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THE CITY OF CRANSTON
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________________________
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ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
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IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 6.08 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON,
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2005, ENTITLED "ANIMALS GENERALLY - DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS
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No.
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Passed:
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________________________________________
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Christopher G. Paplauskas, Council President
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Approved:
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________________________________________
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Kenneth J. Hopkins, Mayor
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It is Ordained by the City of Cranston City Council as follows:
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Section 1. Chapter 6.08 is hereby amended by adding the following:
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Chapter 6.08 - DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS
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Sections:
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6.08.010 - Definitions.
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For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings
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respectively ascribed to them by this section:
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At Large. Any animal dog shall be deemed to be at large when such animal dog is not otherwise
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in an enclosed space on private property and not under the restraint and control of a properly
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fitting leash or other security device, whose intended purpose is to restrain the animal at issue
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and said leash is under the dominion and control of a competent person.
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"Adequate food" means the provision at suitable intervals, not to exceed twenty-four (24)
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hours, a quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a
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reasonable level of nutrition in each animal. The foodstuff shall be served in a sanitized
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receptacle, dish, or container.
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"Adequate shelter" means access a structure that is the proper size for the dog, impervious to
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moisture, has protection from the direct rays of the sun, and has a wind break at the entrance.
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This includes but is not limited to a doghouse, bam, garage, shed or other structure sufficient to
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protect the animal from wind, rain, snow, or sun that has adequate bedding to protect against
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cold and dampness.
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"Adequate water" means a constant access to a supply of clean, fresh, potable water
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provided in a sanitary manner or provided at suitable intervals for the species and not to exceed
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twenty-four (24) hours at any interval.
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"Ambient temperature" means the temperature surrounding the animal.
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"Dog officer" means the person or persons employed by the city as its enforcement officer
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and shall include any police officer of such city.
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"Dog pound" means any premises designated by action of the city for the purpose of
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impounding and caring for all animals found running at large in violation of this chapter.
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Exposed to Rabies. A dog has been exposed to rabies within the meaning of this chapter if it
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has been bitten by, or been exposed to, any animal known to have been infected with rabies.
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"Exotic/wild/hybrid animals" shall include, but not be limited to venomous snakes,
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alligators, crocodiles, chimpanzees, wolves, hybrid dogs, skunks, raccoons, bats, and
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groundhogs. Wild and hybrid cats shall be defined as any cat which possesses combined lineage
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from domestic cats (Felis domesticus) and any wildcat (Felis Silvestris) and shall include, but not
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be limited to Savannah, Bengal, Toyger, Chausie, Cheetoh, Jungle Lynx, Serengeti and Pixiebob.
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"Keeper or custodian" means any person or agency that harbors, feeds, maintains or is
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responsible for controlling a dog or another animal.
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"Kennel" means any person, group of persons, or corporations engaged in the commercial
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business of breeding, buying, selling or boarding dogs or for hobby and recreation.
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"Minimum care" means care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of an animal
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and, except for emergency circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the owner and/or
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guardian, includes, but is not limited to the requirements set forth in Section 6.08.250.
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"Minimum veterinary care" means veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably
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prudent person to relieve distress from injury, neglect, or disease.
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"Nuisance" means any dog or other animal that:
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1. Poses a bodily threat to any person or creates a disturbance by running at passing
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vehicles or cyclist;
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2. Attacks or chases other domestic animals on property other than their own;
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3. Damages public or private property;
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4. Disturbs any neighborhood or person(s) of average sensibilities by loud and persistent
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or habitual barking, howling or yelping.
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"Owner" means any person, groups of persons, agency or corporation who keeps, harbors,
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owns or has a right of property in a dog or other animal.
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Restraint. A dog is under restraint within the meaning of this chapter if the animal is under
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the restraint and control of a properly fitting leash or other security device, whose intended
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purpose is to restrain the animal at issue and said leash is under the dominion and control of a
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competent person, or inside an enclosed space on the property of the owner unable to exit the
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property of the owner. it is controlled by a leash or other restraining device or within a vehicle
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being driven or parked on the streets or within the property limits of its owner or keeper.
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"Spayed female" means any bitch which has been operated upon to prevent conception.
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"Tether" means a rope to chain or otherwise halter a dog allowing in a reasonable range in
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which to move.
