Ripon Municipal Code Ch. 6.16 Kennels

Kennel Defined. For the purpose of this chapter,“kennel” means any place, dwelling, house, barn, yard, enclosure, or premises wherein more than three dogs and/or cats, over the age of four months are kept for commercial or noncommercial purposes. The term “kennel” shall not be used to describe animal control shelters operated by governmental agencies or nonprofit societies for the care of stray animals, veterinary hospitals, or clinics or animal grooming establishments. Kennels are further defined as follows: A. “Hobby Kennel” means a pet owner with more than the four animals allowed by the RMC § 6.44.010 “Limitations on number of animals in residential setting.” The number of animals is to be determined and approved by the Animal Services Employee based on the following factors: 1. Type of animal/s (cat/dog) 2. Size of animal/s 3. Site review (lot size for size and type of animal/s) 4. Environmental concerns B. “Breeding Kennel” means a commercial establishment to breed animals for profit. C. “Boarding Kennel” means a commercial establishment to rent space to house animals as a for-profit business. (Ord 546 § 1, 1995; Ord. 702 § 1, 2004) Section 6.16.020 Permit Required: A. Every person owning or having custody of more than three dogs and/or cats over the age of four months, shall procure an animal permit from the Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer shall issue a permit for the keeping of three or more dogs and/or cats upon receipt of the fee established by resolution of the city council and when, in the Animal Control Officer's opinion, the following conditions have been met: 1. The animals must be kept and maintained in a manner that does not endanger the safety and comfort of the animals; 2. The owner or custodian has complied with any and all other applicable laws, including zoning regulations, in order to avoid the creation of a nuisance or public health hazard. 3. The owner or custodian must provide and maintain adequate confinement for the control of the animals. 4. Each animal shall be individually licensed. B. The permit shall specify the number and type of animals authorized for each permit holder and may contain conditions regarding the keeping of animals. Animal permits are not transferable and must be renewed annually. The city council may, by resolution, promulgate regulations regarding the keeping of animals under permit, including facility construction and maintenance standards. (Ord 546 § 1, 1995) Section 6.16.030 Revocation of Permit:
A. Failure to comply with regulations or conditions on permits will cause denial of application, or revocation of the permit. A permit may be revoked or suspended for any or all of the following reasons: B. Violations of the provisions of this title twice in one license year. C. The permit holder is convicted of cruelty to animals. D. The permit holder fails to comply with the conditions of the permit.
E. Continuation of the permit will create a public nuisance or health hazard. F. The permit holder is convicted of an offense enumerated in the California Penal Code sections 596, 597, 598, and 599. (Ord 546 § 1, 1995)

Dangerous and Wild Animals (Ripon 7-06) 107-1