§ 4-73. Pet shops.

(a)

In general. A person that acquires for the purposes of resale animals, excluding domesticated livestock, bred by others whether as owner, agent, or on consignment, and that sells, trades or offers to sell or trade such animals at retail or wholesale, or a person that holds or keeps animals, excluding domesticated livestock, for the purpose of cleaning or grooming.

(b)

Standards for Pet Shops. All pet shops, including pet shops run in conjunction with another animal facility, shall, in addition to the other requirements of this article, comply with the minimum standards of this section. The premises for pet shops shall meet the following standards:

(1)

There shall be available hot water at a minimum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for washing cages and disinfecting, and cold water easily accessible to all parts of the shop.

(2)

Fresh water shall be available to all species at all times. Containers are to be cleaned and disinfected each day. All water containers shall be removable for cleaning and be mounted so the animal cannot turn them over or defecate in them.

(3)

The temperature of the area around the animal enclosures in the shop shall be maintained at a level that is healthful for every species of animals kept in the shop.

(4)

All cages and enclosures are to be of a nonporous material for easy cleaning and disinfecting. Each cage must be of sufficient size that the animal will have room to stand, turn, lie down and stretch out to its full length without touching the sides or tops of the enclosure, and floors of sufficient strength and design to ensure the animal's limbs or paws cannot pass through the floor material.

(5)

All animals under three months of age are to be fed at least two times per 24 hours. Food for all animals shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal. Food for all animals shall be served in a clean dish so mounted that the animal cannot readily tip it over, and shall be of the removal type.

(6)

Each bird must have a perch and sufficient room to sit on a perch. Perches shall be placed horizontal to each other in the same cage. Cages and perches must be cleaned every day, and cages must be disinfected when birds are sold or as otherwise transferred. Parrots and other large birds shall have separate cages from smaller birds.

(7)

There shall be sufficient clean, dry bedding to meet the needs of each individual animal. Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food waste, bedding and debris, to ensure the enclosure is maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.

(8)

All animals must be fed and watered and all cages cleaned every day, including Sundays and holidays.

(c)

Failure to meet these standards shall be grounds for the issuance of a citation subjecting the owner to the penalties described in this Division, and/or the issuance of an abatement order to comply with the provisions of this Division.

(d)

Owners or operators of pet shops must apply to the Animal Services Director for a Pet Shop Permit, pay any designated privilege tax and receive a permit to own or operate a pet shop in the county.

(e)

Facilities shall be subject to inspection during reasonable hours by the animal control officer or other appropriate representative of the animal control officer or other appropriate representative of the animal protection program upon his request.

(f)

No person may own or operate a Pet Shop within the County unless and until such person satisfies the requirements of this section and has been issued a privilege license if required.

(g)

A permit issued in accordance with this section may be revoked by the Administrator after notice and hearing, for any reason that would have justified denial of the permit in the first instance or for other violations of the Chapter. If the Administrator denies or revokes a permit in accordance with this section, the owner or operator shall be notified of their right to appeal such decision in accordance with Section 4-53.