Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions — Council Updates

CHAPTER 55 ANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL 17. “Trap-neuter-return” (TNR) means the non-lethal process of humanely trapping, sterilizing, vaccinating, eartipping, and returning community cats to their original location. 18. “Veterinarian” means a veterinarian licensed pursuant to Chapter 169 of the Code of Iowa who practices veterinary medicine in the State. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 717.B1(17)) 55.02 ANIMAL NEGLECT. 1. It is unlawful for a person who owns or has custody of an animal and confines that animal to fail to provide the animal with any of the following conditions for the animal’s welfare: (Code of Iowa, Sec. 717B.3) A. Access to food in an amount and quality reasonably sufficient to satisfy the animal’s basic nutrition level to the extent that the animal’s health or life is endangered. B. Access to a supply of potable water in an amount reasonably sufficient to satisfy the animal’s basic hydration level to the extent that the animal’s health or life is endangered. Access to snow or ice does not satisfy this requirement. C. Sanitary conditions free from excessive animal waste or the overcrowding of animals to the extent that the animal’s health or life is endangered. D. Ventilated shelter reasonably sufficient to provide adequate protection from the elements and weather conditions suitable for the age, species, and physical condition of the animal so as to maintain the animal in a state of good health to the extent that the animal’s health or life is endangered. The shelter must protect the animal from wind, rain, snow, or sun and have adequate bedding to provide reasonable protection against cold and dampness. A shelter may include a residence, garage, barn, shed, or doghouse. E. Grooming, to the extent it is reasonably necessary to prevent adverse health effects or suffering. F. Veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to relieve an animal’s distress from any of the following: (1) A condition caused by failing to provide for the animal’s welfare as described in this section. (2) An injury or illness suffered by the animal causing the animal to suffer prolonged pain and suffering. 2. This section does not apply to any of the following: A. A person operating a commercial establishment under a valid authorization issued or renewed under Section 162.2A of the Code of Iowa, or a person acting under the direction or supervision of that person, if all of the following apply: (1) The animal, as described in Subsection 1, was maintained as part of the commercial establishment’s operation. CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 447 -