(Ord. No. 03-0689, adopted 06/05/2003 replaced Ord. No. 01-0296, adopted 05/03/2001)
SEC.
Duty of All Animal Owners to Be Responsible Owners: It shall be the duty of every owner of any
animal or anyone having any animal in his possession or custody to exercise reasonable care and to
take all necessary steps and precautions to protect other people, property, and animals from injuries
or damage which might result from their animals' behavior, regardless of whether such behavior is
motivated by mischievousness, playfulness, or ferocity.
It shall be the duty of every owner of any animal or anyone having any animal in his possession
or custody to care for said animal in a humane fashion and provide it with adequate shelter, nutrition
and safe surroundings.
In the event that the owner or keeper of any animal is a minor, the parent or guardian of such
minor shall be responsible to ensure that all provisions of this ordinance are complied with.
SEC.
For the purpose of this Article, the following terms, phrases, words, and derivations shall have the meaning given herein, unless it shall be apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended:
Animal: Any living creature except human beings, including, but not limited to, mammals, and
reptiles, except when referring specifically to the control of rabies when the word “animal” shall
mean only mammals.
Animal Shelter: The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, as designated by the St.
Tammany Parish Council.
At large: An animal shall be deemed to be at large if off the premises of its owner or keeper or
not under the immediate control of a responsible person.
Bite: Any abrasion, puncture, tear or piercing of the skin actually or suspected of being caused
by an animal.
Dangerous Animal
a) Any animal that when unprovoked, approaches in a dangerous or terrorizing manner, any
person in an apparent attitude of attack when not on its owner's property.
b)
Any animal with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack when unprovoked, to
cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals.
c)
Any animal which bites, inflicts injury, assaults or otherwise attacks a human being or
domestic animal without provocation on public or private property.
d)
Any animal owned or harbored primarily, or in part, for the purpose of dog fighting or any dog
trained for dog fighting.
e)
Any animal which is deemed dangerous by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal
Services.
Department: The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services.
Enclosure: A fence or structure of at least six (6) feet in height, forming a pen suitable to prevent
the unauthorized entry of human beings, and suitable to confine a dangerous animal. Such
enclosures shall be securely closed and locked at all times and shall have secure sides. Such
structures shall further have a secure bottom sufficient to prevent said animal from digging its way
under and/or out of the said enclosure. The enclosure shall be located in a secure fenced area so as
to prevent any person, except under conditions supervised by the animal's owner, from gaining any
contact with the said animal. The enclosure shall have adequate shelter for the animal consisting of
at least a roof and three sides. The dimensions of the enclosure shall meet or exceed the width and
depth requirements established in Section 4-121.10 for adult dogs in runs.
Euthanasia: The humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that involves instantaneous unconsciousness and immediate death or by a method that involves anesthesia,
produced by an agent which produces painless loss of consciousness, and subsequent death during
such loss of consciousness.
Exposed to rabies: An animal has been exposed to rabies if it has been bitten by a known rabid
animal or if it has been in contact with any animal known or suspected of being infected with rabies.
Officer: St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services and/or officers of designated and/or
contracted agency.
Owner: Any person, partnership, business, corporation, firm, investment stock company,
association or other legal entity owning, keeping or harboring any animal or having in his care an
animal on or about his premises.
Vaccination: Inoculation with a recognized anti-rabies vaccine, approved by the Louisiana
Department of Health & Hospitals (DHH).
Vicious Animal: Any animal previously classified as dangerous by its actions or through evaluation
by Parish Animal Control Officers or Department of Animal Services employees which subsequently
attacks, causes injury, or otherwise exhibits a propensity to endanger the safety of human beings or
domestic animals while outside the enclosure required for the harboring of a dangerous animal.
Wild or Exotic Animal: Any live monkey, primate, racoon, skunk, wolf, wolf-hybrid, squirrel, fox,
fox-hybrid, coyote, coyote-hybrid, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx or any other warm-blooded
animal, bird, poisonous snake or spider, which can normally be found in the wild state, or any
crocodilian including, but not limited to, alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gravials. Ferrets, non-
poisonous snakes with a length not greater than 6 feet, rabbits, rodents and birds which have been
bred and raised in captivity and which have never known the wild shall be excluded from this
definition.
SEC.
Minimum Animal Care Standards:
a) Fresh water for drinking shall be available to all species at all times. Containers shall remain
clean. All water containers shall remain free of fecal matter, urine and other debris and shall
always remain easily accessible to the animal.
b) All animals shall be fed a food that is free from contamination, is wholesome, and of a
sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements of the animal.
