Section 1 – Definitions

Section 2 – Licenses- Establishes requirement for licenses for commercial boarding kennels, horse boarding stables, and non-commercial kennels with ten (10) or more dogs.

Section 3 – Rabies Vaccinations – Establishes requirement for dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against Rabies at 4 months of age (per KRS). 

Section 4 – Control of Animals – Authorizes the use of electronic or underground fence for some classes and species of animals. Grants authority to kill or seize a dog observed attacking any person or livestock, per KRS 258.235.

Section 6 – Confinement of Animals – Establishes standards for impoundment, confiscation, quarantine, and reclaiming of animals held at the Meade County Animal Shelter.

Section 7 – Standards of Care for Animals – Establishes minimum standards of care for all animals, including livestock and equine. Also specifies facility standards for commercial, non-commercial kennels, and guard and sentry dog confinement areas.

Section 8 – Humane Society & Animal Shelter Standards – Adds the requirement that animals held in humane societies and animal shelters be provided daily exercise; requires that proof of spay or neuter of animals adopted from the shelter or human society be provided with 90 days of adoption.

Section 10 – Enforcement – Establishes that in addition to any penalties and fines when convicted, the costs of veterinary treatment, housing and care for the abused or neglected animal will be paid by the person who committed the crime.

Section 11 – Animal Control Fees – Establishes license, boarding stable, kennel, and shelter fees.

 
AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO.2004-08, AND ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL ORDINANCE.

WHEREAS, Meade County has experienced and continues to experience a large population growth with a corresponding growth in its animal population.

WHEREAS, the Fiscal Court of Meade County hereby recognizes that Meade County is a rural, agricultural/farming community and that this ordinance in no way is intended to hinder or restrain the livelihood of our livestock producing farmers. 

WHEREAS, the Fiscal Court of Meade County hereby finds, determines and declares that this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of the public welfare, health and safety.
 

NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Fiscal Court of Meade County, Kentucky:

For use in this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) ANIMAL. Any living non-human creature, domestic or wild, including but not limited to livestock, canines, felines, pet rodents, pet birds, bovine, equine, swine, and poultry.

(2) ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. (abbreviation ACO). An individual employed and appointed by Meade County Fiscal Court who works under the direct supervision of the Meade County Judge Executive to maintain and operate the Meade County Animal Shelter and enforces the provisions of Kentucky Law and local animal ordinances.

(3) ASSISTANT ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. An individual employed by Meade County Fiscal Court who works under the direct supervision of the Meade County Animal Control Officer to perform the function of the Animal Control Officer in his/her absence, and supervise the day-to-day operations of the Meade County Animal Shelter.

(4) ANIMAL SHELTER. Any premises designated and/or operated by the Fiscal Court of Meade County for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals held under authority of this Ordinance.

(5) BOARDING STABLE. Any facility for boarding, livery, training or riding school that maintains equine for the purpose of housing, feeding, riding, training, driving, or riding lessons for a fee or gratuitous, which advertises these services by use of signs, billboards, radio ads, or publications. Boarding Stables must be licensed, regardless of the number of animals it may house.

(6) BOVINES. Cattle including bulls, cows, bullocks, steers, heifers, calves, and buffalo.

(7) CAT. Any domestic feline six (6) months of age and over (less than six months is considered a Kitten). A feral cat is a stray or abandoned cat that has reverted back to a wild state.

(8) COMMERICAL KENNEL OR CATTERY. An establishment where canines and/or felines are kept for the purpose of breeding, buying, selling, or boarding such animals, or engaged in the training of dogs for guard or sentry purposes for a fee, and which establishment is so constructed so that the animals cannot stray there from. Commercial kennels or catteries must be licensed, regardless of the number of animals it may house.

