§ 5-9. Kennels; shelters and dog houses.

(a)

Kennel and dog enclosure requirements. All kennels or other enclosures to house more than three (3) dogs constructed or maintained in the City of Cartersville after ____________, 2012 shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

They shall be built on a concrete slab, contain a drainage system that drains to an approved septic system or sewer line, and shall be totally enclosed and roofed. Chain-link animal runs are permitted as long as they are roofed.

(2)

They shall be well-ventilated, and provide heat and running water to the animals.

(3)

They shall contain runs with facilities and size sufficient to provide a humane care for the animals. No more than two (2) dogs per run shall be permitted, except for dogs or puppies under fifteen (15) pounds, of which no more than four (4) shall be permitted in the same run. Runs shall contain a minimum area equal in square feet to one-half the weight of the dog(s) living within the run, or be at least thirty (30) square feet (i.e., 5 × 6), whichever is greater. For example, a one hundred-pound dog shall require a run of a minimum of fifty (50) square feet (i.e., 5 × 10). A run containing one (1), one hundred-pound dog and one (1), eighty-pound dog shall be a minimum of ninety (90) square feet (180/2 = 90). Four (4), ten-pound dogs shall require the minimum thirty (30) square feet.

(4)

The minimum height of all runs shall be sufficient for the dog to stand comfortably, head up, and they shall be of sufficient width for all dogs to turn around and lie down.

(5)

All kennels must also comply with any requirements of the applicable zoning ordinance.

(6)

Offices and facilities of licensed veterinarians, licensed groomers, animal control and the city are exempted from these requirements.

(7)

For requirements pertaining to dogs classified as dangerous or potentially dangerous under this chapter, see section 5-23.

(b)

Shelter and dog house requirements. Outside dogs shall be provided a dog house or similar structure for shelter (such as a garage). Shelters and dog houses shall be of sufficient height for the dog to stand comfortably, head up, and shall be of sufficient width for the dog to turn around and lie down. To qualify as a shelter or dog house, the structure shall consist of at least three (3) sides and a roof, with a floor constructed off the ground to allow for unobstructed drainage and ventilation. For standard dog houses of under fifteen (15) square feet in area, no more than one (1) animal per dog house is permitted, except litters for twelve (12) weeks. For multiple dog shelters (such as garages), at least thirty (30) square feet per dog is required. Shelters and dog houses must also allow free access to a yard area of at least eighty (80) square feet per dog.

(c)

Zoning requirements. Prior to erecting a kennel and to determine applicable zoning standards, the applicant shall check with the zoning department and secure necessary permission.

(Ord. No. 46-12, § 1, 11-1-12)