All animals shall be fed in clean containers which shall be easily accessible to the animal.
c) All animals are required to have proper shelter. In the case of a pet or companion animal that
is kept outdoors, a shelter must have a minimum of three sides, a waterproof roof and a dry
floor. Such shelter shall provide proper protection from the sun, rain, cold and the wind.
Housing for animals shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair. Housing for
the animal shall allow, as a minimum, enough room for the animal to stand, sit and to turn
around comfortably. Proper housing shall always remain easily accessible to the animal at all
times.
|
Minimum Housing Dimensions
|
| Species | Weight or Age |
Width
|
Depth
|
Height
|
Number of
Animals |
| Adult dogs in cages: |
0 to 35 lbs.
|
36" (A)
|
36" (A)
|
30" (A)
|
1
|
| Adult dogs in cages: |
0 to 35 lbs.
|
60" (A)
|
60" (A)
|
30" (A)
|
2
|
| Adult dogs in cages: |
0 to 35 lbs.
|
90" (A)
|
90" (A)
|
30" (A)
|
3 max.
|
| Adult dogs in cages: |
36 to 65 lbs.
|
36" (A)
|
72" (A)
|
36" (A)
|
1
|
| Adult dogs in cages: |
36 to 65 lbs.
|
72" (A)
|
72" (A)
|
36" (A)
|
2 max.
|
| Adult dogs in cages: |
66 lbs. and over
|
72" (A)
|
72" (A)
|
48" (A)
|
1 max.
|
| Puppies in cages: |
0 to 15 lbs.
|
30"
|
30"
|
24"
|
1
|
| Puppies in cages: |
0 to 15 lbs.
|
30"
|
30"
|
24"
|
2
|
| Puppies in cages: |
0 to 15 lbs.
|
36"
|
36"
|
24"
|
3
|
| Puppies in cages: |
0 to 15 lbs.
|
48"
|
48"
|
24"
|
5 max.
|
| Adult cats in cages: |
any size
|
24"
|
24"
|
24"
|
1
|
| Adult cats in cages: |
any size
|
36"
|
36"
|
24"
|
2 max.
|
| Kittens in cages: |
up to 4 mos.
|
24"
|
24"
|
24"
|
1
|
| Kittens in cages: |
up to 4 mos.
|
24"
|
24"
|
24"
|
2
|
| Kittens in cages: |
up to 4 mos.
|
36"
|
36"
|
24"
|
3
|
| Kittens in cages: |
up to 4 mos.
|
48"
|
48"
|
24"
|
4
|
| Kittens in cages: |
up to 4 mos.
|
60"
|
60"
|
24"
|
5 max.
|
| Rabbits and guinea pigs in cages |
any size
|
24"
|
24"
|
24"
|
1-2
|
| Rabbits and guinea pigs in cages |
any size
|
36
|
36"
|
24"
|
3
|
| Rabbits and guinea pigs in cages |
any size
|
48"
|
48"
|
24"
|
4-5
|
| Rabbits and guinea pigs in cages |
any size
|
60"
|
36"
|
24"
|
6 max.
|
| Hamsters |
any size
|
24"
|
12"
|
12'
|
8 max.
|
| Adult dogs in runs |
any size
|
48"
|
72"
|
(Min. 12"
higher
than dog)
|
1
|
| Adult dogs in runs |
any size
|
48"
|
108"
|
(Min. 12"
higher
than dog)
|
2
|
| Adult dogs in runs |
any size
|
48"
|
120"
|
(Min. 12"
higher
than dog)
|
3 max.
|
| Finches |
any size
|
19 ½"
|
10"
|
12"
|
4 max.
|
| Canaries |
any size
|
19 ½"
|
14"
|
16"
|
3 max.
|
| Parakeets |
any size
|
18"
|
18"
|
18"
|
3 max.
|
| Cockatiels |
any size
|
20"
|
20"
|
18"
|
2 max.
|
| Larger breed birds |
any size
|
24"
|
24"
|
58"
|
2 max.
|
SEC.
The provisions of this article shall be in force throughout unincorporated areas of the Parish.
SEC.
License required; tag: It shall be the duty of the owner or keeper of every animal over (3) three
months old to register same with the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services by the
purchase of a license tag. Such license tag shall be dated and indicate the number of the license tag
issued for the animal at the time it is vaccinated by a licensed veterinary or licensed veterinary
technologist with appropriate anti-rabies vaccine at the owner's expense. The license tag shall
indicate the current calendar year. The license tag shall be fastened to the animal's collar or harness
and worn at all times. The license must be renewed no later than one (1) year from the latest
vaccination date and no animal shall be vaccinated without the issuance of a license or licensed
without a current rabies vaccination.