(9) CRUELTY. Shall mean failing to provide adequate food and water; or failing to detect the need for or withholding veterinary care; creating or allowing unhealthy living conditions; infliction of pain, injury or death to an animal by striking, beating, dropping, kicking, dragging, choking or use of object or weapon; causing pain, injury or death by means of caustic, flammable, boiling or heated substances; causing suffocation or drowning; failure to provide health-related grooming;  conducting or allowing to conduct animal fighting;  mutilation by performing ear cropping, tail docking, or castration on an animal (other than livestock) by someone other than a licensed veterinarian (Exemptions: standard livestock practices); failure to provide shade from the sun or shelter from extreme cold temperatures. 

(10) DOG. Any domestic canine six (6) months of age or over (less than six months is considered a Puppy). Wolf hybrids are considered to be wildlife and are prohibited in Meade County.

(11) DOMESTICATED ANIMAL. Animal adapted to live in human environment or to be of use to humans.

(12) EQUINE. Horses, ponies, mules, jackasses, jennies, donkeys, and burros, and all miniature versions of. 

(13) HUMANE SOCIETY. Any organization existing for the purpose of the prevention of cruelty to animals incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Such an organization must have an IRS non-profit authorization letter.

(14) LIVESTOCK. Equine, bovine, sheep, goats, swine, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, ostriches, emus, rheas, and poultry . For the purposes of this ordinance, equine is addressed independent of livestock. 

(15) NON-COMMERCIAL KENNEL   an establishment or residence where ten (10) or more dogs are kept for the purpose of sporting use, showing, companionship, rescue  or for a hobby.  Non-commercial kennels require a kennel license.

(16) OWNER. Any person, partnership, company, or corporation owning, keeping or harboring animals.

(17) PERSON. An individual, partnership, company or corporation.

(18)  PET SHOP/Pet Store. Any person, partnership or corporation engaged in the
 business of buying, or selling at retail any non-livestock species not
prohibited  by law for profit-making purposes.

(19) QUARANTINE. Confinement for the observation of symptoms of rabies, of dog, cat, or ferret that has bitten a human being. The animal will be held at the Meade County Animal Shelter, or other approved facility, in a secure enclosure that prevents contact with other animals or humans for a period of ten (10) days from the date of a bite incident.

(20) RABIES VACCINATION. The injection by a veterinarian or other qualified person of rabies vaccine approved by and administered in accordance with the regulations of the Kentucky State Board of Health.

(21) RESTRAINT. An animal shall be deemed to be under restraint if within fences adequate for that species, or on the premises of its owner, or if accompanied by a responsible person and under that person’s control.

(22) VETERNARIAN. A licensed practitioner of veterinary medicine, accredited by the Bureau of Animal Husbandry, United States Department of Agriculture.

(23) VETERINARY HOSPITAL. Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals, or for the boarding of animals.

(24)  WILDLIFE. Any animal not domesticated, not ordinarily tame, or which by nature lives apart from human beings in a wild state. This includes any animal which is part wildlife, not to include emus, ostrich, rhea (ratites), llama, and alpaca. Wolf hybrids are considered to be wildlife and are prohibited in Meade County.

(25) STANDARD ACCEPTED LIVESTOCK PRACTICES. For purposes of this ordinance, acts/actions by livestock owners/producers to maintain herd and/or breed standards and health are considered to be normal and acceptable standards for livestock care, and does not constitute animal cruelty/neglect. These practices include, but are not limited to castration of cattle, hogs, goats, and sheep; dehorning of cattle, sheep and goats; natural/field birthing; calf pulling; ear tagging for identification or fly control; hog teeth and tail trimming/clipping, wing clipping of poultry or fowl.

Dog tag  licenses are to be obtained and renewed annually, on or before July 1 of each year and are available from the Animal Control Officer, Meade County veterinarians or other persons so designated.

(1) DOG TAG LICENSES. Owners of a dog six (6) months of age or over and residents of Kentucky shall obtain a license for each individual dog owned for the required fee per metal tag. (Exemptions: Dogs kept in the County thirty (30) days or less by non-residents of Meade County, or dogs kept in a facility that has a commercial kennel license.