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"Veterinarian" means a person licensed to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine,
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surgery, and dentistry in this state who is a graduate of an accredited veterinary medical,
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surgical, and dental school or college of a standard recognized by the Rhode Island veterinary
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medical association.
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6.08.020 - Enforcement of chapter.
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The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the dog officer of the city and any police
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officer of the city, and all violations of this chapter shall be referred to Cranston Municipal
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Court, and to any state agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
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6.08.030 - Dog license fees.
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A. Every owner or keeper of a dog shall annually in the month of April cause such dog to be
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licensed from the first day of the ensuing May, in the office of the city clerk, and shall pay to
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the city clerk for the license issued twenty ten dollars ($20.00) ($10.00), with the exception
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of senior citizens who shall, upon proof that they have attained the age of sixty-five (65)
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years or receive some form of government assistance, pay the sum of ten seven dollars
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($10.00) for said license. All licenses issued under the provisions of this section shall be
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valid in every city or town during the then current year, provided that any person who shall
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become the owner or keeper of a dog shall cause the same to be licensed within thirty (30)
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days after he or she becomes the owner or keeper.
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B. Every owner or keeper of any dog found to be in violation of this section shall for the first
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offense be fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) one hundred dollars ($100.00) and shall be
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required to have said dog tattooed in a manner prescribed by the Rhode Island General Laws
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Section 4-13.l-3(a)(2) at a fee of ten dollars ($10.00), and for a second violation of this
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section shall be fined two hundred-fifty dollars ($200.00) ($250.00) and shall be required to
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have said dog tattooed in a manner prescribed by Rhode Island General Laws Section
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4.13.1-3(a)(2) and for a third or subsequent offense shall be fined five hundred dollars
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($500.00) and shall be required to have said dog tattooed in a manner prescribed by Rhode
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Island General Laws Section 4-13.l-3(a)(2).
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In addition, any owner or keeper convicted of a third or subsequent violation of any offense
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under this Chapter, shall present to the city clerk proof that the owner or keeper has procured
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liability insurance in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00),
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covering any damage or injury which may be caused by such vicious dog, which policy shall
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contain a provision requiring the city or town to be named as additional insured for the sole
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purpose of the city clerk where such dog is licensed to be notified by the insurance company of
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any cancellation, termination or expiration of the liability insurance policy and the owner or
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keeper shall comply with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws Section 4.13.1-3(a).
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No fine and/or tattooing requiring shall be suspended by any court of competent jurisdiction.
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6.08.040 - Dogs to be kept under restraint.
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A. All animals not otherwise in an enclosed space on private property shall remain at all times
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under the restraint and control of a properly fitting leash or other security device, whose
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intended purpose is to restrain the animal at issue and said leash is under the dominion and
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control of a competent person.
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B. The dog officer shall take possession of any animal that is at large.
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C. An owner or guardian of any animal found to be in violation of this section shall for the first
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offense be fined one hundred dollars ($100.00) and shall be required to have said dog
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tattooed in a manner prescribed by the Rhode Island General Laws Section 4-13.l-3(a)(2) at
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a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00); and for a second violation of this section shall be
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fined two hundred-fifty dollars ($250.00) and shall be required to have said dog tattooed in a
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manner prescribed by Rhode Island General Laws Section 4.13.1-3(a)(2) at a fee of two
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hundred-fifty dollars,; and for a third or subsequent offense shall be fined five hundred
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dollars ($500.00), shall be required to have said dog tattooed in a manner prescribed by
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Rhode Island General Laws Section 4-13.l-3(a)(2) at a fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00),
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and shall forfeit their ability to acquire a future dog license or dog license renewal for any
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animal. No fine and/or tattooing requiring shall be suspended by any court of competent
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jurisdiction.
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6.08.050 - Impoundment.
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A. Any dog, or dogs running at large shall be taken up by the dog officer, and impounded in
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the shelter designated as the city dog pound, and there confined in a humane manner for a
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period of not less than seven days, unless first claimed by the owner thereof in accordance
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with Section 6.08.060, and may thereafter be disposed of in a humane manner if not claimed
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by their owners.
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B. The dog officer may transfer possession of any dog held at the dog pound to the Society for
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the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals after the legal detention period has expired and such
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dog has not been claimed by its owner.
