644 TOWN OF TAOS
O-RDINANCES
YEAR: 1 977
NUMBER:
X44
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ORDINANCE NO. 644
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LICENSING, REGULATING, VACCINATION,
AND DAPOUNDING OF DOGS AND CATS WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES
AND PRESCRIBING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TOWN OF TAOS, NEW MEXICO:
ARTICLE I: WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED.
Section 1. Definitions.
(a) Owner: Any person, group of persons or corporation owning, keeping,
or harboring a dog or cat;
(b) Vaccination: Injection of a vaccine, approved by the State Board
of Public Health and administered by a licensed veterinarian for the
,} purpose of immunizing a dog against rabies;
(c) Exposed to rabies: A dog or cat is considered exposed to rabies
if bitten by any other animal known to be infected with rabies or if
it is known that the dog or cat has been in contact with an animal known..
or reasonably suspected to have rabies;
(d) Bite or bitten: An actual puncture or tear of the skin inflicted
by the teeth of an animal;
(e) Spayed Female: A female dog or cat which has been operated upon
by a licensed veterinarian to prevent conception permanently, as attest-
ed to by a document signed by the veterinarian to the effect that such
an operation has been performed;
(f) Dog: Any dog, bitch, or whelp over three (3) months of age;
(g) Cat: Any male or female Felidae over three (3) months of age;
(h) Animal Control Officer: Any person designated by the Town of
Taos to carry out the purposes of this Ordinance. The City Police of
the Town of Taos is ex officio hereby designated as Animal Control
Officer for the Town, except that, if the Town Council should desig-
nate any other person in that capacity, the City Police shall cease
to be ex oficio Animal Control Officer, except that nothing herein
said shall be construed to prevent the City Police- from acting as
the Town law enforcement officer to enforce the laws of the Town as
provided herein;
(i) Running at Large Means: Off or away from the premises of the
owner, possessor or keeper and not under the control of such owner;
possessor or keeper of his agent or servant or member of his immedi-
ate family, either by leash, cord or chain, not more than ten (lb)
feet in length.
ARTICLE II: HEALTH PROVISIONS: VACCINATION AND BITES.
Section 1. Annual Vaccination of Dogs and Cats Required.
(a) It shall be the duty of every owner of a dog or cat within the
Town boundaries to have the dog or cat vaccinated annually by a
licensed veterinarian;
(b) All dogs and cats shall be vaccinated annually. Upon completion
of the vaccination the veterinarai n shall give the dog' s owner a
certificate attesting to the vaccination and a metal tag to be affix-
ed to the animal' s collar.
Section 2. Vaccination Certificates and Tags.
(a) The vaccination certificates shall be prepared by the veterinarain
in duplicate retaining one for his record and giving, a copy to the
owner. The certificate shall include the following:
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(1) The name and address of the owner or harborer of the
Inoculated dog or cat;
(2) The date of the inoculation;
(3) The year and series number of the tag;
(4) The breed, age, color and sex of the inoculated animal;
(5) The type and brand name of the rabies vaccine used.
(b) The copy of vaccination certificate shall be retained by the owner
and presented to the 'Town Clerk when applying for a license;
(c) A metal tag shall be given to the owner to be attached to the
collar of the inoculated dog or cat. Each tag shall bear the name:
"Town of Taos" and shall have a separate number;
(d) Neither the certificates or tags are transferable to another
animal;
(e) Replacement tags may be purchased from the Town Clerk;
(f) Dogs or cats brought into the Town having a current vaccination
shall be held in compliance with this Ordinance if the animal has
been vaccinated with approved vaccine within the past twelve (12)
calendar months.
(1) If an imported dog or cat remains in the Town for more than
thirty (30) days, then it shall be registered in accordance with
the provisions of this Article;
(2) The requirements for vaccination shall not apply to dogs or
cats belonging to non-residents of the Town when the animal is
kept at all times within a building or vehicle or under immedi-
ate control.
Section 3. Reporting Requirements When Persons are Bitten.
(a) It shall be the duty of every physician to report to the State
Health Department and Town Clerk concerning the biting of any person
by a dog, cat or other animal. If a child is bitten it shall be the
duty of the parent or guardian of the child to make a report to the
State Health Department and Town Clerk concerning the bite. If an
adult is bitten it is his duty or the duty of those caring for him j
to make such a report. The requirements for the report are:
(1) Made within twelve (12) hours after the bite;
(2) Name, age, sex and address of the person bitten;
(3) Type and location of the bite;
(4) If possible the address where the bite occurred; and
(5) Address of the owner of the animal;
(6) Description of an immunization status of the animal.
Section 4. Requirements When a Dog or Cat is Bitten by a Rabid Animal.
(a) Whenever a dog, cat, or other animal is bitten by a rabid animal
or an animal later proves to have been rabid, it shall be the duty of
the owner of the animal that is bitten to report that fact to the
District Health Officer and the Town Clerk;
(b) It shall be the duty of the owner of the bitten animal to either
kill or have his bitten animal killed; unless
(1) The animal which was bitten had been vaccinated against
rabies at least three (3) weeks before being bitten and has a
current vaccination; and
(2) If the bitten animal has a current vaccination, it shall
be confined for ninety (90) days; and
(3) The bitten animal shall be released from confinement only
upon written order from a veterinarian, who declares the animal
to be free of rabies; and
(4) If the animal is found to have contracted rabies during
confinement it shall be killed and properly disposed of.
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Section 5. Confinement and Inspection of a Dog which has Bitten a Person.
(a) When any person is bitten by an animal, it is the duty of such
person or his parent or guardian and of the owner or keeper of the
animal immediately to notify the District Health Officer and To,;n
Cl erk;
(b) The owner or keeper of the animal shall immediately and at his
own expense securely confine the animal for a period of at least ten
(10) days at a place designated by the District Health Officer or
Town Clerk;
(c) If the animal dies during the confinement period, the head of
the animal shall immediately be sent to a laboratory designated by
the State Board of Pi.iblic Health.
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Section 6. Quarantine.
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(a) When the Town is notified by the State Health Department that
there is danger that rabies exists and may spread within its juris-
diction, it shall publish a notice In the official newspaper or news-
papers of the Town that all owners of dogs or cats shall confine
those animals;
(b) During the quarantine no dogs or cats shall be removed from the
Town;
(c) Any dog or cat running at large during the :quarantine may be
killed by any law enforcement officer;
(d) The only dogs allowed to move about during the quarantine are
guide dogs being used by a blind person.
ARTICLE III.