(2) KENNEL LICENSE. Any person who keeps or operates a commercial kennel, or any person who owns or cares for ten (10) or more dogs at their establishment or residence shall, in addition to a license for each dog, apply to the Meade County Animal Control Officer for a kennel license. The living conditions of animals as well as the overall health of the animals in a kennel must be inspected and approved by the ACO prior to issuance of a kennel license. Proof of Rabies vaccination and current dog license for every animal four (4) months of age or older housed at the kennel must be provided to the ACO. Kennel licenses expire one year from date of issuance.

(3) LICENSE REVOCATION. The ACO may revoke any kennel license due to any violation of this Ordinance or any related state or federal law, or past violations. Failure to permit an ACO to inspect kennels regulated by this Ordinance during reasonable hours shall be grounds for kennel license revocation. License revocation shall be in writing and shall state the grounds therefore. Any person whose kennel license is revoked may appeal such revocation to the Meade County Fiscal Court within thirty (30) days following the date of such revocation. Said appeal shall be in writing and shall state the grounds therefore, and shall be signed by either the person bringing the appeal or his authorized representative. If requested by the appellant, a hearing shall be held on the issues raised by the appeal. The hearing shall be held before the Meade County Circuit Court. 

(4) BOARDING STABLE LICENSE. Boarding stables must be inspected and licensed by the Meade County Animal Control Officer each year. No license tags are required for horses. The overall the condition of the facility, fences, and the horses housed at the boarding stable will be evaluated prior to the issuance of a Stable License. Stable Licenses expire one year from date of issue. 

Rabies vaccinations and tags shall only be given by licensed veterinarian or person granted a permit by the Secretary for Health Services. This Ordinance Section is to be in accordance with KRS 258.015.

(1)  RABIES VACCINATION. Every Owner shall have their dog, cat, and ferret vaccinated by the age of four (4) months and re-vaccinated against rabies at each expiration of the immunization period, and a certificate and metal tag be given to Owner

(2) AFFIXING TAGS. The metal tag furnished shall be affixed to the collar or harness and shall be worn by the dog for which the certificate was issued. No one except the Owner or duly authorized agent shall remove from any dog the collar or harness with the attached tag. Cats and ferrets need not wear a collar or rabies tag, but the owner must provide proof of vaccination upon request by the ACO or peace officer.

All animals shall be kept under control or restraint at all times.

(1) DOGS AND CATS IN HEAT. Every female dog/cat (except feral cats) in heat shall be confined in a secure enclosure in such a manner that the animal cannot come into contact with an unaltered male dog/cat except for planned breeding. Tying, chaining, or staking an animal in heat in an unfenced area shall not constitute a “secure enclosure”.

(2) DANGEROUS DOGS. Any dog which, unprovoked, in an aggressive manner commits an attack on a human or other animal causing death or injury requiring medical treatment shall be considered a dangerous dog. If the offending animal can be positively identified by a credible witness, the dog will be impounded by the ACO and the Owner cited for violation of this Ordinance. (Exemptions: A dog that bites or attacks anyone assaulting its Owner, entering Owner’s property to commit a crime, or any person in the act of tormenting or abusing the animal. These exemptions shall not include any peace officer attempting to subdue or affect the arrest of a suspect with trained police dogs while performing law enforcement agency work. Simple trespass by a person onto private property shall not be considered provocation for any attack.)

(3) NUISANCE. Owners shall control dogs to prevent excessive, continuous or untimely barking or howling, molesting of passers by, chasing of vehicles, attacking of persons and/or domestic animals, or trespassing upon school grounds or private property.

(4) RESTRAINT REQUIRED. All animals must be under restraint by means of a fence, lead or leash and under control of a responsible person when off the premises of the owner. Animals shall not be required to be on lead or leash if confined to the premises of the owner. Hunting dogs will not be considered in violation if temporarily lost and promptly reported missing to the ACO.