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C. When dogs are found running at large, and their ownership is known to the dog officer,
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such dogs need not be impounded but such officer may cite the owners of such dogs in
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accordance with Section 6.08.220 of this chapter.
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D. Immediately upon impounding dogs, the dog officer shall make every possible reasonable
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effort to notify the owners of such dogs, so impounded, and inform such owners of the
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conditions whereby they may retain custody of such dogs.
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E. Any animal, other than a dog, found running at large within the city limits may be
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impounded or disposed of according to law when such action is required either to protect the
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animal or to protect the residents of the city.
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F. No animal shall be destroyed, transferred to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
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Animals or otherwise disposed of, or delivered to anyone other than the owner, by the dog
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officer pursuant to this chapter, until five days has elapsed after written notice to the owner
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of the animal that the animal is impounded and informing the owner of the conditions under
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which custody of the animal may be regained. Such written notice shall be delivered to the
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owner by a police officer or be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Except where
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exotic/wild/hybrid animals are involved, and state law requires transfer of said animal to a
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state agency.
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6.08.060 - Redemption of animals.
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A. The owner shall be entitled to regain possession of any impounded dog or other animal,
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except as hereinafter provided in the cases of certain dogs, at any time upon the payment of
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impoundment fees set forth herein.
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B. Any dog or other animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter and not reclaimed
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by its owner within seven days, may be humanely destroyed by the dog officer, have its
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possession transferred to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as provided
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for in Section 6.08.050(B), or placed in the custody of some person deemed to be a
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responsible and suitable person, who will agree to comply with the provisions of this chapter
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and such other regulations as shall be fixed by the dog officer.
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6.08.070 - Redemption of animals--Fees.
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Any animal impounded may be reclaimed, as herein provided, upon payment by the owner
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to the dog officer of the sum of ten two-hundred fifty dollars ($10.00) ($250.00) plus the
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additional sum of five fifty dollars ($50.00) for each day such animal has been impounded. Such
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fees shall be collected by the dog officer for the city and turned over to the city collector.
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6.08.080 - Confinement of certain dogs and other animals.
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A. Every female dog or other animals in heat shall be kept confined in a building or secure
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enclosure, or in a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel or under control of a competent
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agent, in such a manner that such female dog or other animals cannot come in contact with
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another dog or animal, except for intentional breeding purposes.
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B. Any animal described in the foregoing subsections of this section found at large, shall be
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impounded by the dog officer and may not be reclaimed by owners, unless such reclamation
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be authorized by any court having jurisdiction.
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C. Any dog or other animal may, the first time it is impounded for being a public nuisance, be
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reclaimed as provided in Section 6.08.050(A), but may not be reclaimed when so
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impounded on second or subsequent occasions unless such reclamation is authorized by a
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court having jurisdiction in the matter.
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D. When in the judgment of the dog officer or any police officer in this city, an animal should
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be destroyed for humane reasons, such animal may not be reclaimed.
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E. No wild animal may be kept within the city limits, except under such conditions as shall be
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fixed by the dog officer, provided, however, that wild animals may be kept for exhibiting
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purposes by circuses, zoos, and educational institutions, in accordance with such regulations
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shall be established by the dog officer. Any wild animal which escapes and is found at large
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may be destroyed by the dog officer or any police officer of this city.
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F. The owner of any known fierce, dangerous or vicious dog shall be responsible for its
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actions and should the animal bite or otherwise inflict any injury upon any person or persons, he
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or she shall be subject to a fine of one five hundred dollars ($100.00) ($500.00) per violation, or
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twenty (20) days in jail, or both. for the first offense; one hundred dollars ($100.00) or twenty
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(20) days in jail for the second offense; one hundred dollars ($100.00) or thirty (30) days in jail
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for the third offense or any subsequent offense thereafter. No fine and/or incarceration shall be
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suspended by any court of competent jurisdiction.
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G. The owner of any exotic/wild/hybrid animal as defined in Section 6.08.010, shall be
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responsible for its actions and should the animal bite or otherwise inflict any injury upon any
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person or persons, he or she shall be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per
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violation, or twenty (20) days in jail, or both. No fine and/or incarceration shall be suspended by
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any court of competent jurisdiction.
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6.08.090 - Rabies control.