Fees: The annual fee for registration, licensing and issuance of tags shall amount to Three
Dollars ($3.00) per animal. In the event a license tag is lost, a duplicate tag may be issued for a
replacement fee of One Dollar ($1.00) upon presentation of the original license receipt to the issuing
agency.
Exemptions: Fee exempt registrations may be issued for the following:
a) Police, Sheriff's department or other law enforcement dogs.
b) Dogs trained to lead the blind (“Seeing-Eye dogs”).
c) Licensed veterinary, vet or clinic animals in conduct of business.
Counterfeiting Prohibited: Any person who counterfeits or imitates the license tag as provided
by St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, or any person who shall put on an animal
any such counterfeit or imitation tag, or who shall use a license tag on an animal for which it was
not issued, shall be subject to the penalties provided for in Section 4-134.00 of this article.
Removal of tags: Any person who shall maliciously or wantonly remove, or cause to be removed
directly or indirectly, any such tag from the animal of another person shall be subject to the
penalties provided for in Sec. 4-134.00 of this article.
Financial Responsibility: The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services shall assume
responsibility for the collection, accounting, administration and reporting of all fees, fines and
penalties collected under the provisions of this article, excluding court assessed costs, fees and
penalties. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services shall be responsible for the
procurement, distribution and registration of license tags.
SEC.
a) Should a dog or any other animal bite a person or be reported to have bitten a person within
the limits of the Parish of St. Tammany, it shall be the duty of the owner, or the person having the
same in his possession or under his control, immediately to notify the St. Tammany Parish
Department of Animal Services, and surrender said dog or animal to any representative of the St.
Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, who is herewith authorized and empowered to
enter the premises in order to make any inspection or examination of said dog or animal as may be
deemed necessary by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services. It shall be the duty
of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services to impound or cause to be impounded
any such dog or animal for a period of ten (10) days for observation either in the hospital facilities of
a licensed veterinarian or at the St. Tammany Parish Animal Services Center, or require such animal
to be confined securely for a period of ten (10) days by the person owning the same or having
possession thereof in such manner and on such premises as may be designated by the St. Tammany
Parish Department of Animal Services may order their representatives the destruction of such animal
and send its head to the Bureau of Laboratories of the Louisiana Department of Health for a rabies
laboratory test. Home confinement shall be allowed only if the following conditions are met:
1. Current vaccination with an approved rabies vaccine;
2. Specific approval of medical director of the St. Tammany Parish
Department of Animal Services; and
3. Specific approval of exposed party and agreement to the confinement
conditions by the animal owner.
If the animal medical director of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services
determines that such animal may be confined under the control or custody of the owner or person
having control over it, said owner or person shall notify the St. Tammany Parish Department of
Animal Services immediately if the animal shows any symptoms of sickness, or abnormal behavior,
or escapes, and if such animal dies during confinement, such person having custody thereof shall
surrender the carcass to the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services. This section shall
not apply, except in the discretion of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, to
such small caged pets as mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters or guinea pigs and any other animal that may
be specifically excluded by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services.
b) Should any animal undergoing the ten (10) days observation for having bitten a person show
indication of rabies, it shall be the duty of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services to
destroy such animal after confirming diagnosis by a licensed Veterinarian. The St. Tammany Parish
Department of Animal Services and/or designated agency shall send the head of any such animal,
and also the head of any animal which dies during the rabies quarantine, to the Bureau of
laboratories of the Louisiana Department of Health for a rabies laboratory test.
c) It shall be the duty of every veterinarian having an animal quarantined for a bite incident to
submit a report to the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services as to the condition of
said quarantined animal on the initial day of observation and the tenth day immediately following the
date of said bite incident.
d) Any animal impounded or confined for rabies quarantine shall be released upon completion of
the ten (10) days observation period only upon authorization of the St. Tammany Parish Department
of Animal Services or their authorized representative. Any such animal must have a valid license
and vaccination before it may be released, or it may be e vaccinated and licensed after completion
of the rabies quarantine prior to being released.
e) Animals exposed to rabies. If any animal is suspected of having been exposed to rabies, all
persons having knowledge of such condition or event shall forthwith surrender such animal to the
St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services or their representative, shall fully advise same of
all the facts and circumstances involved. Such animal may be quarantined, confined, humanely
destroyed, or released under the direction and supervision of the St. Tammany Parish Department of
Animal Services as it deems advisable in rabies control.
f) No person shall fail or refuse to surrender an animal for supervised quarantine, confinement or
humane destruction as required herein for rabies control when deemed advisable by the St.
Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services.
g) Any person having possession of or responsibility for any quarantined or confined animal shall
immediately notify the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services if such animal escapes,
or becomes or appears to become sick or dies; and in case of death of the animal while under
quarantine or confinement shall immediately surrender the dead body to the St. Tammany Parish
Department of Animal Services for diagnostic purposes.