(5) ELECTRONIC OR UNDERGROUND FENCE. Property enclosed by a buried wire which produces a signal received by a devise attached to a collar worn by a dog or puppy which prevents the animal from leaving the property of the owner will be considered a proper enclosure, provided the device and signal are working and the animal does not leave the property unrestrained. Such property must be clearly marked with a sign posted next to the driveway or entry to the property. The enclosure must contain proper shelter from the weather. This type of enclosure is not acceptable for a female dog in heat or a dog judged to be a dangerous dog.

(6) AUTHORITY TO KILL OR SEIZE DOG. In accordance with KRS 258.235:
     A. Any person, without liability, may kill or seize any dog which is observed attacking any person.
     B. Any livestock owner or his agent, without liability, may kill any dog trespassing on that owner’s property and observed in the act of pursuing or wounding his/her livestock.
     C. Any owner whose dog is found to have caused damage to a person, livestock, or other property shall be responsible for that damage.

(1) ABANDONMENT.  No person shall abandon any animal on public or private property or roadway, nor shall  any person leave any non-pastured animal untended for a period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours without providing an agent to feed, water and check on the animal’s welfare. If an animal is found to be abandoned, such animal may be taken by the ACO or police and impounded in the Meade County Animal Shelter or other approved facility in accordance with this Ordinance.

(2) ABUSE. No person shall neglect, beat, cruelly ill treat, torment, leave non-pastured animals out in extreme weather, fail to provide proper nourishment, nor cause or permit any animal or bird to fight. In hot weather no animal shall be left unattended in any enclosed vehicle or trailer. In the event there is reasonable cause to suspect an animal has suffered any of the above forms of abuse, the animal may be taken by the ACO or peace officer and impounded, the owner shall be charged with animal cruelty, with said animal(s) held as evidence of abuse. Upon a finding by the courts that the animal has been abused, the animal shall become the property of Meade County.

(3) RESTRAINT BY CHAIN. If any dog is restrained by a chain or similar restraint, the restraint shall be no less than ten (10) feet long and either on a swivel or a chain run, and must be attached to a properly fitted collar or harness. A choke chain does not constitute a “properly fitted collar.” Livestock shall not be restrained permanently by use of a rope, chain, or similar restraint.

(4) ANIMAL FIGHTING. No person shall cause or permit any dog fight, cock fight, or other combat between animals whether for pleasure or for profit. No person shall own, possess, keep or train any bird or animal with the intent that such animal be engaged in fighting. Further, any person who is present at an exhibition fight shall be charged with Animal Cruelty for being a spectator in violation of this Ordinance. Animals shall be confiscated if found on the premises or in the immediate area of a dog fight, cock fight or other arranged combat between animals.

(5) MUTILATION.  No person shall mutilate any animal whether dead or alive. Cropping ears, docking tails, and spaying or neutering of animals, shall only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. (Exceptions: Accepted livestock practices.)

(6) PENS. Animals confined to outdoor pens or runs shall be provided shelter from the weather, shade during the summer, and constant access to fresh water. Pen(s) must be kept in good repair with sanitary conditions free of accumulated waste and debris so that the animal(s) shall be free to walk or lie down without coming into contact with said waste and debris. Pen size must be appropriate for the size and quantity of the animal(s) and permit proper exercise and adequate safety.

(7) POISONS. No person shall place any poisonous substance which may be harmful to any domesticated animal in any location where it may be readily found and ingested by such animal.

(8) REMOVAL OF ANIMAL IN DANGER. Any animal observed by the ACO or peace officer to be in immediate danger shall be removed from such situation by the quickest and most reasonable means available and impounded for its safety and welfare.

(9) SEX ACTS. No person shall engage, cause, or allow any others to engage in sexual acts with animals.