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A. Every animal which bites a person shall be promptly reported to the dog officer, and shall
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thereupon be securely quarantined at the direction of the dog officer for a period of fourteen
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(14) days, and shall not be released from such quarantine except by written permission of
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the dog officer. At the discretion of the dog officer, such quarantine may be on the premises
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of the owner, at the shelter designated as the dog pound, or at the owner's option and
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expense, in a veterinary hospital of his or her choice. In the case of stray animals, or in the
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cases of animals whose ownership is not known, such quarantine shall be at the shelter
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designated by the dog officer.
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B. The owner upon demand by the dog officer shall forthwith surrender any animal which has
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bitten a human or animal, or which is suspected as having been exposed to rabies, for
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supervised quarantine, the expense of which shall be borne by the owner. Such animal may
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be reclaimed by the owner if it is adjudged free of rabies, upon payment of fees set forth in
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Section 6.08.060.
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C. When rabies has been diagnosed in an animal under quarantine or rabies suspected by a
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licensed veterinarian, and the animal dies while under such observation, the dog officer shall
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immediately send the head of such animal to the state health department for the pathological
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examination, and shall notify the proper public health officer of reports of human and animal
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contacts and the diagnosis.
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D. When one or both reports indicate a positive diagnosis of rabies, the dog officer shall
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recommend an area wide quarantine for a period of ninety (90) days, and upon invoking of
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such emergency quarantine, no animal shall be taken into the streets, or permitted to be in
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the streets, during such period of quarantine. During such quarantine, no animal may be
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taken or shipped from the city without written permission of the dog officer.
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During this quarantine period and as long afterward as he or she decides, it is necessary to
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prevent the spread of rabies, the dog officer shall require all dogs, six months of age and older, to
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be vaccinated against rabies with a canine rabies vaccine approved by the biologics control
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section of the United States Department of Agriculture. The types of approved canine anti-rabies
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vaccine to be used and the recognized duration of immunity for each shall be those established
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by the state health department. All vaccinated dogs shall be restricted (leashing or confinement
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on enclosed premises) for thirty (30) days after vaccination. During the quarantine period, the
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dog officer shall be empowered to provide for a program of mass immunization by the
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establishment of temporary emergency canine rabies vaccination clinics strategically located
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throughout the city.
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No dog which has been impounded by reason of its being a stray unclaimed by its owner,
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may be claimed during the period of the rabies emergency quarantine, except by special
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authorization of the dog officer.
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E. Dogs bitten by a known rabid animal shall be immediately destroyed or if the owner is
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unwilling to destroy the exposed animal, strict isolation of the animal in an enclosure of six
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months shall be enforced. If the dog has been previously vaccinated, within time limits
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established by the dog officer based on the kind of vaccine used, revaccination and restraint
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(leashing and confinement) for thirty (30) days shall be carried out.
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F. In the event there are additional positive cases of rabies occurring during the period of the
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quarantine, such period of quarantine may be extended for an additional six months.
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G. No person shall kill, or cause to be killed, any rabid animal, any animal suspected of having
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been exposed to rabies, or any animal biting a human, except herein provided, nor remove
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the same from the city limits without written permission from the dog officer.
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H. The carcass of any dead animal exposed to rabies shall upon demand be surrendered to the
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dog officer.
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I. The dog officer shall direct the disposition of any animal found to be infected with rabies.
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J. No person shall fail or refuse to surrender any animal for quarantine for destruction as
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required herein when demand is made therefor by the dog officer.
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(Prior code § 4-10)
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6.08.100 - Reports of bite cases.
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It shall be the duty of every witness to a bite inflicted by an animal, owner of an animal
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involved in a bite inflicted by an animal, and physician, hospital or other medical practitioner, to
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report to the dog officer or police department the names and addresses of persons treated for
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bites inflicted by animals, together with such other information as will be helpful in rabies
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control. Any person found in violation of this section shall be fined no more than five hundred
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dollars ($500.00) per offense. No fine shall be suspended by any court of competent jurisdiction.
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6.08.110 - Responsibilities of veterinarians.
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It shall be the duty of every licensed veterinarian to report to the dog officer any animal
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known or considered by him or her to be a rabies suspect.
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6.08.180 - Nuisance abatement.