SEC.
Enticing animals: It shall be unlawful for any person to release or entice any animal secured by
the owner or keeper within his or her yard outside of the premises of such keeper or owner.
Cruelty:
a) No person shall poison or ill treat an animal, nor may an animal be abandoned. No person
shall unnecessarily or cruelly beat, mutilate, kill, torture, or abuse any animal. Such person shall be
subject to the maximum penalties provided by this Article.
a) The seizing officer shall notify the owner of the seized animal of the provisions of this Section
by posting written notice at the location where the animal was seized or by leaving it with a person
of suitable age and discretion residing at that location within twenty-four hours of the seizure.
b) The seizing officer shall photograph the animal within fifteen days after posting of the notice
of seizure and shall cause an affidavit to be prepared in order to document its condition in
accordance with R.S. 15:436.2.
c) The seizing officer shall appoint a licensed veterinarian or other suitable custodian to care for
any such animal. The custodian shall retain custody of the animal in accordance with this Section.
d) The seized animal shall be held by the custodian provided for in Paragraph (3) for a period of
fifteen consecutive days, including weekends and holidays, after such notice of seizure is given.
Thereafter, if a person who claims an interest in such animal has not posted bond in accordance
with Subsection C, the animal may be humanely disposed of by sale, adoption, or euthanasia.
e) Upon a person's conviction of cruelty to animals, it shall be proper for the court, in its
discretion, to order the forfeiture and final determination of the custody of any animal found to be
cruelly treated in accordance with this Section and the forfeiture of the bond posted pursuant to
Subsection C as part of the sentence. The court may, in its discretion, order the payment of any
reasonable or additional costs incurred in the boarding or veterinary treatment of any seized animal
prior to its disposition, whether or not a bond was posted by the defendant. In the event of the
acquittal or final discharge without conviction of the accused, the court shall, on demand, direct the
delivery of any animal held in custody to the owner thereof and order the return of any bond posted
pursuant to Subsection C, less reasonable administrative costs.
f) Nothing in this Section shall prevent the euthanasia of any seized animal, at any time, whether
or not any bond was posted, if a licensed veterinarian determines that the animal is not likely to
survive and is suffering, as a result of any physical condition. In such instances, the court, in its
discretion, may order the return of any bond posted, less reasonable costs, at the time of trial.
g) Upon a person's conviction of cruelty to animals, it shall be proper for the court, in its
discretion, to order the forfeiture and final determination of the custody of any animal found to be
cruelly treated as part of the sentence. In the event of the acquittal or final discharge, without
conviction of the accused, the court shall, on demand, direct the delivery of any animal held in
custody to the owner of the animal.
h)In the event of conviction under this section, or in the event of the failure of the accused to
appear at trial, the court shall order the animal to be euthanized or made available for adoption.
Certain animals banned: It shall be unlawful for any person in the unincorporated areas of St. Tammany Parish to possess, own, breed, or otherwise bring into the parish any live wild or exotic animal without first acquiring all licenses and permits required by State law for the keeping of wild or exotic animals.
Live animals as prizes:
It shall be unlawful for any person to give away an animal as an advertising device, or as a game
prize at any fair, festival or charity event. Raffling or auctioning an animal shall be permitted
provided monetary consideration is given in exchange for a chance of winning the animal.
For purposes of this section, an animal shall include, but is not limited to, fish, rabbits, birds, cats
and dogs.
Companion animal hoarding:
“Companion animal” means an animal that is commonly considered a pet or is considered by the
owner to be pet. “Companion animal” included canines and felines.“Pet” means a domesticated
animal kept for companionship rather than utility.
Companion animal hoarding consist of a person:
a) Possessing over fifteen companion animals;
Exclusion: with a St. Tammany Parish kennel license.
b) Failing to provide necessary nutrition to the companion animals;
c) Failing to shelter the companion animals in a sanitary environment;
d) Failing to provide necessary veterinary care to the companion animals; and displaying a
disregard for the conditions under which the companion animals are living.
Upon a conviction for companion animal hoarding, the court shall order as assessment of any
necessary psychological counseling or treatment for the convicted offender. The convicted offender
shall bear the expense of participating in the psychological counseling order by the court.
Upon a conviction for companion animal hoarding, the court may order that the offender is
precluded from owning, harboring or having custody or control of any animals or from considering
with others to maintain or create a collection of animals on the offender's behalf for a period of time
that the court deems reasonable.
St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services officer who reasonably believes that the life
or health of companion animals are endangered due to companion animal hoarding may apply to the
district court, in the parish where the companion animals are located for a warrant to seize the
companion animals.