Section 1. License Required.
(a) No dog or cat owner shall keep any dog or cat within the Town
after sixty (60) days from the effective date of this Ordinance, un-
less a license therefor has first been secured. Licenses shall be
issued by the Town Clerk for a ftZ Qfj?. 0 for each neutered male
or shaved Tema an 3.50 for each un-neutered male or unspayed
female. An applican 'or a license for a spayed female shall present
a statement from a qualified veterinarian indicating that the animal
has been spayed and giving the date of the operation. Licenses shall
expire on the last day of the same month of issuance. in the year next
following their issuance;
(b) No licenses shall be issued unless the owner produces the vaccin-
ation certificate issued by the veterinarian who gave the animals its
vaccination in accordance with Section 47-1-2.1 through Section 47-1-
2.6 NMSA 1953. No licensing fees shall be required to be paid for a
dog trained to lead a blind person if that dog is used for that pur-
pose by a blind person.
Section 2. Date of Payment. It shall be the duty of each owner of a clog
or cat to pay the license fee imposed in Section 1. to the Town Clerk
on or before sixty (60) days from the effective date of this Ordinance.
The Clerk shall cause a notice of the necessity of purchase of the
license fee to be published in The Taos News no less than one (1) week
from the effective date. Thereafter, new licenses must be acquired
within thirty (30) days of acquiring ownership and possession of an
unlicensed animal, or establishing residence in the Town, or on or
before expiration o' the license term specified above.
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Section 3. Receipts and Tags. Upon the payment of the license fee, the
To•,rn Clerk shall execute a receipt in duplicate. She shall deliver
the original receipt to the person who pays the fee, retaining the
duplicate. She shall also procure a sufficient number of suitable
metallic tags, and shall deliver one appropriate tag to the owner when
the fee is paid.
Section 4. Affixing Tags. The owner shall cause said tag to be affixed
by a permanent metal fastening to the collar of the animal so licensed
in such a manner that the tag may be easily seen by officers of the
Town. The owner shall see that the tag is constantly worn by such
animal.
Section 5. Impounding. Sixty (60) days after the taking effect of this
Ordinance the Cify Police or Animal Control Officer of the Town shall
take up and impound any dogs or cats found in the Town without valid
license tags provided in Article II, Section 2 and Article III,
Section 1 hereof, and shall impound any dogs found running at large
as provided in Article IV, Section 1. Officers shall be authorized
to enter upon any unenclosed lot or enclosed lot or premises for the
purpose of enforcing this section; however, this shall not be construed
to allow any unconsented or prohibited entry into any home, enclosed
lot, or portion of any other building not directly and normally acces-
sible to the public unless the officer acquires a warrant from a court
of law allowing such an entry and search of the premises.
Section 6. Redemption. Any dog or cat may be redeemed from the pound by
the owner within the time stated in the notice by the payment to the
Clerk of the license fee for the current year, if the animal was un-
licensed, and an impounding fee of $10.00, plus a charge of $3.00 per
day for each day or portion of a day the animal was confined.
Section 7. Release. Upon presentation of a correct license tag and a
receipt for a license for the current year and for the fees provided
in Section 1 above, the poundmaster shall release to the owner the
dog or cat he claims to own.
Section 8. Duplicate Tags. In case any license tag is lost, duplicates
may be issued by the Clerk upon presentation of a receipt showing the
payment of a license fee for the current year for that animal. A
charge of $1.00 shall be made for each such duplicate tag.
Section 9. Offenses Involving Tags. It is unlawful to counterfeit tags
provided in Section 3. It is unlawful to take a tag from one animal
and place it on another.
ARTICLE IV.
Section 1. Running at Large Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any
owner, possessor or keeper of any dog to permit the same to run at
large within the Town.
Section 2. Place of Impoundment. The Town shall establish or designate a
holding facility as the place of impoundment. Such facility shall
conform to the following minimum requirements:
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(a) Structural Strength. Holding facilities for animals shall be
structurally sound and shall be malntai.ned in good repair, to protect
the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the
entranct of other animals;
(b) All animals and all animal buildings or enclosures shall be
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition;
(c) All animals shall be so maintained as to eliminate excessive and
night-time noise;
(d) No animals shall be without attention for more than twelve (12)
consecutive hours;
(e) Every reasonable precaution shall be used to insure that animals
are not reased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or in any manner
made to suffer by any person or means;
(f) No condition shall be maintained or permitted that is or could be
injurious to the animals;
(g) Animal buildings and enclosures shall be so constructed and main-
tained as to prevent escape of animals. All reasonable precautions
shall be taken to protect the public from the animals and the animals
from the public;
(h) The holding facility shall isolate sick animals sufficiently so
as not to endanger the health of other animals. Sick animals shall at
all times be isolated from the other animals;
(i) Every building or enclosure wherein animals are maintained, shall
be constructed of material easily cleaned and shall be kept in a sani-
tary condition. The bulding shall be properly ventilated to prevent
drafts and to remove odors. Heating and colling shall be provided as
required, according to the physical needs of the animals, with suf-
ficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation;
(j) All animal rooms, cages, kennals and runs shall be of sufficient
size to provide adequate and proper accommodations for the animals kept
therein;
(k) Provide proper shelter and protection from the weather at all times;
(1) Not give an animal any t.lcoholic beverage, unless prescribed by a
veterinarian;
(m) Not allow animals which are natural enimies, temperamentally un-
suited, or otherwise incompatible, to be quartered together or so near
each other as to cause injury, fear or torment;
If two or more animals are so trained that they can be place to-
gether and do riot attack each other or perform or attempt any hostile
act to the others, such animals shall be deemed not to be natural enemies.
Section 3. Notification of Owner of Impounded Cat or Dog.
(a) If the identity of the owner of an impounded dog or cat is known he
shall be notified of the impoundment of his dog or cat;
(b) Impounded dogs and cats shall be kept for seven (7) days at which
time if the animal has not been claimed it shall either be humanely
killed or be released for sale to a person upon payment of the pound
charge plus a service fee of $10.00. Any dog or cat taken from the
pound in such a manner shall have received its vaccination and license
prior to departure from the pound. The person buying the animal shall
to liable for vaccination and license charges;
(c) If the identity of the owner of the impounded dog or cat is not
known and if the animal is suffering due to accident and/or disease,
the new director of the designated holding facility, upon the advice
of a veterinarian, in his sole discretion, may humanely kill said
animal.
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Section 4. Dogs Trained as Guide Dogs to Assist the Blind. Guide dogs
trained. to lead the blind shall be permitted to enter into all public
buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other public conveyance in the
Town.