(10) CRUELTY. A person shall be cited for Animal Cruelty for failing to provide adequate food and water; failing to detect the need for or withholding veterinary or health care that results in suffering, serious illness, or death; creating or allowing unhealthy living conditions; inflicting pain, injury or death to an animal by striking, beating, dropping, kicking, dragging, choking or use of object or weapon; causing pain, injury or death by means of caustic, flammable, boiling or heated substances; causing suffocation or drowning; failing to provide health-related grooming;  performing ear cropping, tail docking, or castration on a dog, cat, ferret, or horse, by someone other than a licensed veterinarian (Exemptions: standard livestock practices); conducting or allowing to conduct animal fighting; failure to provide shade from the sun or shelter from extreme cold temperatures.

(1) IMPOUNDMENT. Unrestrained animals shall be taken by the ACO or peace officer and impounded in the Meade County Animal Shelter or other designated facility. Impounded animals shall be kept for not less than five (5) days unless reclaimed by their owners. (Exception: If an impounded animal has an injury or physical condition which causes it to suffer, the ACO or veterinarian may immediately humanely euthanize the animal.)

(2) CONFISCATION. Any animal found involved in violation of this ordinance may be confiscated by any ACO or peace officer, and impounded in a humane manner. The owner or person responsible for violation of this Ordinance, upon conviction in a court of law, shall surrender any confiscated animals which will become the property of Meade County, and such Owner shall pay all veterinary fees, impoundment fees, and any charges incidental to maintaining the animal(s) up to the date of conviction.

(3) QUARANTINE. Any animal which has bitten or scratched and broken the skin of a person shall be quarantined for the observation of symptoms of rabies. This shall be in a secure enclosure which prevents the animal from coming into unplanned contact with other animals or persons for a period of ten (10) days from the date of the incident. Quarantined animals will be held at the Meade County Animal Shelter, approved boarding facility, or veterinarian. The animal owner shall be responsible for all quarantine fees. 

(4) RECLAIMING. Every owner reclaiming an impounded animal shall show proof of ownership and have proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats, and ferrets), current dog license if canine, and pay reclaiming fees and any veterinary medical costs before the animal is released from the Meade County Animal Shelter. 

(1) GENERAL STANDARDS OF CARE; Facilities used to house animals include but are not limited to having enclosures to provide adequate protection against weather extremes, including adequate shelter appropriate for each species. Building temperatures and ventilation must be maintained at a comfortable level for animals housed within a building. Food shall be free from contamination, wholesome and palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of each animal. Fresh water must be available at all times. All areas housing animals shall be free of accumulated waste, debris and accumulated or standing water, and shall be maintained regularly to promote proper health. Living conditions for all animals shall be subject to inspection by an ACO during reasonable hours, and failure to meet standards shall be grounds for issuance of citations. In addition to the standards of care listed above, the following specific requirements shall be met:

(2) COMMERCIAL KENNEL OR CATTERY. In addition to the general standards of care listed above, facilities shall have floors, enclosures, runs and walls of an impervious material to permit proper daily cleaning and disinfecting. Each animal shall have sufficient space to stand, lie down and turn around without touching the sides or top of enclosures. Cages are to be of material and construction that permit cleaning and sanitizing. Outdoor runs or enclosures may be used for adequate exercise and are to be kept clean, dry and in a sanitary condition. Veterinary care shall be provided to maintain good health and general welfare, and to prevent suffering. 
Proof of current Rabies vaccination and dog license is required for all dogs housed at the facility. Commercial kennels shall be inspected by the ACO annually for kennel license issuance.

(3) NON-COMMERCIAL KENNEL   Owners shall comply with all general standards of care listed above. All animals shall be provided with proper veterinary care and humane treatment. All animals must have a current Rabies vaccination, and all dogs must have a current dog license.  Non-commercial kennels must be inspected annually by the ACO for kennel license issuance.

