Pet Nuisance Ordinances
We all love our pets, and usually other people love them, too. But when our pet’s behavior starts to affect our neighbors, they can become a nuisance. Everyone has the right to enjoy their home, neighborhood and parks, and being aware of pet nuisance laws can help you make your pet a good neighbor.
Taking Over the Neighborhood….
Does your pet like to run free? Although many pets love to roam around, animals at large pose a danger to themselves and others.
When an animal leaves the protection of its yard it is at risk of being hit by cars, attacked by other animals, or being permanently lost. Loose animals can also threaten public safety. Dogs, cats and ferrets are required to stay within the boundaries of their yard and be secured by a leash when out enjoying walks, parks, or trails.
Animal at large ordinance:
No owner of any animal shall permit such animal to be at large. The owner shall keep such animals restrained at all times. See Ordinance 320.08 (a).
The Scoop on Poop…
Many people think its acceptable to let their pet’s feces biodegrade “naturally.” However, when you multiply that one pile by the more than 300 pets estimated to be living in Circle Pines, it equals one very big problem.
Pet feces left outdoors contaminate soil with bacteria and parasites, which can eventually make their way to our ponds and streams. This can add to algae growth and foul our water resources. Feces left on play grounds and vegetable gardens poses a health concern for both children and adults.
Not cleaning up after a pet leaves a bad impression. When walking your pet please carry plastic bags for proper feces disposal and maintain a clean yard.
Feces disposal ordinance:
The owner of any animal shall be responsible for the sanitary disposal of all feces material deposited by such animal. See Ordinance 320.08 (d) 1.
The owner of any animal shall not permit such animal to be on public property or the property of another without having in the owner’s immediate possession a device for the immediate removal of feces material deposited by the animal. The owner must then deposit the material in an appropriate receptacle. See 320.08 (d) 2.
No owner shall allow any animal to be present on school grounds or public swimming areas. See ordinance 320.08 (c) 2.
Bark, Woof, Howl and Whine
No body likes a noisy neighbor, especially when that neighbor is a barking dog. One of the most common pet nuisance complaints handled by the police department involves dogs. City ordinance requires that all pet owners prevent their animals from habitually disturbing the peace.
Both dogs and cats can be disruptive. Be sure that their basic needs for housing, food and socialization are met. Although nuisance pet noise is prohibited at all times, disruptions become more of a problem during the hours people are asleep. Please keep in mind that your neighbors may not keep the same hours you do. Be considerate and attentive to your pets.
Animal noise ordinance:
The owner of any animal shall prevent the animal from committing in the City any act which constitutes a nuisance. Acts that constitute a nuisance include, but are not limited to, the following:
To bark, bay, howl or make any other loud noise:
a. Habitually or frequently between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
b. Consistently for a period of five minutes or longer between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
c. Consistently for a period of ten minutes or longer between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
See ordinance 320.08 (c) 1a-c.
PET LICENSING
The city of
Licensing ordinance:
All dogs, cats and ferrets residing in the City for a period long than 30 days, over the age of six months must be licensed. See ordinance 320.05.