Written notice regarding the time and location of the hearing shall be provided to the owner
charged with companion animal hoarding. The court may order publication of a notice of the hearing
in a newspaper closest to the location of the seizure.
If the owner of the companion animals cannot be determined, a written notice regarding the
circumstanced of the seizure shall be conspicuously posted where the animals are seized at the time
the seizure occurs.
If a court finds probable cause that companion animal hoarding is occurring, the court may order
the owner charged with companion animal hoarding to provide necessary food, water, shelter and
care for the companion animals that are basis of the charge until the charges against the owner are
adjudicated. The court may order a St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services officer to
make regular visits to the home of the owner charged with companion animal hoarding to ascertain
if the companion animals are receiving necessary food, water, shelter and care until the charges
against the owner are adjudicated. At any time a St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Control
officer may apply for a warrant to seize the companion animals pursuant to Subsection E. of this
section if the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services officer feels that the companion
animals are not receiving the necessary court-ordered food, water, shelter and care.
Disposition of seized Companion Animals:
a)
If the court finds the owner is not committing companion animal hoarding, the court shall
return the companion animals to their owner.
b)
Upon conviction, the court shall place the companion animals for adoption with an animal
shelter or animal welfare organization or provide for the humane euthanasia of the companion
animals.
c)
In no event shall the owner be permitted to adopt the seized companion animals following a
conviction of companion animal hoarding.
d)
An individual who is authorized by the court to care for the companion animals, to treat
companion animals or to attempt to restore companion animals to good health is immune
from civil or criminal liability resulting from his action.
Forfeiture:
a) Within fourteen days following the seizure of companion animals from an owner who is alleged to have committed companion animal hoarding, the Department of Animal Services may file a petition for forfeiture prior to trial before the court having jurisdiction over the case. In the petition, the Department of Animal Services may request that permanent forfeiture of the companion animals be granted if the owner of the companion animals is alleged to have
committed companion animal hoarding and is also proven to have committed cruelty to
animals or extreme cruelty to animals.
Cost:
a)
Upon seizure of the companion animals, the owner shall post a bond or other adequate
financial assurance acceptable to the court within fifteen days to cover the cost of the
boarding the seized companion animals and all necessary veterinary examinations and care
provided to the seized companion animals housed at an animal shelter or animal welfare
organization during the pendency of the proceedings. If bond isn't posted, then the animal
may be disposed of by sale, adoption or euthanasia.
b)
In the absence of a conviction, the bond or adequate financial assurance
acceptable to the court shall be returned to the owner and seizing agency shall bear the cost
of boarding the companion animals and all necessary veterinary examinations and care of the
companion animals during the pendency of the proceedings.
c)
Nothing in this section shall preclude an owner charged with companion animal hoarding from
voluntary, permanent relinquishment of any companion animal to the Department of Animal
Services in lieu of posting a bond or other adequate financial assurance. Voluntary
relinquishment has no effect on any proceeding filed against a person charged with
companion animal hoarding.
SEC.
a) Every owner or keeper of animals shall exercise proper care and control of such animals
so as to prevent them from creating or becoming a public nuisance.
Excessive or untimely barking, howling or yelping so as to disturb the peace and quiet of a
neighborhood or its residents or to disturb the health or repose of the residents; attacking or
molesting passerby or other animals; being repeatedly at large; chasing vehicles; scratching
on or digging into or urinating or defecating upon lawns, shrubs, buildings or any property,
either public or private, other than property of the owner or keeper of an animal all shall be
deemed to be the creation of a public nuisance and the owner or keeper of an animal causing
such public nuisance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the penalties of Section
4-134.00 of this article. In the case of nuisance by defecation, the owner of keeper must
remove all feces and dispose of them in a sanitary manner or be considered to be further in
violation of the provisions of this article and guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the
penalties of this article.
b)
Premises on which animals, including fowl, are kept shall be maintained so as to prevent
disagreeable odors arising therefrom, or the presence or breeding of flies, mosquitos and
other pests. Provisions shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food
wastes, bedding, dead animals and debris. Disposal facilities shall be so provided and
operated as to minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease hazards.
c)
Upon receipt of a written and signed complaint wherein it is alleged that an animal, or group
of animals, is a public nuisance, the Department of Animal Services shall investigate the
complaint. If the parties refuse to cooperate, the Department of Animal Services has the
right to initiate a complaint in a Court of proper jurisdiction.
d) In the event revocation of an animal's license or reduction in the number of animals kept is
ordered by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, the owner shall have
fifteen (15) days to dispose of the animal or animals unless otherwise specified by the St.
Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services. If the owner fails to take such action, then
the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services and/or designated agency may take
custody of the animal or animals.
e)
Exemptions - The sounds and noises created by farm animals located on property with an R-
Rural Zoning classification shall not be considered a violation of this Section.
SEC.
c)
Requirements for Registration and Harboring Dangerous Animals: The owner and/or keeper of
a dangerous animal shall secure a permit from the Parish Department of Animal Services,
renewable each year from the anniversary date of such issue, provided said owner and/or
keeper meets the following requirements:
1. The owner and/or keeper shall have the animal penned in a proper enclosure as defined
in Sec.4-121.00 at all times when the animal is not confined and supervised within the
owner's and/or keeper's dwelling, or being moved or exercised.
2. The owner and/or keeper shall display in a prominent place on the premises on which
the animal is kept a sign warning that a dangerous animal is housed on the premises.
Such sign shall be easily readable by members of the general public and intelligible to
young children and/or those who are unable to read or write the English language. A
similar sign shall be posted on the animal's pen. These signs shall be provided by the St.
Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services.
a) All dangerous animals shall be confined in an enclosure which meets requirements set forth
under the provisions of this section if the animal is kept outside of the owner and/or keepers
dwelling. It shall be unlawful for any owner and/or keeper to maintain a dangerous animal
upon any premises which does not have such a locked enclosure if the animal is kept outside
of the owner's or keeper's dwelling.
b) It shall be unlawful for any owner and/or keeper to allow any dangerous animal to be outside
of the dwelling of the owner and/or keeper, or outside of the herein above defined enclosure,
unless it is necessary for the owner and/or keeper to exercise the animal or to move the
animal. Whenever the said animal is allowed outside the owner and/or keeper's dwelling or
outside of its enclosure, the animal shall be restrained on a leash and collar having a minimum
tensile strength of three hundred (300) pounds and not exceeding six (6) feet in length. The
animal shall be kept under the direct control and supervision of its owner and/or keeper at all
times. Further, it shall be unlawful to exercise a dangerous animal upon the public streets,
sidewalks, rights-of-way, parks and property of the parish.
c) The requirements of this section for the maintenance of physical control over the animal shall
not be satisfied by the mere chaining, roping, leashing, or similar restraining of the animal to
inanimate objects such as stakes, trees, posts, or buildings.
d) The owner and/or keeper of any dangerous animal shall:
1. Upon designation of the animal being dangerous by the Department of Animal Services as a result of a complaint or by other means, will surrender said animal to the Department of Animal Services to be impounded at the parish animal shelter until the
owner and/or keeper provides an enclosure for the animal as defined in Sec. 4-121.00 or
for a maximum period of thirty (30) days.
2. After the thirty (30) day period set forth above, if the owner and/or keeper does not
provide for the proper enclosure required by Sec. 4-121.00, then the said dangerous
animal may be destroyed.
3. Within fifteen (15) days of issuance of a permit, the owner/keeper shall:
a. Display the warning signs required under the provisions of subsection (C) 3 of this
section.
b. Sign the sworn statement required under the provisions of subsection (C) 3 of
this section.
c. Submit to the Parish Department of Animal Services the photographs of the animal
required under the provisions of subsection (C) 3 of this section.
d. Show proof of a micro-chip identification tag required under the provisions of
subsection (C) 3 of this section, or submit the animal to the Department of Animal
Services for micro-chip tagging.
4. Within ten business days of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal, the
owner must procure and maintain in effect liability insurance, including coverage of claims
arising from the conduct of the owner's animal, in an amount not less than $100,000.00
or adequate financial assurance acceptable to St. Tammany Parish.
5. The animal shall be spayed or neutered, at the owner's expense.
6. The owner and the animal must complete a course of animal obedience training
approved by the Department of Animal Services.
Applicability: The provisions of this section shall not apply to proprietors of animal hospitals,
to veterinarians, or to search and rescue organizations and law enforcement agencies who keep or
maintain dangerous animals on their professional premises in the usual and normal course of
business, or to zoological gardens, theatrical exhibits, or a circus provided that such animal hospital,
veterinarian, zoological garden, theatrical exhibit, or circus possesses all permits required by the
laws of this parish and state and complies with all other regulations concerning the keeping and
maintaining of such animals.
Penalty: Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section shall, for
each violation, be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) nor more than five hundred
dollars ($500.00), plus court costs, or be imprisoned in the parish jail for not more than sixty (60)
days or both. Each separate day on which any violation of the provisions of this section is shown to
have continued to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Appeal Mechanism: In the event that an animal is deemed dangerous by the St. Tammany Department of Animal Services, the owner and/or keeper of said animal can appeal that
determination to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board, which shall convene and make a
recommendation to be ratified by the Parish President.