ARTICLE V.
Section 1. Penalties. Any person who violates any of the provisions of
this Ordinance shall be liable to penalty of $10.00 for the first offense
and not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for each subsequent offense
in an action at law brought by the Town.
Section 2. Saving Clause. If any of the sections, 'subsections, sentences,
clauses or phrases are for any reason held to be unconstitutional or
invalid, the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance shall
not thereby be affected, since it is the express intent of the governing
body to pass each section, phrase, paragraph, and word separately.
Section 3. Repealing Clause. Any Ordinance or part thereof solely relating
to animals or the control of the same heretofore imposed by the Town
and that are in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby re_pe led.
Section 4. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect Sep-- ! , 1977.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 1 9th day of July , 1977.
TAOS TOWN COUNCIL
BY:
OR
A ST.
TOWN
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AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 644
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LICENSIPIG, REGULATING VACCINATION,
AND IMPOUNDING OF DOGS AND CATS WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES
AND PRESCRIBING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TOVIN OF TAOS, NEW MEXICO:
ARTICLE I: WORDS AND FiIRASES DEFINED.
Section l.. Definitions.
(a) Owner: Any person, group of persons or corporation owning, keeping
or harboring a. clog or cat;
r (b) Vaccination: Protection provided against rabies by i nnoculation
with anti-rabies vaccine recognized and approved by the Il. Ei. Department
ol' Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, State of New Mexico Rabies
Control Act of 195c?, given in an amount sufficient to provide immunity
from rabies for ,n minimum of one (1) ,yeas;
(c) Exposed to rabies: A dog or cat is considered exposed to rabies
if bitten by any other animal known to be infected with rabies or if
it is known that the dog or cat has been in contact with an animal known
or reasonably suspected to have rabies;
(d) Bite or bitten: An actual, puncture or tear of the skin inflicted
by the teeth of an animal;
(e) Spayed Female: A female dog or cat which has been operated upon
by a licensed veterinarian to prevent conception permanently, as attest-
ed by a document signed by the veterinarian to the effect that such an
operation has been performed;
(f) Dom: Any dog, bitch, or whelp over three ('3) months of age;
(g) Cat: Any male or female Felidae over three ("3) months of age;
(h) Animal Control Officer: Any person designated. *:)y the Town of
Taos 'L"'o carry out the purposes of this Ordinance. The City olive of
the Town of Taos is ex officio hereby designated as Animal Control
Officer for the `Down, except that, if the Town Council should desig-
nate any other person in this capacity, the City Police shall cease
to be ex oficio Annima.l Control Officer, except that nothing herein
said shall be construed to prevent the City Police from acting as
the Town law enforcement officer to enforce the laws of the Town as
provided herein;
(i) RunninL; at Large Means: Off or away from the premises of the
owner, possessor or keeper and not under the control of such owner,
possessor or keeper or his agent or servant or member of his immedi-
ate family, either by leash, cord or chain, not more than ten (10)
feet in length;
( 1) Neutered Male: A male dog or cat which has been operated upon by
a licensed veterinarian to render him incapable of spermatogensis, as
attested by a document signed by the veterinarian to the effect that
such an operation has been performed;
(k) Enclosed Lot: Parcel of lane or portion thereof in private owner-
ship around the perimeter of which a wall or fence has been erected;
(1) Licensed Veterinarian: A person with a Doctor of Veterinary Medi -
cine Degree licensed to practice in the State of New Mexico;
(m) Nuisance: Means but is not limited to defecation, disturbing the
peace, emitting noxious or offensive odors or otherwise endangering
i or offending the well-being of the inhabitants of the Town of Taos;
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(n) Vicious Animal: Any animal which shall bite or in any other manner
attack or attempt to attack any person within the Town of Taos except
that any animal that bites, attacks, or attempts to attack any person
unlawfully upon its owner's or keeper' s premises, or which is provoked
to attack, shall not be deemed a vicious animal.
ARTICLE II: HEALTH PROVISIONS: VACCINATION AND BITES.
Section 1. Annual Vaccination of Dogs and Cats Required.
(a) It shall be the duty of every owner of a dog or cat within the
Town boundaries to have the dog or cat vaccinated annually by a
licensed veterinarian;
(b) All dogs and oats shall be vaccinated annually. Upon completion
of the vaccination -the veterinarian shall give the dog' s owner a
certificate attesting to the vaccination and a metal tag to be affix-
ed to the animal's collar.
Section 2. Vaccination Certificates and Tags.
(a) The vaccination certificates shall be prepared by the veterinarian
in duplicate retaining one for his record and giving a copy to the
owner. The certificate shall include the following:
(1) The name and address of the owner or harborer of the
innoculated dog or cat;
(2) The date of the inoculation;
(3) The year and series number of the tax;
(4) The breed, age, color and sex of the inoculated animal;
(5) The type and brand name of the rabies vaccine used.
(b) The copy of vaccination certificate shall be retained by the owner
and presented to the Town Clerk when applying for a license;
(c) A metal tag shall be given to the owner to be attached to the
collar of the inoculated dog. Each tag shall bear the name: "Town of
Taos" and shall have a separate number;
(d) Neither the certificates or tags are transferable to another
animal;
(e) Replacement tags may be Purchased from the Town Clerk;
(f) Dogs or cats brought into the Town having a current vaccination
shall be held in compliance with this Ordiance if the animal has
been vaccinated with approved vaccine within the past twelve (12')
calendar months.
(1) If an imported dog or cat remains in the Town for more
than thirty (30) days, then it shall be registered in accord-
ance with the provisions of this Article;
(a) The requirements for vaccination shall not apply to dogs
or cats belonging to non-residents of the Town when the animal
is kept at all times within a building or vehicle or under
immediate control.
Section 3. Reporting Requirements When Persons are Bitten.
(a) It shall be the duty of every physician to report to the State
Health Department and Town Clerk concerning the biting of any person
by a dog, cat or other animal. If a child is bitten it shall be the
duty of the parent or guardian of the child to mal;e a report to the
State Health Department and Town Clerk concerning. the bite. If an
adult is bitten it is his duty or the duty of those caring for him
to make such a report. The requirements for the report are:
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(1) Made within twelve (12) hours after the bite;
(2) Name, age, sex and address of the person bitten;
(3) Type and location of the bite;
(4) If possible the address where th bite occurred; and,
(5) Address of the owner of the animal;
(6) Description of an immunization status of the animal.
