Nuisances
Nuisance complaints generally fit into four basic categories.
1. Vicious animals
"Vicious" means showing a propensity without sufficient provocation to do any act that endangers the safety of persons, animals or property.
2. Loose animals
"Running at large" means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of either the owner or a person authorized by the owner.
3. Noise
Any animal that howls, yelps, barks or makes other noises that disturbs a person or neighborhood to an unreasonable degree. Noises must be continuous for 10 or more minutes or intermittent for 30 or more minutes, except: noises made by livestock on land zoned to allow livestock.
4. Too many animals
"Kennel" means either
(a) any premises used to conduct a commercial business involving the buying, selling, breeding for sale, letting for hire, boarding or training of dogs;
(b) any premises at which 10 or more adult dogs are kept for any purpose, including animal shelters.
Cruelty to Animals
Animal cruelty complaints typically fit in two categories:
1. Neglect
Neglect or failure to provide minimum care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of an animal within reasonable care, custody and control of the owner. This does not include emergencies or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the owner.
2. Inflicting Pain or Suffering
Intentionally or negligently cause or allow any animal to endure pain, suffering or injury, or to fail or neglect to aid or attempt to alleviate pain, suffering or injury, including not providing needed veterinarian care.