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A. The keeping or harboring of any dog or other domestic animal, whether licensed or not,
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which is by barking, biting, howling or yelping in any other manner, disturbing the public
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peace or the quiet of any person whomsoever, is unlawful and is declared to be a nuisance,
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and each day shall constitute a separate offense if a complaint is affirmed by a proper public
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official.
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B. Allowing or permitting any animal to trespass on private or public property so as to damage
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or destroy any property or thing of value, is unlawful and declared to be a nuisance, and
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each day shall constitute a separate offense if a formal complaint(s) is confirmed by a
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defined public official(s).
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C. Whenever a formal complaint(s) is made that a dog or other domestic animal is a nuisance
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by reason of any of the foregoing, an animal control officer or any police officer shall
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investigate the formal complaint(s) and if such nuisance is found to exist, notice shall be
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served by an animal control officer or any police officer upon the owner, keeper or guardian
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of such animal, to abate such nuisance.
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D. It shall be unlawful for any owner, keeper or guardian of a dog or other domestic animal to
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refuse or neglect to abate such a nuisance after they receive notice to do so from an animal
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control officer or any police officer.
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E. All formal complaint(s) pertaining to noise nuisances made under the provisions of this
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section, shall be made in writing to an animal control officer or any police officer, and no
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formal complaint(s) shall be taken and no summons shall be issued for any violation unless
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there are at least two or more formal complaints by witnesses residing in separate domiciles
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who have signed such a formal complaint(s), or unless the police or animal control officer
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are summoned and witness the noise nuisance, notwithstanding the present authority of the
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animal control officers or police officers to issue summonses.
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F. Any person violating any provisions of this section shall be fined an amount not to exceed
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one hundred twenty-five dollars ($100.00) ($25.00) for the first offense, an amount not to
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exceed two hundred fifty one hundred dollars ($250.00) ($100.00) for the second offense
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within a twelve (12) month period, an amount not to exceed five hundred two hundred
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dollars ($500.00) ($200.00) for the third and any subsequent offenses within a twelve (12)
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month period to be recovered for the use of the city.
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6.08.190 - Miscellaneous provisions.
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A. No dogs or other domestic animal shall be allowed in schoolyards or on school property,
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whether at large or under restraint, unless they are seeing-eye dogs, service dogs or official
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law enforcement canines.
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B. No dogs or other domestic animal shall be allowed in any stores or eating places within the
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city, whether at large or under restraint, unless they are seeing-eye dogs, service dogs or
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official law enforcement canines.
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C. No dog shall be allowed on any city-owned recreational facility, ball field or playground, or
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walking track, whether at large or under restraint, unless they are seeing-eye dogs, service
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dogs or official law enforcement canines so-called excepted. Dogs under restraint shall be
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allowed on walking trails in natural areas, including, but not limited to, trails at the Knight
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Farm property and along the Pawtuxet River.
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D. All complaints made under the provisions of this chapter shall be made to the dog officer or
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any police officer and may be made orally, provided, however, that such complaint is within
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forty-eight (48) hours of the incident, reduced to writing on forms provided by the dog
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officer and shall be signed by the complainant showing his or her address and telephone
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number, if any.
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E. The city council may establish by resolution a public dog pound at such place in the city as
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it may deem convenient and proper.
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F. The city clerk shall not issue to any person, or to more than one person residing at the same
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address, licenses for more than two dogs unless the dog officer shall certify in writing to the
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city clerk that the premises at which such dogs are proposed to be kept are suitable for the
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keeping of more than two dogs and that the keeping of more than two dogs therein will not
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tend to create a nuisance. The city clerk shall collect an additional fee in the amount of two
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hundred-fifty ($250.00) dollars for each license provided to a single address that already
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have two or more dogs.
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G. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep within the city more than two dogs, one
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or more of which are unlicensed, unless that person has and who does not have a kennel
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license or license set forth in §6.08.190(F) above, for the keeping of such dogs.
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H. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons at the same address to own or keep within the
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city more than four cats, unless the premises are lawfully used for a kennel or pet shop.
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I. The animal control officer shall charge a fee, as specified in the following schedule, to be
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paid by the owner of any dog or cat taken to the animal shelter for the purpose of
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transferring title or for the disposal of said animal according to law.
