HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem V - Urban Bee and Chicken Ordinance City of Oshkosh Municipal Codes
Revised 2/13/18
CHAPTER 6
ANIMALS
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
6-1 DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE II. LICENSING OF ANIMALS
6-2 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
6-3 LICENSE;REQUIRED
6-4 LICENSE;FEES
ARTICLE III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
6-5 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
6-5.5 HUMANE OFFICER;APPOINTMENT;AUTHORITY
6-5.6 ABATEMENT ORDERS
6-6 ANIMALS,FOWL,AND INSECTS NOT PERMITTED IN CITY
6-6.3 URBAN BEEKEEPING
6-6.5 FEEDING OF DEER PROHIBITED
6-7 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
6-8 LIMIT NUMBER OF ANIMALS
6-9 PET LITTERING
6-10 ANIMAL TRAPS
6-11 REPEALED
6-12 ANIMAL NOISE
ARTICLE IV. ANIMAL SHELTER/IMPOUNDMENT OF ANIMALS
6-13 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
6-14 RABIES VACCINATION
6-15 RABIES CONTROL
6-16 VICIOUS ANIMALS
6-17 ANIMAL RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED
6-18 IMPOUNDMENT
ARTICLE V. PET STORES/COMMERCIAL KENNELS
6-19 SALE OF PROHIBITED ANIMALS
City of Oshkosh Chapter 6—Page 1 Municipal Codes
City of Oshkosh Municipal Codes
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ARTICLE VI. PENALTIES
6-20 PENALTIES
6-21 PENALTIES-JUVENILE
City of Oshkosh Chapter 6—Page 2 Municipal Codes
City of Oshkosh Municipal Codes
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ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
SECTION 6-1 DEFINITIONS.
(A) As Used In This Chapter:
(1) Animal includes every living:
(a) warm blooded creature,except a human being,
(b) reptile,
(c) amphibian,
(d) bird or
(e) bees.
(2) Chicken shall mean hens or pullets.
(3) Owner shall mean and include every person having a right of property in an animal and/or
having such animal in his or her care or possession.
(4) Reserved. (Repealed 7/1/12)
(5) Reserved. (Repealed 7/1/12)
(6) Reserved. (Repealed 7/1/12)
(7) Impound or Isolation Facility shall mean the Oshkosh Animal Shelter,a veterinary hospital,
or other place specified by the supervising officer who is equipped with a pen or cage
which isolates the animal from contact with other animals.
(8) Officer shall mean a peace officer as defined under Section 939.22(22)Wis.Stats.,a humane
officer, or a community service officer. The "supervising officer" shall mean that officer
designated by the Chief of Police or his/her designee to supervise the individual case.
(9) Reserved. (Repealed 7/1/12)
(10) Vaccination Certificate shall mean a certificate dated and signed by a licensed veterinarian
stating the brand of vaccine used, manufacturer's serial number of the vaccine used, and
describing the animal,age and breed,owner and vaccination tag number indicating that the
animal has been immunized against rabies.
(11) Vicious Animal shall mean:
(a) any animal that,has on two(2)or more reported occasions when unprovoked,bitten,
injured, killed, damaged, or attacked a human being or animal on either public or
private property; and/or
(b) any animal trained or used for fighting against another animal.
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Notwithstanding the definition of a 'vicious animal" above, no animal may be declared
vicious if death, injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time such was
sustained was committing trespass upon premises occupied by the owner of the animal,or
was teasing,tormenting,abusing or assaulting the animal or was committing or attempting
to commit a crime or violating or attempting to violate a statute or ordinance which protects
person or property.
No animal may be declared vicious if death,injury or damage was sustained by a domestic
animal which was teasing,tormenting, abusing,or assaulting the animal.
No animal may be declared vicious if the animal was protecting or defending a human being
within the immediate vicinity of the animal from an unjustified attack or assault.
No animal may be declared vicious for acts committed by said dog while being utilized by a
law enforcement officer.
ARTICLE II. LICENSING OF ANIMALS
SECTION 6-2 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
The rules and regulations pertaining to licensing, specifically Sections 174.001, 174.05, 174.053, 174.054,
174.055, 174.07 and 95.51 Wisconsin Statutes and Chapter ATCP 17, Wisconsin Administrative Code,
together with any future additions,deletions,or supplements thereto,are herewith incorporated as part of
this Chapter and shall be enforced with the same force and effect as though set forth in full herein.
Providing,however,that where such rules and regulations are less stringent than other provisions found in
this Code,the provisions of this Code shall apply. The rules and regulations pertaining to licensing shall
apply also to cats and chickens within the city of Oshkosh.
