Ripon Municipal Code Ch. 6.14 Animal Adoption

Sections: 6.14.010 Declaration of Purpose. 6.14.020 Definitions. 6.14.030 Adoption Events. 6.14.040 Application for Event Approval. 6.14.050 Granting Event Approval. 6.14.060 Condition and Age of Animals. 6.14.070 Unannounced Inspections. 6.14.080 Penalties. 6.14.090 Appeals.

The City Council finds the regulation and supervision of animal adoption and sale events sponsored by Animal Societies is needed for the protection of rescued animals that are placed for adoption or sale by Animal Societies. The City Council further finds that the provision of penalties and costs assessed for violations is important in deterring future violations and maintaining the integrity of this Chapter. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

For purposes of this Chapter, all words and phrases shall be interpreted according to their everyday meaning, but the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them, unless their meaning is clearly intended to be otherwise. A. “Adoption Event” means an event wherein an Animal Society offers more than one animal for adoption or sale, irrespective of whether the animal is actually present or transferred on-site. B. “Animal Society” means a nongovernmental animal shelter, humane society shelter, rescue group, or any other such similar group, either for-profit or non-profit, which offers animals for adoption or for sale. C. “Comprehensive Animal Records” includes the following documentation: a. Complete point of origin information, including the name, phone number, and address of the shelter or individual where the animal was obtained. b. Health records evidencing any vaccinations or treatments the animal has received to date. c. A Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian dated within the last 30 days. d. A recent color photograph of the animal. D. “Event Approval” means prior written approval from the Animal Control Officer of the City of Ripon Police Department to conduct a specific Adoption Event during a specified period of time. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

It is unlawful for any Animal Society to offer any animal for adoption or sale, or to hold an Adoption Event wherein animals are either transferred or agreed to be transferred in the future, without first obtaining Event Approval. An Event Approval is non-transferable and does not authorize a subsequent Adoption Event by the same Animal Society. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

An application for Event Approval shall include the following documentation: A. A valid and current City of Ripon Business License; B. A valid and current California Resale

105 - 6 Animal Adoption 7/09 Permit, if such a permit is required by law; C. A complete list of all employees or volunteers, along with their addresses and phone numbers, participating in the Adoption Event. If the employee or volunteer will be operating a vehicle, a valid copy of that person’s driver’s license; D. A complete list of all foster homes or shelters supplying animals for the Adoption Event, which includes the telephone number and address for each foster home or shelter; and E. Comprehensive Animal Records for each animal available for adoption at the Adoption Event. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

The Chief of Police or Designee of the City of Ripon Police Department may grant Event Approval if (A) a complete Event Approval application is submitted at least ten (10) business days prior to the Adoption Event; and (B) the Chief of Police or Designee determines that the Animal Society is a legally valid organization and that the animals placed for adoption or sale are eligible for adoption or sale under all applicable local and state laws. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

No animals appearing to be less than eight (8) weeks of age may be kept on-site at an Adoption Event. No animals appearing to be sick or undernourished may be kept on-site or offered for adoption at an Adoption Event. Any animals appearing to be sick, undernourished or less than eight (8) weeks of age may be seized by the City of Ripon Police Department and evaluated by a local, licensed veterinarian of the City of Ripon Police Department’s choice. If the animal is found by the veterinarian to be sick, undernourished or less than eight (8) weeks of age, the Animal Society shall be responsible for all veterinarian expenses incurred. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

Each Adoption Event is subject to unannounced inspections, at any time, by the City of Ripon Police Department, to review animal records, inspect the physical condition of the animals, and ensure compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

Notwithstanding all other penalties that may be levied against the Animal Society for a violation of this Chapter, including but not limited to the penalties contained in Chapter 6.52, a violation of this Chapter shall bar the Animal Society from holding any Adoption Events in the City of Ripon for a period of one (1) year from the date of the violation. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

If the Animal Society wishes to appeal any citation resulting from a violation of this Chapter, or the denial of Event Approval, it may request a hearing before the City of Ripon Police Chief or his/her designee within five (5) business days from the date of the citation or denial of Event Approval. The hearing shall be held no more than thirty (30) days after the Police Chief receives the request. The hearing may be informal and rules of evidence not strictly observed. The decision of the Police Chief or his/her designee is final. (Ord. 771, §1, 2009)

106 Kennels (Ripon 11-04)