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Fee Schedule
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For each adult (six mos. or older) dog
$20.00
$50.00
For each puppy
5.00
$50.00
For each adult (six mos. or older) cat
10.00
$50.00
For each kitten
5.00
$50.00
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6.08.200 - Authority to investigate.
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In the discharge of the duties imposed by this chapter, the dog officer of this city shall have
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the authority at all reasonable times to enter upon any premises (but such authority should not
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include the right to enter any residence on such premises) to examine a dog or other animal
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which is allegedly involved in a violation of a provision of this chapter. Such officer shall have
345
the further authority to take possession of any such dog or other animal and remove it from such
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premises for cause set forth herein.
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6.08.210 - Interference with dog officer.
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No person shall interfere with, hinder or molest the dog officer of this city in the
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performance of his or her duties, or seek to release any animal in the custody of the dog officer
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or any police officer, except as herein provided.
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6.08.220 - Records to be kept.
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A. It shall be the duty of the dog officer to keep, or cause to be kept, accurate and detailed
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records of the impoundment and disposition of all animals coming into his or her custody.
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B. It shall be the duty of the dog officer to keep, or cause to be kept, accurate and detailed
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records of all bite cases reported to him or her and his or her investigation of the same.
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C. It shall be the duty of the dog officer to keep, or cause to be kept, accurate and detailed
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records of all moneys belonging to the city, which records shall be open to inspection at all
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times by authorized personnel of the city and shall be audited by the city annually in the
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same manner as other city records are audited.
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D. In addition to the duties of the dog officer as provided by law, the dog officer in the city
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shall make a monthly report to the city auditor of all dogs killed and buried by him or her,
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specifying the name and residence of the owner of such dog, the license number and the
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color and sex of such dog, and whether collared. The director of finance shall furnish to the
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dog officer printed forms for the returns aforesaid.
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6.08.230 - Penalty for violation of chapter.
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Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any violation of any provisions of this chapter
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may be punished by destruction or disposition of the animal, or by the payment of a fine of one
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hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first offense, two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) ($200.00) and
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seizure of the animal for the second offense within a year, and five four hundred dollars
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($500.00) ($400.00) and seizure of the animal for the third and any subsequent offense within a
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year.
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A second and subsequent violations of Sections 6.08.250 and 6.08.260 may be considered a
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violation of Rhode Island General Laws Section 4-1-2.
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For a violation of any provision of this chapter, the enforcing officer shall issue a citation
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which may not be paid by mail but shall require an appearance before a justice of the Cranston
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municipal court.
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Any owner or keeper convicted of a third or subsequent violation of any offense under this
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Chapter, shall present to the city clerk proof that the owner or keeper has procured liability
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insurance in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), covering any
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damage or injury which may be caused by such vicious dog, which policy shall contain a
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provision requiring the city or town to be named as additional insured for the sole purpose of the
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city clerk where such dog is licensed to be notified by the insurance company of any
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cancellation, termination or expiration of the liability insurance policy and the owner or keeper
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shall comply with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws Section 4.13.1-3(a).
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6.08.240 - Domestic animal waste and its removal.
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A. Duties to Dispose. It shall be the duty of each person who owns, possesses or controls a
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domestic animal to remove and dispose of any feces left by his or her domestic animal on
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any sidewalk, street, park or other public area, or any other property, whether public or
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private owned by the city.
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B. Duty to Possess Means of Removal. No person who owns, possesses or controls such
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domestic animal shall appear with such domestic animal on any sidewalk, street, park or
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other public area, or any other property, whether public or private, owned by the city
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without the means of removal of any feces left by such domestic animal.
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C. Method of Removal and Disposal. For the purpose of this regulation, the means of removal
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shall be any tool, implement or other device carried for the purpose of picking up and
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containing such feces, unexposed to said person or the public. Disposal shall be
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accomplished by transporting such feces to a place suitable and regularly reserved for the
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disposal of human feces.
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D. Fines for Violation. Violation of this regulation shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding
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one hundred fifty ($150.00) twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense, not exceeding
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three one hundred dollars ($300.00) ($100.00) for the second offense within a year, not
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exceeding five two hundred dollars ($500.00) ($200.00) for the third and any subsequent
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offenses within a year to be recovered for the use of the city.
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E. Exemption. This regulation shall not apply to a licensed dog accompanying any
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handicapped person who, by reason of his or her handicap, is physically unable to comply
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with the requirements of this section.