Section 4. Requirements When a Dog or Cat is Bitten by a Rabid Animal.
(a) Whenever a dog, cat, or other animal is bitten by a rabid animal
or an animal later proves to have been rabid, it shall be the duty of
the owner of the animal that is bitten to report that fact to the
District Health Officer and the Town Clerk.
(b) It shall be the duty of the owner of the bitten animal to either
kill or have his bitten animal killed; unless
(1) The animal which was bitten has been vaccinated against
rabies at least three (3) weeks before being bitten and has a
current vaccination; and
(2) If the bitten animal has a current vaccination, it shall
be confined for ninety (90) days; and
(3) The bitten animal shall be released from confinement only
upon written order from a veterinarian, who declares the animal
to be free of rabies; and
(4) If the animal is found to have contracted rabies during
confinement it shall be killed and properly disposed of.
Section 5. Confinement and Inspection of a Dog which has Bitten a Person.
(a) When any person is bitten by an animal, it is the duty of such
person or his parent or guardian and of the owner or keeper of the
animal immediately to notify the District Health Officer and Town
Clerk;
(b) The owner or keeper of the animal shall immediately and at his
own expense securely confine the animal for a period of at least ten
(10) days at a place designated by the District Health Officer or
Town Clerk;
(c) If the animal dies during the confinement period, the head of
the animal shall immediately be sent to a laboratory designated by
the " cate Board of Health.
Section 6. Quarantine.
(a) When the Town is notified by the State Health Department that
there is danger that rabies exists and may spread within its juris-
diction, it shall publish a notice in the official newspaper or news-
papers of the Town that all owners of dogs or cats shall confine
those animals;
(b) During the quarantine no dogs or cats shall be removed from the
Town;
(c) Any dog or cat running at large during the quarantine may be
killed by any law enforcement officer;
(d) The only dogs allowed to move about during the quarantine are
guide dogs being used by a blind person.
ARTICLE III.
Section 1. License Required.
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(a) No dog or cat owner shall keep any dog or cat within the Town
after sixty (60) days from the effective date of this Ordinance, un-
less a license therefor has first been secured. Licenses shall be
Issued by the Town Clerk for a fee of $2.50 for each neutered male
or spayed female and $3.50 for each un-neutered male or unspayed
female. An applicant for a license for a spayed female ,,hall present
a statement from a qualified veterinarian indicating that the animal
has been spayec' and giving the date of the operation. licenses shall.
expire on the lf,st day of the same month of issuance in the year next
following their issuance;
(b) No licenses shall I-e issued unless the owner produces the vaccin-
ation certificate issued by the veterinarian who gave the animals its
vaccination in accordance with Section 77-1-3 .through Section 77-1-
14 r?MSA 1878. No .Licensing fees shall be required to be paid for a
dog trained to lead P. blind person if that dog is used for that pur-
pose by a blind person.
(c) Any owner presenting a certificate from a qualified licensed
veterinarian to the effect that the animal to be licensed has been
spayed or neutered and the date of such operation, shall obtain a life-
time license for the animal for a fee of $2.50. This Section does not
exempt said animals from the annual vaccination requirements set-forth
in this Ordinance.
Section 2, Date of Payment. It shall be the duty of each owner of a. dog
or cat o pay e-license fee imposed in Section 1. to the Town Clerk
on or before sixty (t)'0) days from the effective date of this Ordinance.
The Clerk shall cause a notice of the necessity of purchase of the
license fee to be published in The Taos News no less than one (1) week
from the effective date. Thereafter, new licenses must be acquired
within thirty (30) days of acquiring ownership and possession of an
unlicensed animal, or establishing residence in the Town, or on or
before expiration of the license term specified above.
Section 3. Receipts and Tags. Upon the payment of the license fee, the
Town Clerk shall execute a. receipt in duplicate. She shall deliver
the original receipt to the person who pays the fee, retaining the
duplicate. She shall also procure a sufficient number of suitable
metallic tags, and shall deliver one appropriate tag to the owner
when the fee is paid.
Section 4. Affixing Tags. The owner shall cause said ta.g to be affixed
by a permanent metal fastening to the collar of the animal. so licensed
in such a manner that the tag may be easily seen by officers of the
Town. The owner shall see that the tag is constantly worn t)y such
animal, sinless in a reslden(�e or permanent. kennel .
Section 5. Impounding. Sixty (60) days after the taking effect of this
Ordinance the City Police or Animal Control Officer of the Town shall
take up and impound any dogs found in the Town without valid license
tags provided in Article II, Section 2 and Article III, Section 1
hereof, and shall impound any dogs found running at large as provided
in Article V, Section 1. Officers shall be authorized to enter upon
any unenclosed lot or enclosed lot or premises for the purpose of
enforcing this section; however, this shall not be construed to allow
any unconsented or prohibited entry into any home, enclosed lot, or
portion of any other building not directly and normally accessible
to the public unless the officer acquires a warrant from a court of
law allowing such an entry and search of the premises.
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Section 6. Redemption. Any dog or cat may be redeemed from the pound by
the owner within the time stated in the notice by the payment to the
Clerk of; the license fee for the current year, if the animal was un-
licensed, an impounding fee of $10.00, plus a charge of $25.00 to
cover the actual cost of impoundment.
Section 7. Release. Upon presentation of a correct license tag and a
receipt for a license for the current year and for the fees provided
in Section 1 above, the poundmaster shall rlease to the owner the
dog or cat he claims to own.
Section 8. Duplicate Tags. In case any license tag is lost, duplicates
may be issued by the Clerk upon presentation of a receipt showing the
payment of a. license fee for the current year for that animal.. A
charge of $1.00 shall be made for each such duplicate tag.
ARTICLE IV.
Section: 1. Place of Impoundment, The Town shall establish or designate a
holding .facility as the place of impoundment. Such facility shall
conform to the following miniminn requirements:
(a) Structural Strength. Holding facilities for animals shall be
structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to pro-
tect the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to re-
strict the entrance of other animals.
(b) All animals and all animal buildings or enclosures shall be
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(c) All animals shall be so maintained as to eliminate excessive
and night-time noise;
(d) No animals shall be without attention for more than twelve
(12) consecutive hour:,;
(e) Every reasonable precaution shall be used to insure that ani-
mals are not reased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or in
any manner made to suffer by any person or means;
(f) No condition shall be maintained or permitted that is or could
be injurious to the animals;
(P) Animal buildings and enclosures shall be so constructed and
maintained as to prevent escape of animals. All reasonable pre-
cautions shall be taken to protect the public from the animals and
the animals from the public_;
(h) The holding facility shall isolate sick animals sufficiently
so as not to endanger the health of other animals, Sick animals
shall at all times be isolated from the other animals;
(i) Every building or enclosre wherein animals are maintained, shall
be constructed of material easily cleaned and shall be kept in a
sanitary condition. The building shall be properly ventilated to
prevent drafts and remove odors. Heating and cooling shall be pro-
vided as required, according to the physical needs of the animals,
with sufficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation.
