Title:
Ordinance to Amend and Re-Enact Chapter 5 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia Entitled “Animals” by Amending Articles I and III - VII
Purpose:
The proposed amendments to several Articles of Chapter 5, Animals, of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia would bring the Code into alignment with recent changes to state code while also clarifying inconsistiencies inadvertedly created during prior amendments and further, adding new language under section 5-83, formerly reserved, requiring all pet shops, as defined in section 5-2, to obtain a permit from Hampton Animal Control.
Discussion:
At present, a pet shop may buy, sell, or exchange companion animals without first obtaining an inspection by Animal Control. The proposed amendment would require pet shops to obtain a permit annually from Hampton Animal Control prior to buying, selling or exchanging companion animals as a means of further promoting animal-welfare. Prior to issuance of a permit, the pet shop must be inspected by Animal Control and the applicant must demonstrate compliance with all applicable state and local laws and regulations. The permit fee is $50 per year and due no later than December 31st of each year. The Hampton Animal Control Advisory Committee has vetted and recommends the enactment of the pet shop permit ordinance.
The remaining changes to Chapter 5 are housekeeping amendments to bring the city code into compliance with recent changes to the state code and improve existing language to increase consistency throughout the chapter.
Recommendation:
Approve the Ordinance Amendments
Body:
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia that Articles I, III, IV, V, VI, and VII of Chapter 5 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia be amended and re-enacted as follows:
ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL
. . . .
Sec. 5-2. - Definitions.
Unless otherwise expressly stated or the content clearly indicates a different intention, the fol...
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