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6.08.250 - Minimum care of animals.
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A. An owner or guardian of any animal must provide daily proper nourishment and access to
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adequate water at a drinkable temperature, quality and quantity as required by the species,
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breed, size, and age of the said animal, which will allow and foster normal growth and
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maintenance of body weight.
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B. An owner or guardian of any animal must maintain a sanitary environment, which is dry
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and free of accumulated feces, and free of debris and garbage that may clutter the
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environment so as not to inhibit comfortable rest, normal posture and range of movement or
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pose a danger to or entangle an animal, this as set by the industry standard for the
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environmental health scale as set forth in the most recently adopted version of the Tufts
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Animal Care and Conditions Scale (TACC).
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C. An owner or guardian of any animal must maintain said animal's health with minimum
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veterinary care, and a healthy physical condition as set by the industry standard for the body
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condition scale, and physical care scale as set forth in the most recently adopted version of
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the Tufts Animal Care and Conditions Scale (TACC).
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6.08.260 - Disposition of animals.
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Any animal seized in enforcement of Section 6.08.230 shall be impounded and, if the
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identity of owner is known by animal control, the animal control officer shall make every
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possible, reasonable effort to notify the owners of such animals so impounded and to inform the
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owners of the conditions whereby they may regain custody of their animal. Animal(s) seized will
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then be held for a period of ten (10) days, at the owners expense, unless (i) a release is signed by
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owner or guardian relinquishing ownership of the animal to the city, (ii) the animal is euthanized
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for humane reasons, or (iii) the owner remedies the problem for which the animal was seized,
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and the animal control officer sees it fit to return the animal to the owner upon payment of fees.
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Upon conclusion of the ten (10) day hold period, if the owner has not come forward, the animal
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may be humanely destroyed, have its title transferred to the Rhode Island S.P.C.A., or be placed
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in a suitable home or with a rescue group. The owner/guardian shall be accountable for all fines,
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fees, and costs to the city for the minimum care of the animal.
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6.08.270 - Sheltering, tethering, and nourishment of dogs.
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A. No person shall allow a dog to be kept outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced, or
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otherwise confined for more than thirty (30) minutes without access to adequate shelter or
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adequate water for use by such dog.
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B. No person shall allow a dog to be kept outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced, or
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otherwise confined for more than thirty (30) minutes when the ambient temperature is
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beyond the industry standard for the weather safety scale as set forth in the most recently
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adopted version of the Tufts Animal Care and Conditions Scale (TACC). Penalties for
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violation of this section as set by Section 6.08.230.
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6.08.280 - Animal confinement in motor vehicles prohibited.
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A. No person shall confine any animal in a motor vehicle, or any such enclosure with little to no
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ventilation, in such a manner that places it in a life or heath threatening situation by exposure to
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a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from
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such heat or cold. In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, any individual who has
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a reasonable suspicion that an animal is in a motor vehicle, or any such enclosure, in such a
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manner that places the animal in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a
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prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from
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such heat or cold, any individual may take steps that are reasonably necessary to remove an
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animal from the vehicle or enclosure. if the animal's safety, health or well-being appears to be
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in immediate danger from heat, cold or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could
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reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death.
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Nothing in this section shall prevent a law enforcement officer, firefighter or animal control
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officer from removing an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal's safety appears to be in
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immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or any
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other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to
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the animal.
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C. A law enforcement officer, firefighter or animal control officer who removes an animal in
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accordance with this section shall in a secure and conspicuous location on or within the motor
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vehicle, leave written notice bearing the officer's or agent's name and office and the address of
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the location where the animal may be claimed. The owner may claim the animal only after
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payment of all charges that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment and
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impoundment of the animal.
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D. A law enforcement officer, firefighter or animal control officer who removes an animal from a
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motor vehicle pursuant to this section is immune from criminal or civil liability that might
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otherwise result from the removal.
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E. Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be subject to the penalties in Section
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6.08.230 of this code.
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Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its final adoption.
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Positive Endorsement:
Negative Endorsement: (Attach reasons)
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______________________________________
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City Solicitor
Date
City Solicitor
Date
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Sponsored by Councilman Reilly, Councilwomen Renzulli and Germain
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Referred to Ordinance Committee July 26, 2021
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