<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 6-78. - Pet shops.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               <span class="ital">In general.</span> A pet shop is a building or facility located outside city/town limits and the person
               acquires animals for the purposes of resale, excluding domesticated livestock, that
               are bred by others whether as owner, agent, or on consignment, and that sells, trades
               or offers to sell or trade such animals at retail or wholesale, or a person that holds
               or keeps animals, excluding domesticated livestock, for the purpose of cleaning or
               grooming.
               
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            <p class="incr0">
               (b)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               <span class="ital">Standards for pet shops.</span> All pet shops subject to this chapter, including pet shops run in conjunction with
               another animal facility, shall, in addition to the other requirements of this article,
               also, comply with the following minimum standards:
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
               
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               There shall be available hot water at a minimum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit
               for washing cages and disinfecting, and cold water easily accessible to all parts
               of the shop.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
               
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               Fresh water shall be available to all species at all times. Containers are to be cleaned
               and disinfected each day. All water containers shall be removable for cleaning and
               be mounted so the animal cannot turn them over or defecate in them.
               
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               (3)
               
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               The temperature of the area around the animal enclosures in the shop shall be maintained
               at a level that is healthful for every species of animals kept in the shop.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (4)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               All cages and enclosures are to be of a nonporous material for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
               Each cage must be of sufficient size that the animal will have room to stand, turn,
               lie down and stretch out to its full length without touching the sides or tops of
               the enclosure, and floors of sufficient strength and design to ensure the animal's
               limbs or paws cannot pass through the cage floor.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (5)
               
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               All animals under three months of age are to be fed at least two times per 24 hours.
               Food for all animals shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of
               sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for
               the condition and size of the animal. Food for animals shall be served in a clean
               dish so mounted that the animal cannot readily tip it over, and it shall be removable.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (6)
               
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               Each bird must have a perch and sufficient room to sit on a perch. Perches shall be
               placed horizontal to each other in the same cage. Cages and perches must be cleaned
               every day, and cages must be disinfected when birds are sold or as otherwise transferred.
               Parrots and other large birds shall have separate cages from smaller birds.
               
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               (7)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               There shall be sufficient clean, dry bedding to meet the needs of each individual
               animal. Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food waste,
               bedding, and debris, to ensure the enclosure is maintained in a clean and sanitary
               manner.
               
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               (8)
               
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               All animals must be fed and watered, and all cages cleaned every day, including Sundays
               and holidays.
               
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            <p class="incr0">
               (c)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               Failure to meet these standards shall be grounds for the issuance of a citation subjecting
               the owner to the penalties described in this chapter, and/or the issuance of an abatement
               order to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
               
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            <p class="incr0">
               (d)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               Owners or operators of pet shops must apply to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture
               and Consumer Services for a permit and pay any designated privilege tax and receive
               a permit to own or operate a pet shop in the county.
               
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            <p class="incr0">
               (e)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               Pet shops shall be subject to yearly inspections by the department of agriculture.
               Under the Animal Welfare Act, (02 NCAC 52J.0101, 0103). documentation of veterinarian
               care in facilities, associated disease control and prevention and vaccination records
               will be inspected. All animals must be in compliance with North Carolina rabies law.
               
            </p>
            		
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No.
               <a class="ordinance-link" href="" data-product-id="14529" data-ordinance-id="1036807">
                  2020-04
                  </a>
               , 8-18-2020)
               
            </p></div>