(j) All animal rooms, cages, kennals and runs shall be of suffic-
ient size to provide adequate and proper accommodations for the ani-
mals kept therein;
(k) Provide proper shelter and protection from the weather at all
times;
(1) Not give an animal any alcoholic beverage, unless prescribed by
a veterinarian;
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(m) Not allow animals which are natural enemies, t:mperamentally
unsuited, or otherwise incompatible, to be quartered together or
so near each other as to cause injury, fear or torment;
If two or more animals are so trained that they can be placed
together and do not attack each other or perform or attempt any
1 hostile act to the others, such animals shall be deemed not to be
natural. enemies.
Section 2. Notification of Owner of Impounded Cat or Dog.
(a) If the identity of tt:c owner of an impounded dog or cat is known he
shall_ be notified of the impoundment of his dog or cat;
(b) Impounded dogs and cats shall be kept for seven (7) days at which
time if the animal has not been claimed it shall either be humanely
killed or be released for sale to a person upon payT,ent of the pound
charge plus a. service fee of $10.00. Any dog or cat taken from the
pound in such a manner shall have re^eived its vaccination and license
prior to departure from the pound. The person buying the animal shall
be liable for vaccination and license charges;
(c) If the identity of the owner of t;hc impounded dog or cat is not
known and if the animal is suffering duc to accident and/or disease,
the Director of the d esignaL,ad holding facility, upon the advise
of a veterinarian, in his sole discretion, may humanely Ell said
animal,
ARTICLE V. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.
(a) Animals Running at Large. It is unlawful for any person to allow
or permit any animal to run at large in or on any street, alley, side-
walk, vacant lot, public property, or other unenclosed space in the
Town or private property without the permission of the owner thereof'.
Any animal permitted to run at large in violation of this section is
declared to be a nuisance, a menace to the public_ health and ,safety,
and may be taken up and impounded as provided in Article ITT, .Section
5. Notwi.thsta.nding, any provision herein, cats are not required to be
leashed;
(b) Animals on Unenclosed Premises. Tt is unlawful for any person
Lo rhain, stake out, graze or herd any animal on any unenclosed
premises in such a manner that such an animal, may f-o beyond the prop-
erty line;
(c) Vicious Animals. it is unlawful for any person to keep or har-
bor a vicious animal in the 'Town of Taos. Any person attacked by a
vicious animal while on public property may use reasonable force to
repel said attack, After a ,judicial determination that an animal is
vicious the owner or keeper of such vicious animal. shall destroy it,
humanely or turn such animal over to the Animal Control Officer for
destruction.
(d) Animals Disturbing the Peace. It is unlawful for any person to
allow any animal to persistently or continuously bark, howl or make
noise common to their species, or otherwise to disturb the peace and
quiet of the inhabitants of the Town of Taos, or to keep or maintain
in such a manner as to disturb by noxious or offensive odors , or
otherwise endanger the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the
Town of Taos;
(e) Animal Nuisances on Sidewalks, Public Parks, Alleys and Other
r Places Open to the Public. It is unlawful for the owner of any animal
to permit, either w1 u ly or through failure to exercise due care
or control, any such animal to commit any nuisance upon the sidewalk
or public park; or upon the floor or wall of any common hall in any
multiple dwelling; or upon any entrance way, stairway or wall immedi-
ately abbutting on a public sidewalk; or upon the floor or wall of
j any theatre, shop, store, office building or other building used in
common by the public; or upon any private property other than that
of the owner of the animal.
(f) Unlawi;?. Use of License Tat?. It is unlawful for any person to
move any licei.rc. tag from one animal to another. It shall be un-
lawful for any person to manufacture or cause to be manufactured
or to have in his control a stolen, counterfeit or forged animal_
license tag, rabies vaccination certificate or other form of licens-
ing required under this ordinance;
(g) Dogs Trained to Assist the Blind Allowed in Public Places. It
is unlawful for any person owning, opzrA.+irta_ c: maintaining, any public
place of business or conveyance into which the r;aneral public is in-
vited for any business purpose to debar or exclude therefrom any dog
which has been trained to assist the blind, provided that such dog
be in the company of the blind person whom it was trained to assist
in conformance with N.M.S.A. 77-1-1N (1978);
t (h) Physical Abuse. It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully
r or maliciously £orTure, torment, curelly beat, mutilate or cruelly
kill. any animal except that reasonable force may be employed to drive
off vicious or trespassing animals;
( i) Work Cruelty. It shall be unlawful for any person to cruelly
drive or work any animal when such animal is unfit for labor;
(,j) Care and Maintenance. It is unlawful for any person to fail.,
refuse or neglect to provide any animal in his charge or custody,
as owner or otherwise, with proper food , drink, shade, care or shel-
ter, or to carry any animal in or upon any vehicle in a cruel or
inhuman manner. Any animal habitually kept outside shall be provid-
ed with a structurally sound, weather-proof' enclosure, large enough
to accommodate the animal;
(k) Abandonment of Animals. It is unlawful for any person to abandon
any animal within the Town of Taos. All animals which are to be
abandoned shall be turned over to a place of impoundment as defined
in Article IV, Section 1;
(1) Animal Poisoning. it is unlawful for any person by any means
to make accessible to any animal, with the intent to cause harm or
death, tiny substance which has in any manner been treated or prepared
with any harmful or poisonous substance. Tt is not the intent of
this section to prohibit the use of poisonous substance, for the
control of vermin of sipnif.icance to the public health;
(m) Uneared for Animals. Whenever the Animal Control officer finds
that any animal is or grill be without proper care because of injury,
illness, incarceration or other voluntary absence of the owner or
person responsible far the care of such animal, the Animal Control
Officer may take up such animal for protective care; and in the
event of suckness or injury upon the advice of a licensed veterin-
arian, the Animal Control officer may take such action as called
for to prevent undue pain and suffering, including immediate destruc-
tion of the ani;na.l;
(n) Injury to Animals by Motorists. Every operator of a motor or
other self-propelled vehicle upon the streets and ways of the Town
of Taos shall immediately upon injuring, striking, maiming or running;
down any animal give such aid as is reasonably able to be rendered.
