areas must:
a. Provide sufficient shelter to protect dog/s from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
b. Have at least one smaller shelter or doghouse available inside the run/kennel for each adult dog, which must have clean/dry bedding material.
c. Provide areas of shade large enough to shield animals from direct sunlight.
i. Outdoor housing areas containing puppies under four months of age must have the top completely covered, in addition, side covers as needed to provide shelter from the sun, rain, and strong wind at all times of day.
B. Dog Cage/Crate.
1. Dog cage/crate must be designed to be structurally sound, stable and constructed in a way the animal cannot escape.
2. Dog cage/crate must be kept clean and in good repair to protect the dog/s from injury, promote health, and control rodent and pest populations.
3. Dog cage/crate must be constructed and maintained so they:
a. Securely confine the dog/s and prevent contact with other roaming or stray animals or wildlife.
b. Have no exposed sharp points, protrusions or edges, and free of rust.
c. Allow the dog/s to remain clean, dry, and kept clear of standing water.
4. No animal may be tethered as a means of caging/crating unless for a short period of time for cleaning and/or temporary purposes to correct fencing, housing and/or living arrangements.
5. Floors and walls must be constructed of nonporous materials which may be easily cleaned and sanitized.
a. Wire flooring of any kind, coated or otherwise, is not permitted.
6. Indoor housing areas must:
a. Be sufficiently ventilated to provide for the health and well-being of the dog/s, minimize odors and prevent the spread of airborne viruses.
b. Be adequately lighted to permit routine inspection and cleaning of dog cage/crate and for observation of the dog/s.
c. Meet the minimum safety requirements pertaining to fire extinguishers and fire suppression equipment.
7. Outdoor housing areas must:
a. Provide sufficient shelter to protect dog/s from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
b. Must have clean/dry bedding material.
c. Provide areas of shade large enough to shield animal/s from direct sunlight.
i. Outdoor housing areas containing puppies under four months of age must have the top completely covered, in addition, side covers as needed to provide shelter from the sun, rain, and strong wind at all times of day.
8. Caged/crated animal/s must have enough room to stand, sit, lie down and turn at will. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)
8.08.040 Space.
A. Each dog run/kennel shall have a minimum square footage of floor space as follows:
1. Small dogs up to 20 pounds: minimum of 25 square feet.
2. Medium dogs up to 50 pounds: minimum of 50 square feet.
3. Large dogs, 51 pounds or more: minimum of 100 square feet.
4. Females with nursing puppies should be provided with additional floor space:
a. Small nursing dogs up to 20 pounds: additional five square feet.
b. Medium nursing dogs up to 50 pounds: additional 10 square feet.
c. Large nursing dogs, 51 pounds or more: additional 20 square feet.
B. Dog run/kennel enclosures shall be a maximum of six feet in height.
1. Each dog shall have the above square footage even when housed with other dogs in the same dog run/kennel. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)
8.08.050 Sanitation.
A. Housing areas must be cleaned daily with additional spot cleaning performed as needed. Dog/s should be removed from enclosure before cleaning.
B. Adequate running potable water must be available for cleaning, washing, drinking, etc.
C. Food and bedding must be kept in a manner which prevents spoilage, contamination, and pest infestation.
D. Animal and food wastes, fluid wastes, soiled bedding, debris, garbage, and other waste must be collected daily, removed, and disposed of in a manner which minimizes contamination and disease risks.
E. Dust and drainage from the kennel enclosure shall not create a nuisance or a hazard to adjoining property uses. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)
8.08.060 General care.
A. Dog/s must be examined daily with a level of attention sufficient to evaluate their general condition, demeanor and activity.
B. Dog/s must be kept appropriately groomed and in good hygiene.
C. Dog/s in need of medical attention must be afforded timely veterinary care.
D. A record must be kept of any dog with special needs requirements, receiving medications and the administration of those medications.
E. Dog/s must be fed at least once daily, except as otherwise directed in writing by a California licensed veterinarian.
F. Must be vaccinated against rabies as stated in Section 6.12.050 and licensed as stated in Section 6.12.020.
G. Food must be uncontaminated, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the healthy condition and weight of the animal. The diet must be appropriate to the dog’s species, age and condition.
H. Feeding and water dishes must be made of durable material that can be easily cleaned and sanitized.
I. Feeding and water dishes must be unable to be knocked over. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)
8.08.070 Exclusions.
A. Requests for exemptions to any of the provisions of these requirements shall be submitted to Animal Control Services Superintendent in writing. Written exemption requests must include an explanation and justification of the reason for the request.
B. No exemption to any of the provisions of these requirements shall be assumed to have been granted unless indicated in writing by Animal Control Services Superintendent.
C. Issuance of a waiver or exemption does not guarantee or indicate approval of future waivers for the same condition.
D. Violation of any provision of these requirements will result in penalties as set forth in Section 1.04.010. (Ord. 1084 Sec. 1, 2022)