SECTION 6-3 LICENSE;REQUIRED
(A) Every owner residing in the City who owns,harbors,or keeps a dog or cat which is more than five
(5)months of age as of January 1 of each year,shall annually obtain a license therefor. The license
year shall commence on January 1 and licenses shall expire on December 31 of that year.
(B) When a dog or cat becomes five(5)months of age,the owner shall obtain a license within thirty(30)
days thereof.
(C) Each owner obtaining a license for operating a kennel shall be excluded from this licensing
procedure,but shall be required to obtain a kennel license.
(D) No person shall keep or maintain any chicken within the city limits prior to obtaining an annual
license from the City and registration with the State. The City license year shall commence on
January 1 of each year and licenses shall expire on December 31 of that year. The license and any
associated fee is to keep chickens and not per chicken. Prior to licensing by the City,the owner must
provide proof of State Livestock Registration.
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(E) For bees, as otherwise described in this Chapter.
SECTION 6-4 LICENSE;FEES
Every owner of a dog or cat shall pay the City Treasurer prior to January 1 of each year, the sum of Five
Dollars($5.00)for each dog or cat,except that the fee shall be Twelve Dollars($12.00)for each unneutered
male dog or cat or unspayed female dog or cat.
Every owner of a chicken or bees shall pay the City Treasurer prior to January 1 of each year,the sum of
Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) for a chicken license.
In the event such license fee is not paid prior to April 1 or within 30 days of acquiring ownership of a
licensable dog or cat or chicken or bees,or if the owner failed to obtain a license on or before the date the
dog or cat reached licensable age,an additional fee of Seven Dollars($7.00)shall be assessed and collected.
ARTICLE III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 6-5 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
The following statutes together with any future additions,deletions or supplements thereto,are herewith
incorporated as part of this Chapter and shall be enforced with the same force and effect as though set forth
in full herein. Providing, however, that where such rules and regulations are less stringent than other
provisions found in this Code,the provisions of this Code shall apply.
95.51 Livestock Premises Registration
174.042 Dogs running at large and untagged dogs
951.02 Mistreating Animals
951.025 Decompression Prohibited
951.03 Dognapping and Catnapping
951.04 Leading animal from motor vehicle
951.05 Transportation of animals
951.06 Use of poisonous and controlled substances
951.07 Use of certain devices prohibited
951.08 Instigating fights between animals
951.09 Shooting at caged or staked animals
951.095 Harassment of Police and Fire Animals
951.10 Sale of baby rabbits, chicks and other fowl
951.11 Artificially colored animals;sale
951.13 Providing proper food and drink to confined animals
951.14 Providing proper shelter
951.15 Abandoning Animals
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The rules and regulations pertaining to licensing,impoundment,running at large and untagged,and rabies
control shall apply also to cats and chickens within the City of Oshkosh.
SECTION 6-5.5 HUMANE OFFICER;APPOINTMENT;AUTHORITY
Pursuant to Section 173.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Common Council for the City of Oshkosh,may
from time to time, appoint one or more Humane Officers. Humane Officers shall have the authority
specified in Chapter 173 and shall be under the direction of the chief of Police or his/her designee.
SECTION 6-5.6 ABATEMENT ORDERS
(A) Issuance of Order. After investigation,if a humane officer or law enforcement officer has reasonable
grounds to believe that a violation of a statute or ordinance is occurring and that the violation is
causing or has the potential to cause injury to an animal, the humane officer or law enforcement
officer may issue and serve an order of abatement pursuant to Section 173.11 of the Wisconsin
Statutes.
(B) Hearing Officer. Any person named in an order issued under sub.(A)may,within the 10 day period
following service of the order, request a hearing on the order. The City Manager shall appoint a
Hearing Officer who shall conduct the hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 173.11 of the
Wisconsin Statutes.
(C) Appeal. Appeal from the decision of the Hearing Officer or other official shall be as provided in
Section 173.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
SECTION 6-6 ANIMALS,FOWL,AND INSECTS NOT PERMITTED IN CITY
(A) No person shall bring into,keep,maintain,offer for sale or barter,or release to the wild,nor shall
any person permit such activities to occur on premises owned,controlled,rented or maintained by
that person,except as provided in Section 6-19 (1) :
(1) Any fowl or poultry(exception for chickens in R-1 or R-2),cattle,horses,sheep,swine,goats,
pot-bellied pigs,or any other domesticated livestock,unless part of an agricultural operation
authorized by the City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Chapter 30 of the Municipal Code.