In the absence of the owner, he shall immediately notify the Animal
Control officer furnishing sufficient facts relative to such injury.
It is the duty of such operator to remain at or near the scene until
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such time as the appropriate authorities arrive, and upon the arriv-
al of said person, such operator shall immediately identify himself
to the appropriate authorities. Alternatively, in the absence of
the owner a person may give aid by taking the animal to a veterinary
hospital or a place of impoundment as defined in Article IV, Section
1, and notifying the Animal Control Officer. Such animal shall be
deemed an uncared for animal within the meaning of Article V (m) above.
Emergency vehicles are excluded from this provision;
(o) Keeping of Diseased or Painfully Crippled Animals. It is un-
lawful for any person to have, keep or harbor any animal which is
infected with any dangerous or incurable and/or painfully crippling
conditon except as hereinafter provided. The Animal Control Officer
may impound such diseased or painfully crippled animal in accordance
with the provisions of this Ordinance. All such animals impounded
may be destroyed humanely as soon thereafter= as conveniently possible.
In the case of destruction of such animal, the Animal Control Officer
shall not be required to give any of the aforesaid notices provided
in this Ordinance. This section shall not be construed to include
veterinary hospitals or animals under active veterinary care;
(p) Animal Fights. It is unlawful for any person to promote, stage,
hold, manage, conduct, carry on or attend any game, exhibition, con-
test or fight in which one or more animals are engaged for the pur-
pose of injuring, killing, maiming or destroying themselves or any
other animal;
ARTICLE VI.
Section 1, Animal Control Officer's Duties. The Animal Control Officer
shall have the authority to issue citations for violations of this
Ordinance and to perform such other duties as are prescribed herein.
An Animal Control Officer shall wear a uniform and shall wear a num-
bered badge identifying him as an Animal Control Officer,
Section 2. The Animal Control Officer shall have the same power in regard
to this Ordinance as if he were a full time Town Policeman, including
but not limited to powers of arrest for violation of this Ordinance.
ARTICLE VII.
Section 1, Penalties. Any person who violates any of the provisions of
�. this Ordinance shall be liable to penalty of $10,00 for the first
offense and not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for each sub-
sequent offense in an action at law brought by the Town.
Section 2. Saving Clause. If any of the sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses or phrases are for aV reason held to be unconstitutional or
invalid, the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance shall
not thereby be affected, since it is the express intent of the govern-
ing body to pass each section, phrase, paragraph and word separately.
Section 3. Rep-ea n Clause. Any Ordinance or part thereof solely re-
lating to an orals or the control of the same heretofore imposed by
the Town and that are in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby
R repealed.
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Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect seven
(7) days after publication of the final Ordinance.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of ~ _, 1980.
TAOS TOWN COUNCIL
B .9'r'
MAYOR
ATT
OWN CL
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TOWN OF TAOS, TAOS, NEW MEXICO
NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROPOSED ORDINANCE
The Taos Town Council of the Town of Taos (herein the "Town"), New Mexico,
hereby gives notice of its intention to hold a public meeting at 7:30 o'clock
P.M., on Wednesday, September 17, 1980, at the Taos Council Chambers, Armory
Street, Taos, New Mexico. At such meeting the Council will adopt an Ordinance
relating to the licensing, regulating vaccination and impounding of dogs and
cats within the municipal boundaries and prescribing a penalty for violation.
The title and subject matter of such proposed Ordinance is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LICENSING, REGULATING
VACCINATION, AND IMPOUNDING OF DOGS AND CATS WITHIN
THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES AND PRESCRIBING A PENALTY
FOR VIOLATION.
The following is a general summary of the subject matter contained in
Amended Ordinance No. 644:
f� ARTICLE I, Section 1 (b) sets out a new definition of vaccination.
ARTICLE I. Section 1 sets out a new definition of the following paragraphs
(j) Neutered Male; (k) Enclosed Lot; (1) Licensed Veterinarian; (m) Nuisance
(n) Vicious Animal.
ARTICLE III, Section 1 (c) sets out any owner shall obtain a lifetime
license for the animal for a fee of $2.50.
ARTICLE III, Section 9. Repealed.
ARTICLE IV, Section 1. Repealed.
ARTICLE IV, Section 4. Repealed.
ARTICLE V, Prohibited Activities, sets out. a new definition of the
following paragraphs: (a) Animals Running at Large; (b) Animals on Unenclosed
Premises; (c) Vicious Animals; (d) Animals Disturbing the Peace; (e) Animal
Nuisances on Sidewalks, Public Parks, Alleys and Other Places open to the
Public; (f) Unlawful Use of License Tag; (g) Dogs Trained to Assist the Blind
Allowed in Public Places; (h) Physical Abuse; (i) Work Cruelty (3) Care and
Maintenance (k) Abandonment of Animals (1) Animal Poisoning (m) Uncared for
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Animals; (n) InJury to Animals by Motorists; (o) Keeping of Diseased or Pain-
fully Crippled Animals; -(p) Animal Fights
COMPLETE COPIES OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE CF
THE TOWN CLERK, MUNICIPAL OFFICES (ON ARMJRY STREET) IN TAOS, NEW MEXICO AND
ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE NORMAL AND REM.AR BUSINESS HOURS OF THE TOWN CLERK
UPON REQUEST AND PAYMENT OF A REASONABLE CHARGE.
WITNESS ny hand and seal of the Town of Taos, New Mexico, this 22nd
day of August , 1980.
s Josephine Gonzales
TOWN CLERK
Publish One (1) Time: August 28, 1980
ORDINANCE NO. 644
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDINu FOR THE LICENSING, REGULATING, VACCINATION,
ANI) IMPOUNDING OF DOGS AND CATS WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES
AND PRESCRIBING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TOWN OF THOS, NEW MEXICO:
ARTICLE 1: WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED.
Section 1. Definitions.