SEC.
Animal determined as Vicious: Any animal previously classified as dangerous which
subsequently violates any section of this Article, or whose owner/keeper subsequently violates any
requirements established for the harboring of dangerous animals by this Article, may be deemed
vicious by the Department of Animal Services.
Removal from Parish: Any animal determined to be vicious shall be subject to immediate
impoundment. The owner or keeper of the animal shall have ten (10) days following the date of
impoundment to provide a verifiable plan for removal of the animal from the parish. If, after ten (10)
days, the owner or keeper has not provided an appropriate plan to the satisfaction of the
Department of Animal Services, the animal may be euthanized according to procedures established
in this Article. An impounded animal for which no owner or keeper can be located within ten (10)
days of impoundment, may be euthanized or otherwise removed from the parish at the discretion of
the Department of Animal Services.
Micro-chipping of Vicious Animals required: Any animal determined to be vicious shall be
subject to micro-chip identification by the Department of Animal Service prior to release from
impoundment. All costs associated with the micro-chipping shall be born by the owner or keeper of
the animal.
Appeal Mechanism: In the event that an animal is deemed vicious by the St. Tammany
Department of Animal Services, the owner and/or keeper of said animal can appeal that
determination to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board, which shall convene and make a
recommendation to be ratified by the Parish President.
SEC.
No person shall expose any known poisonous substance, whether mixed with food or not, so that
same shall be liable to be eaten by any animal, provided that it shall not be unlawful for a person to
expose on his own property common rat poison mixed only with vegetable substances.
SEC.
Confinement by owner:
a) All animals owned or kept in the unincorporated portions of St. Tammany Parish shall be
confined within a fenced yard, or enclosure meeting or exceeding the standards for runs set
forth in section 4-121.10 (b), when not confined within the owner/keeper's dwelling or being
exercised or transported outside the owner/keeper's premises. Owners or keepers of
dangerous animals shall be required to comply with the additional requirements for harboring
dangerous animals established in Section 4-127.00.
b) Fencing must be of a material, style and workmanship reasonably sufficient to restrain the
animal, prevent escape and not allow ready and unobstructed access to the animal by the
general public.
Dogs at large; violation notices: No dogs shall be permitted to run loose, free or at-large, or
be upon any street, alleyway, highway, common or public square unless under the immediate control
of a competent person and restrained by a substantial chain or leash except for recognizable breeds
of hunting dogs when in the process of tracking or retrieving of game, during a properly supervised
hunt, said breeds being hounds, retrievers, spaniels, setters and pointers. “Electronic Leashes”
utilizing an electrical charge as a means of restraint shall not serve as a replacement for a tangible
chain or leash. Dogs found at large by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services may
be seized and impounded; or as an alternative, a notice may be issued to the owner that his dog is
in violation of this section. Such notice will impose upon the dog owner a fine of twenty-five
dollars ($25.00) and shall be paid to the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services in
person or by mail within five (5) days of the time the notice was served. Failure to make such
payment shall render such owner subject to the penalties provided for in Section 4-134.00 of this
article.
Redemption of impounded dogs: The owner shall be entitled to resume possession of any
impounded dog upon payment of the impoundment and daily board fees and compliance with
vaccination/registration requirements; provided application for such possession, with payment of all
required fees, is made within three (3) days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and all legal holidays,
after impoundment.
Escaped dogs: Should any dog be captured while at large by the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services and escape said agents by entering premises of the owner or keeper, or any other person, and such owner, keeper or person refuses to deliver such dog to such agents of St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, such owner, keeper, or person shall be subject to the penalties provided in Section 4-134.00 of this article. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services or designated agency and/or law enforcement officials may write tickets for any or all violations of this article.
Animals in restaurants: Dogs or other animals shall not be permitted in restaurants or other
places serving food, establishments selling food or edible products, or in any place of business when
prohibited by owner of same. This provision shall not apply to “seeing-eye” dogs.
Animals in heat: Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined so that the animal cannot
come into contact with an un-neutered male, except for planned breeding.
SEC.
The presence of pets, animals or reptiles, other than those actually participating in a parade or
other public event, is prohibited within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a route or site of such
function.
Beyond 150 feet of a route or site of a parade or public event, owners shall be required to leash,
muzzle, or case pets, animals or reptiles which accompany them to such functions.
Any person violating this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500.00 or
imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. In addition thereto, court costs may be
imposed.
SEC.
Reasons: Whenever animals are kept within any building or on any premises without food,
water or proper care and attention, or are kept in violation of the provisions of this article, or are
infected with disease, or kept under conditions which could endanger public health or create a
nuisance, it shall be the duty of any authorized employee of the St. Tammany Parish Department of
Animal Services and/or law enforcement official to enter said building or premises to take possession
of and remove said animals so abandoned or neglected. Animals so impounded shall not be released
before the reason for causing said impoundment has been corrected.