(4) GUARD AND SENTRY DOG CONFINEMENT AREAS.   Due to the unique and potentially dangerous nature of guard and sentry dogs, the following additional safeguards shall be met: Runs, training areas and kennels must have fences at least eight (8) feet in height completely surrounding the dog(s). The tops of runs must be completely covered unless anti-climbers are added. All gates and entrances to the runs, kennel and training areas must be kept locked when not in use. Fences must be maintained to prevent escape. Dogs must be confined at all times unless under control of handler, and cannot be trained by use of chemical, electrical or mechanical devices which may cause extreme or excessive pain, injury or death. Any individual involved in training guard or sentry dogs must have completed a recognized course or be able to demonstrate equivalent training to the ACO or peace officer. (Exceptions: Livestock guard dogs for herding or protecting animals.) All dogs housed at the facility must have a current Rabies vaccination and dog license.

(5) LIVESTOCK. Livestock shall be held on tracts or parcels of land as prescribed by the Meade County Land Use Ordinance. All livestock must be confined by a fence in good repair sufficient to prevent the animal(s) from leaving the owner’s property. Livestock found not restrained which present a threat to public safety may be removed and the owner charged with a violation of this ordinance. All livestock must be provided adequate shelter, continuous access to fresh water; wholesome and palatable food of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition, size, and species of each animal.

(6) EQUINE:  The following additional standards are required for adequate care of all equine. Unrestricted access to a building, barn, shed, or other structure must be provided for shelter during extreme weather.  Pastures containing equine shall be free of debris, and shall have adequate drainage to prevent the animal from having to continuously stand in mud or muck. 

Standards for humane societies and animal shelter facilities used to humanely house animals include but are not limited to having enclosures to provide adequate protection against weather extremes. Building temperatures and ventilation must be maintained at a comfortable level. Food shall be free from contamination, wholesome and palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of each animal. Fresh water must be available at all times. All areas housing animals shall be free of accumulated waste, debris and accumulated or standing water, and shall be maintained regularly to promote proper health. Animals must be provided daily exercise.

(1) RECORDS must be kept on each animal housed, to include the following: Name and address of Owner or person surrendering the animal or exact location the animal was found if picked up as a stray; date received; animal description, condition and medical information; date reclaimed, adopted, or euthanized; name and address of new Owner or reclaimer; date animal was neutered or spayed and name of veterinarian.

(2) ADOPTION. Any person adopting an animal from a Humane Society or Animal Shelter shall complete a questionnaire to determine the prospective Owner’s ability to properly care for the animal. Adopter is required to comply with all stipulations and conditions set forth in the Adoption Agreement and the Meade County Animal Ordinance, as well as pay the applicable fees. Failure to comply may result in the issuance of a citation, penalty, and/or possible forfeiture of the animal. The Humane Society or Animal Shelter is not obligated to sell an animal in its custody if it is deemed that a placement would not be in the animal’s best interest. 
      No aggressive animal or a dog determined by the ACO to be a pit bull or pit bull mix will be adopted from a Humane Society or Animal Shelter.

(3) SPAYING AND NEUTERING. All dogs or cats adopted from a Humane Society or Animal Shelter must be spayed or neutered within 60 days of adoption. Proof of this procedure shall be provided within ninety (90) days of adoption.

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) of Meade County, Kentucky will, under the direct supervision of the Meade County Judge Executive, enforce standards of animal care and control as required by Kentucky Animal Advisory Board (KRS258.117) and Meade County Animal Ordinance. The ACO shall ensure that State laws and Meade County Animal Ordinances are upheld within Meade County.

(1) ANIMAL SHELTER. The ACO will maintain and operate the Meade County Animal Shelter at standards required by State law and County Ordinance. A sign shall be posted in the Animal Shelter advising hours the facility is open for surrender, adoption, reclaiming, and issuance of licenses.