(a) Owner: Any person, group of persons or corporation owning, keeping,
or harboring; a dog or cat;
(b) Vaccination: Injection of a vaccine, approved by the State Board
l of Public Health and administered by a licensed veterinarian for the
I purpose of irmnuniz:ing a dog against rabies;
(c) Exposed to rabies: A dog or cat is considered exposed to rabies
. `.' bitten by any other animal known to be infected with rabies or if
it is known that the dog or cat has been in contact with an animal known
or reasonably suspected to have rabies;
(d) Bite or bitten: An actual puncture or tear of the skin inflicted
by the teeth of an animal;
(e) Spayed Female: A female dog or cat which has been operated upon
by a licensed veterinarian to prevent conception permanently, as attest-
ed to by a document signed by the veterinarian to the effect that such
an operation has been performed;
(f) Dog: Any dog, bitch, or whelp over three (3) months of age;
(g) Cat: Any male or female Felidae over three (3) months of age;
(h) Animal Control Officer: Any person designated by the Town of
Taos to carry out the purposes of this Ordinance. The City Police �f
the Town of Taos is ex oficio hereby designated as Animal Control
Officer for the Town, except that, if the Town Council should desig-
nate any other person in that capacity, the City Police shall cease
to be ex oficio Animal Control Officer, except that nothing herein
said shall be construed to prevent the City Police from acting as
the `I'owr. law enforcement officer to enforce the laws of the Town as
provided herein;
(i ) Running at Large Means: Off or away from the premises of the
owner, possessor or keeper and not under the control of such owner,
possesscr or keeper of his agent or servant or member of his immedi-
ate fam`_ly, either by leash, cord or chain, not more than ten (10)
feet in length.
ARTICLE II: HEAL'T'H PROVISIONS: VACCINATION AND BITES.
Section 1. Annual Vaccination of Dogs and Cate Required.
(a) It shall be the duty of every owner of a dog or cat with! n the
Town boundaries to have the dog or cat vaccinated annually by a
licensed veterinarian;
(b) All dogs and cats shall be vaccinated annually. Upon completion
of the vaccination the veterinarain shall give the dog' s owner a
certificate attesting to the vaccination and a metal tag to be affix-
ed to the animal's collar.
Section 2. Vaccination Certificates and Tags.
(a) The vaccination certificates shall be prepared by the veterinarain
in duplicate retaining one for his record and giving a copy to the
owner. The certificate shall include the following:
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(1) The name and address of the owner or harborer of the
inoculated dog or cat;
(2) The date of the inoculation;
(3) The year and series number of the tag;
(4) The breed, age, color and sex of the inoculated animal;
(5) The type and brand name of the rabies vaccine used.
(b) The copy of vaccination certificate shall be retained by the owner
and presented to the Town Clerk when applying for a license;
(c) A metal tag shall be given to the owner to be attached to the
collar of the inoculated dog or cat. Each tag shall bear the name:
"Town of Taos" and shall have a separate number;
(d) Neither the certificates or tags are transferable to another
animal;
(e) Replacement tags may be purchased from the Town Clerk;
(f) Dogs or cats brought into the Town having a current vaccination
shall be held in compliance with this Ordinance if the animal has
been vaccinated with approved vaccine within the past twelve (12)
calendar months.
(1) If an imported dog or cat remains in the Town for more than
thirty (30) days, then it shall be registered in accordance with
the provisions of this Article;
(2) The requirements for vaccination shall not apply to dogs or
cats belonging to non-residents of the Town when the animal is
kept at all times within a building or vehicle or under immedi-
ate control.
Section 3. Reporting Requirements When Persons are Bitten.
(a) It. shall. be the duty of every physician to report to ',he State
Health Department, and Town Clerk concerning the biting of any nerson
by a dog, cat or other animal. If a. child is bitten it. shall be the
duty of the parent or guardian of the child to make a report to the
State Health Department and Town Clerk concerning the bite. If an
adult is bitten it Is his duty or the duty of those caring for him
to make such a report. The requirements for the report are:
(1) Made within twelve (12) hours after the bite;
(2) Name, age, sex and address of the person bitten;
(3) Type and location of the bite;
( 4) If possible the address where the bite occurred , and
(5) Address of the owner of the animal.;
(6) Description of an immunization status of the animal.
Section 14. Requirements When a Dog or Cat is Bitten by a Rabid Animal .
(a) '.'henever a dog, eat, or other animal Is bitten by a rabid animal
or an animal later proves to have been rabid , it shall be the duty of
the owner of the animal that is bitten to report that fact to the
Di st:ri ct Health Officer and the Town Clerk;
(b) it shall. be the duty of the owner of the bitten animal to either
ki11 or have his bitten animal killed; unless
( .1) The animal which was bitten had been vaccinated against
i rabies at least three (3) weeks before being bitten and has a
current vaccination; and
(2) If the bitten animal has a current vaccination, it shall
be confined for ninety (90) days; and
(3) Tile bitten animal shall be ritleased from confinement only
upon written order from a veterinarian, who declares the animal
to be .free of rabies; and
(4) If the animal is found to have contracted rabies during
confinement it shall be killed and properly disposed of.
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Section 5. Confinement and Inspection of a Dog which has Bitten a Person.
(a) When any person is bitten by an animal, it is the duty of such
person or his parent or guardian and of the owner or keeper of the
animal Immediately tD notify the District Health Officer and Town
Clerk;
(b) The owner or keeper of the animal shall immediately and at his
own expense securely confine the animal for a period of at least ten
(10) clays at a place designated by the District Health Officer or
Town Clerk;
(c) If the animal dies during the confinement period, the head of
the animal shall immediately be sent to a laboratory desi.gnsted by
the State Board of Public Health.
Section 6. Quarantine.
(a) When the Town is notified by the State Health Department that
there is danger that rabies exists and may spread within its juris-
diction, it shall publish a notice in the official newspaper or news-
papers of the Town that all owners of dogs or cats shall confine
those animals;
(b) During the quarantine no dogs or cats shall be removed from the
Town;
(c) Any dog or cat running at large during the ouarantine may be
killed by any law enforcement officer;
(d) The only dogs allowed to move about during the quarantine are
guide dogs being used by a blind person.
ARTICLE III,
Section 1. License Required.
(a) No dog or cat owner shall keep any dog or cat within the Town
after sixty (60) days from the effective date of this Ordinance, un-
less a license therefor has first been secured. Licenses shall be
issued by the Town Clerk for a fee of $2.50 for each neutered male
or spayed female and $3.50 for each un-neutered male or unspayed
female. An applicant for a license for a spayed female shall, present
a statement from a qualified veterinarian indicating that the animal
has been spayed and giving; the date .of the operation. Licenses shall
expire on the last day of the same month of issuance in the year next
following their issuance;
(b) No licenses shall be issued iznl.e5,i the owner produces the var.cin-
ation certificate issued by the veterinarian who gave the animals its
vaccination i.n accordance with Section 47-1-2.1 through Section 47-1-
2.6 NMSA 1953. No licensing fees shall be reauired to be paid for a
dog trained to lead a blind person if that dog is used for that pur-
pose by a blind person.