Disposition of unclaimed animals: If any impounded animal, other than a dog or cat impounded
for being at large, is not reclaimed by the owner upon payment of impoundment and daily board fees
and compliance with other legal requirements for keeping an animal, or if the reason for causing said
impoundment is not corrected within a reasonable time, the animal shall be held for such time as the
St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services deems reasonable, considering the animal's
probable value, condition to health and suitability for use. Upon expiration of such reasonable time,
the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services may offer the animal for adoption, or it may
be humanely destroyed.
Owner notification; holding time, release of animal, adoption and disposal of animal: Owner
notification, holding time, release of animal, adoption and disposal of animals impounded in the
animal shelter shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations provided for the operation of said
St. Tammany Department of Animal Services.
SEC.
Owners of unwanted animals may bring and release such animals to the St. Tammany Parish
Animal Services Center at no cost to the owner to be made available for adoption or other
disposition at the discretion of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services.
SEC.
SEC.
Service fees and charges shall be as provided for the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal
Services for the operation of the Animal Services Center.
SEC.
a)
The owner or keeper of a dog, or any other animal and any other person violating any of the
provisions of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction or pleading
guilty to each such offense for each animal or incident before a court of law of the Parish of
St. Tammany, shall be fined and/or imprisoned according to provisions of the schedule of
subsection (b) below, or may be both fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court.
b) The fine and imprisonment schedule for conviction of violations of provisions of this article
shall be as follows:
First offense:
Fine $ 50.00
Imprisonment in parish jail, days 10
Second offense:
Fine $ 75.00
Imprisonment in parish jail, days 20
Third offense:
Fine $100.00
Imprisonment in parish jail, days 30
Nothing contained herein is intended to or shall abrogate or supersede the general police authority
vested in the Sheriff of St. Tammany Parish. Authority granted to the St. Tammany Parish
Department of Animal Services and/or designated agency, director in this article, shall exist and be
exercised concurrently with the general police authority vested in the Sheriff. Said concurrent
authority shall include enforcement of all sections of this Article and the issuance of citations for
violations.
SEC.
These policies and procedures for the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services are
enacted per Resolution P.J.S. No. 99-9132, adopted March 18, 1999, in accordance with the
recommendations of the Animal Control Committee.
Animals Brought to the Dept. of Animal Services (“DAS”): Stray dogs and cats that are brought
into the shelter, will be held for at least three (3) days (not to include Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays). Animals that are remanded to the shelter and signed over to the DAS by the owner will
be put up for adoption immediately if deemed adoptable by the staff. If the animal is deemed not
adoptable, it will be euthanised. If a stray animal is brought in and is sick and/or injured and in
physical distress and has no identification, it will be euthanised as soon as possible. If the animal
has identification, the staff will attempt to notify the owner and stabilize the animal if injured.
Animals that are up for adoption will be held as long as possible to be adopted. However, they can
be euthanised to make room for new animals that are brought to the shelter. Livestock will be held
according to State law. These procedures comply with all State and Federal laws.
Adoption Procedure: The animal must be free to be adopted (i.e., held the required 3 day period
unless signed over by the owner). All shelter animals shall receive a micro-chip identification tag
prior to adoption. After picking out the animal to be adopted, the adopter will be required to get
written receipt from a licensed Veterinarian that the animal will receive a health examination, heart
worm check, be spayed or neutered, receive general disease vaccinations and Rabies vaccinations,
and purchase the Parish registration tag. Upon receipt of this, a payment of a $ 25.00
administration fee to the DAS, the animal may be adopted. Alternatively, the adopter may have the
DAS provide the spay or neuter services for a $40.00 administrative fee. It is understood that the
DAS does not have a Veterinarian on staff and cannot guarantee the health of an animal adopted
out. If an animal is adopted and proves to be sick or diseased, the adopter can return the animal to
the DAS and pick another for no additional administration fee. Recognized rescue groups will have
these procedures waived, so long as the animal is spayed or neutered.
The DAS shall not release any cat or dog from the custody of any of its shelters, employees or
animal control officers for any purpose except adoption or redemption by its owners.
Fees: Adoption fee $25.00 administration fee
Owner reclaim fee 25.00 plus $5.00/day boarding fee
per dog
Rabies watch (bite cases) 10.00 plus $5.00/day boarding fee
Animal brought in by non-parish resident 15.00 per animal
Parish tag 3.00 per year
(Ord. No. 03-0689, adopted 06/05/2003)