(2) REPORTS AND MONEY COLLECTIONS. The ACO shall keep an account of each animal entering or exiting the shelter. Files are to include Surrender/Stray Animal Reports, Lost & Found Reports, Abused Animal Reports, Bite Incident Reports, Adoption Application and Contract forms. All paperwork and records shall be kept on file at the shelter for a period of five (5) years, and all fees collected shall be accounted for. A monthly report is to be prepared for fiscal court with all money turned into the Meade County Treasurer’s office.

(3) RESPONSE TO CALLS. The ACO will respond to emergency animal calls from the Meade County Dispatch or citizens and take action as deemed appropriate to the circumstances. All calls from the general public will be responded to in a timely manner. The ACO will pick up stray dogs in Meade County ONLY. Cats will NOT be picked up except those reported as strays at schools. The ACO will investigate reports of cruelty, abuse or neglect of all animals, including livestock, and obtain assistance from a licensed veterinarian or law enforcement agency when circumstances require. Any dog or cat that has bitten a person and does not have current rabies vaccination shall be quarantined at the Meade County Animal Shelter or approved boarding facility.

(4) LOCATE OWNERS. The ACO will contact owners of impounded animals via identification on license tag, detection of microchip, or coordination with local veterinarians or by other means if available. If the owner is determined, then make every effort to notify them for reclaiming the animal.

(5) DOG TAG AND KENNEL LICENSES. Act as primary agent for the sale of licenses and coordinate with the Meade County Judge Executive’s staff and county veterinary offices for the control, sale and accountability of all licenses. Inspect kennel and boarding stable facilities to ascertain that they meet the standard requirements of this ordinance.

(6) EUTHANASIA. Employ only euthanasia methods recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (lethal injection) by a qualified person.

(8) ENFORCEMENT. The ACO will issue uniform citations to any individuals, partnerships or corporations found in violation of this Ordinance and the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to animals, and will appear in Meade County Court as necessary to pursue a conviction.

(9) VEHICLE. The ACO shall maintain assigned vehicle in accordance with county vehicle maintenance standards and procedures. Vehicle shall be kept clean and disinfected, and be presentable at all times.

(10) ANIMAL SHELTER STAFF SUPERVISION. The ACO will supervise the Assistant Animal Control Officer and other shelter staff in the daily operations of the animal shelter. Shelter staff may include inmates from the Meade County Detention Center and volunteers. 

(1) CITATIONS. Citations issued by ACO or peace officer shall impose upon the individual the obligation to answer charges specified on the Citation to the Meade County District Court at the time and place indicated.

(2) INTERFERENCE WITH ENFORCEMENT. No person shall in any manner interfere with, hinder, molest or abuse any ACO or peace officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance.

(3) PENALTIES. Any person violating any provision in Section 5, or Section 7 of this Ordinance shall be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and shall upon conviction be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) dollars or be imprisoned for not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one (1) year, or both. Any person violating the provisions of the remaining sections of this Ordinance shall be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) or be imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days, or both. Each day that a violation persists constitutes a separate offense. Any county employee violating the provisions of this ordinance, in addition to the penalties stated above, is eligible for dismissal.

(4) In addition to any penalties and fines imposed upon conviction for animal cruelty, the abuser of the animal subjected to cruelty shall pay all costs of housing and caring for the animal while in the care of the Meade County Animal Shelter, including necessary veterinary treatment. 

The following are the fees/prices relating to animal control in Meade County:

Dog License - $5.00 per dog, required for every dog over the age of 6 months
Shelter Adoption Fee - $20.00 per animal, regardless of species, breed or age
Reclaiming Fee - $25.00 per animal.
Boarding Fee - $5.00 per animal per day (for strays and quarantines only).
Quarantine Fee - $5.00 per day per animal plus $25.00 pick-up fee.
Commercial Kennel Fee - $20.00 yearly
Non-Commercial Kennel Fee - $20.00 yearly
Boarding Stable Fee - $20.00 yearly