Section 2. Date of Payment. It shall be the duty of each owner of a dog
or cat to pay the license fee imposed in Section 1 to the Town Clerk
on or before sixty (60) days from the effective date of this Ordinance.
The Clerk shall cause a notice of the necessity of purchase o" the
license fee to be published in The Taos News no less than one (l) week
from the effective date. Thereafter, new licenses must be acquired
within thirty (30) days of acquiring ownership and possession of an
unlicensed animal, or establishing residence in the Town, or on or
before expiration o" the license term specified above.
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Section 3. Receipts and Tags. Upon the payment of the license fee, the
Town Clerk shall execute a receipt in duplicate. She shall deliver
the original receipt to the person who pays the fee, retaining the
duplicate. She shall also procure a sufficient number of suitable
metallic tags, and shall deliver one appropriate tag to the owner when
the fee is paid,
Section 4. Affixing Tags. The owner shall cause said tag to be affixed
by a permanent metal fastening to the collar of the animal so licensed
in such a Manner that the tag may be easily seen by officers of the
Town. The owner shall see that the tag is constantly worn by such
animal.
Section 5. Impounding. Sixty (60) days after the taking effect of this
Ordinance the City Police or Animal Control Officer of the Town shall
take up and impound any dogs or cats found in the Town without valid
license tags provided in Article II, Section 2 and Article III,
Section 1 hereof, and shall impound any dogs found running at large
as provided in Article IV, Section 1. Officers shall be authorized
to enter upon any unenclosed lot or enclosed lot or premises for the
purpose of enforcing this section; however, this shall not be construed
to allow any unconsented or prohibited entry into any home, enclosed
lot, or portion of any other building not directly and normally acces-
sible to the public unless the officer acquires a warrant from a court
of law allowing such an entry and search of the premises.
Section 6. Redemption. Any dog or cat may be redeemed from the pound by
the owner within the time stated in the notice by the payment to the
Clerk of the license fee for the current year, if the animal was un-
licensed, and an impounding fee of $10,00, plus a. charge of $3.00 per
day for each day or portion of a day the animal was confined.
Section 7. Release. Upon presentation of a correct license tag and a
receipt for a license for the current year and for the fees provided
in Section 1 above, the poundmaster shall release to the owner the
dog or cat he claims to own.
Section B. Duplicate Tags. In case any license tag is lost, duplicates
may be issued by the Clerk upon presentation of a receipt showing the
payment of a license fee for the current year for that animal, A
charge of $1.00 shall be made for each such duplicate tag.
Section Q. Offenses Involving Tags. It is unlawful to counterfeit tags
provided in Section 3. It is unlawful to take a tag from one animal
and place it on another.
ARTICLE IV.
Section 1. Running at Large Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any
owner, possessor or keeper of any dog to permit the same to run at
large within the Town.
Section 2. Place of Impoundment. The Town shall establish or designate a
holding facility as the place of impoundment. Such facility shall
conform to the following minimum requirements:
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(a) Structural Strength. Holding facilities for animals shall be
structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect
the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the
entranct of other animals;
(b) All animals and all animal buildings or enclosures shall be
maintained In a clean and sanitary condition;
(c) All animals shall be so maintained as to eliminate excessive and
night-time noise;
(d) No animals shall be without attention for more than twelve (12)
consecutive hours;
(e) Every .reasonable precaution shall be used to insure that animals
are not reased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or in any manner
made to suffer by any person or means;
(f) No condition shall be maintained or permitted that is or could be
injurious to the animals;
(g) Animal buildings and enclosures shall be so constructed and main-
tained as to prevent e, cape of animals. All reasonable precautions
shall be taken to protect the public from the animals and the animals
from the public;
(h) The holding facility shall isolate sick animals sufficiently so
as not to endanger the health of other animals. Sick animals shall at
all times be isolated from the other animals;
(1) Every building or enclosure wherein animals are maintained, shall.
be constructed of material easily cleaned and shall be kept in a sani-
tary condition. The bulding shall be properly ventilated to prevent
drafts and to remove odors. Heating and colling shall be provided as
required , according to the physical needs of the animals, with suf-
ficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation;
(J ) All animal rooms, cages, kennals and runs shall be of sufficient
size to provide adequate and proper accommodations for the animals kept
therein;
(k) Provide proper shelter and protection from the weather at all times;
(1) Not give an animal any alcoholic beverage. unless prescribed by a
veterinarian;
(m) Not allow animals which are natural eni.mi es, temperamentally un-
suited, or otherwise incompatible, to be quartered together or so near
Each other as to cause injury, fear or torment;
If two or more animals are so trained that they can be place to-
gether and do not attack each other or perform or attempt any hostile
nrt to the others, such animals shall be deemed not to be natural enemies.
Section 3. Notification of Owner of Impounded Cat or Dog.
(a) 1f the identity of the owner of an impounded dog or cat is known he
shall be notified of the impoundment of his 'og or cat;
(b) Impounded dogs and cats shall be kept for seven (7) days at which
time if the animal has not been claimed it shall either be humanely
killed or be released for sale to a person upon payment of the pound
charge plus a service fee of $10.00. Any dog or cat taken from the
pound in such a manner shrill have received its vaccination and license
prior to departure from the pound. The person buying the animal shall
be liable for vaccination and license charges;
(c) If the identity of the owner of the impounded dog or cat is not
known and if the animal is suffering due to accident and/or disease,
the new director of the designated holding facility, upon the advice
of a veterinarian, in his sole discretion, may humanely kill sa4.d
animal.
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Section 4. Dogs Trained 'a_s Guide Dogs to Assist the Blind. Guide dogs
trained to lead the blind shall be permitted to enter into all public
buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other public conveyances in the
Town.
ARTICLE V.
Section 1. Penalties. Any person who violates any of the provisions of
this Ordinance shall be liable to penalty of $10.00 for the first offense
and not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for each subsequent offense
in an action at law brought by the Town.
Section 2. Saving Clause. If any of the sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses or phrases are for ar,,, reason held to be unconstitutional or
invalid, the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance shall
not thereby be affected, since it is the express intent of the governing
body to pass each section, phrase, paragraph, and word separately.
Section 3• Repealing Clause. Any Ordinance or part thereof solely relating
-to animals or the control of the same heretofore imposed by the Town
and that are in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect on September 1,
1977.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 18th day of July, 1977.
TA-O^�S`1 TOWN COUNCIL
i I
BY•
YOR
ATTEST)
TAOS TOWN CLERK