<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 4-3. - Cruelty to animals.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any person to molest, torture, torment, deprive of necessary
               sustenance, cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, wound, injure, poison, abandon
               or subject to conditions detrimental to its health or general welfare any animal,
               or to cause or procure such action. The terms "torture" and "torment" shall be held
               to include every act, omission or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering
               or death is caused or permitted; but such terms shall not be construed to prohibit
               lawful shooting of birds, deer and other game for human food; nor to prohibit the
               animal control department or its agents or veterinarians from destroying dangerous,
               unwanted or injured animals in a humane manner; nor to prohibit the lawful use of
               animals in scientific research.
               
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            <p class="incr0">
               (b)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any owner or keeper to fail to provide his animal or animals
               with proper shelter and protection from the weather, sufficient and wholesome food
               and water to keep his animal or animals in good health and comfort, the opportunity
               for vigorous daily exercise, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, and
               humane care and treatment.
               
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            <p class="incr0">
               (b-1)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               Tether.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               Fixed. Tethered dogs must be attached to a swiveled ground anchor by a coated cable
               wire not shorter than 15 feet. Chain and ropes are not acceptable types of tethers.
               All tethers must have swivels attached at both ends to prevent twisting. The tether
               must be arranged so as to be free from any obstacles that may limit the moveable length
               of the tether. Shelter and water must be present and always be in reach of the tethered
               dog. If the dog cannot reach the shelter or water due to tangled or shortened tether,
               the owner will be considered in violation of the article. Tethers must be attached
               to a safe and secure collar. The tether wire may not be used as a collar.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               Running. A strong runner wire (minimum of 15 feet) which is firmly secured to fixed
               anchor points; post, tree, or fences are acceptable. The tether is attached to a runner
               wire and must have a swivel to prevent entanglement. Shelter and water must be present
               and always in reach of a tethered dog. If the dog cannot reach the shelter or water
               due to tangled or shortened tethers, the owner will be considered in violation of
               the article. Tethers must be attached to a safe and secured collar. The tether wire
               may not be used as a collar.
               
            </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (c)
               
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any equine owner to fail to provide the minimum standard
               of care for equines which consists of the following:
               
            </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               All equines should have access to appropriate shelter from very hot, very cold, or
               very wet environments. Trees and natural weather barriers may, in some cases, be considered
               adequate shelter. If appropriate natural weather barriers are not available, a three-sided
               run-in shed with a roof should be provided. All shelter should be free of standing
               water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris, and provide protection from inclement
               weather conditions such as prevailing wind, sleet, rain, and temperature extremes.
               
            </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               It is the responsibility of the owner/custodian to ensure that each equine has access
               to adequate shelter.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (3)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               Enclosed areas should be constructed or modified to allow for adequate air flow. Whenever
               possible, extreme temperature, humidity, and air stagnation should be avoided.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (4)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               Equines shall have access to fresh clean water at all times.
               
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            <p class="incr1">
               (5)
               
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            <p class="content2">
               All fencing shall be well-maintained and in good repair at all times.
               
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            <p class="b0">
               Any offender of this section may be subject to civil penalties as set out in the animal
               services fee schedule and/or criminal charges as set out in G.S. 14-360 et. seq.
               
            </p>
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No. 1988-1, Â§ III, 1-13-1988; Ord. No. 1989-3, Â§ III, 10-2-1989;
               <a class="ordinance-link" href="" data-product-id="15271" data-ordinance-id="683442">
                  Ord. of 12-1-2014(1)
                  </a>
               ;
               <a class="ordinance-link" href="" data-product-id="15271" data-ordinance-id="728542">
                  Ord. of 4-8-2015(1)
                  </a>
               ;
               <a class="ordinance-link" href="" data-product-id="15271" data-ordinance-id="727127">
                  Ord. of 5-13-2015(1)
                  </a>
               )
               
            </p></div>