(2) Wild animals,including but not limited to,any live monkey,or other non-human primate,
raccoon, skunk, ferret, prairie dog, fox, wolf, panther, lynx, opossum, or any other warm-
blooded animal which can normally be found in the wild state. For the purposes of this
code,wolf-dog hybrids are considered wild animals.
(3) Any poisonous or venomous,biting or injecting species of reptiles,amphibians,arachnids,or
insects,including bees.
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(4) Snakes not indigenous to Wisconsin or any snake exceeding three feet in length.
This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, circuses or like entertainment
organization or to an educational or medical institution.
SECTION 6-6.3 URBAN BEEKEEPING
(A) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to establish certain requirements to allow urban beekeeping on lots
within the city.A further purpose is to avoid issues that might otherwise be associated with urban
beekeeping in neighborhoods.Honeybees are critical pollinators for flowers,fruits and vegetables.
Managed colonies of bees help to increase yields and quality of a large variety of plants commonly
found in backyard gardens,parks,and natural areas.A growing interest in renewable resources has
prompted more people to take up urban beekeeping as a way to produce their own honey,beeswax,
pollen and other hive products that are high in nutritional value. Domestic strains of honeybees
have been selectively bred for desirable traits so that they can be kept within populated areas and in
reasonable densities. By providing an ordinance for urban beekeeping on properties,the City can
support a sustainable activity while setting standards that are practical for beekeepers and
safe for neighbors.
(B) Definitions
The following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this Section unless the context
of their usage indicates another usage.
(1) "Apiary"means the assembly of one or more colonies of bees at a single location which also
include wild bee houses constructed by the property owner.
(2) "African honey bee" (Apis mellifera scutellata)means a subspecies or hybrid of the common
domestic honey bee (Apis mellifera)native to central and southern Africa.
(3) 'Beekeeper"means a person who owns or has charge of one or more colonies of bees which
also includes a person constructing a wild bee house on their property.
(4) 'Beekeeping equipment" means anything used in the operation of an apiary, such as hive
bodies, supers,frames,top and bottom boards and extractors.
(5) "Colony" means an aggregate of bees consisting principally of workers,but having,when
perfect,one queen and at times drones,brood, combs, and honey.
(6) "Hive"means the receptacle inhabited by a colony that is manufactured for that purpose.
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(7) "Honey bee"means all life stages of the common domestic honey bee,apis mellifera(African
subspecies and Africanized hybrids are not allowed).
(8) "Lot" means a contiguous parcel of land under common ownership.
(9) "Nucleus colony' means a small quantity of bees with a queen housed in a smaller than
usual hive box designed for a particular purpose.
(C) Standards of practice
Prior to establishing an Apiary,the following criteria constitute standards and practices that,when
applied to urban beekeeping,protect the health,safety,property and welfare of the general public:
(1) In all zoning districts,the following regulations shall apply:
(a) Honey bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable frames, which must be
kept in sound and usable conditions.This includes securing unused equipment from
weather,theft,vandalism or occupancy by swarms of bees.
(b) The maximum size of a hive should not exceed 36 inches in height by 24 inches in
width and 24" depth.
(c) The maximum number of hives allowed on any lot are based on the size of lot, as
follows:
(i) Lot size of lh acre or smaller: maximum two (2)hives allowed.
(ii) Lot size larger than lh acre but smaller than one acre:maximum four(4)hives
allowed.
(iii) Lot size of one acre or larger: maximum of six (6)hives allowed.
(d) No beehive shall be kept closer than five (5)feet to any lot line and twenty-five(25)
feet to a dwelling or the permitted placement of a dwelling on another parcel,and
beehive shall be placed only in the rear yard.The entrance of any beehive shall face
away from the property line of the adjacent property closest to the beehive.
(e) A solid fence or dense hedge, known as a "flyway barrier," at least six (6) feet in
height,must be placed around the beehive,and shall be located within five(5)feet of
the hive and shall extend at least three (3) feet on either side of the hive. No such
flyway barrier shall be required if all beehives are located on roofs, porches or
balconies at least ten(10)feet above grade.
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(f) A supply of fresh water no smaller than three(3)gallons in size shall be maintained
in a location within ten feet of each colony and readily accessible to all bee colonies
on the site throughout the day to prevent bees from congregating at neighboring
swimming pools or other sources of water on nearby properties.
(g) Each beekeeper must ensure that no wax comb or other material that might
encourage robbing by other bees are left upon the grounds of the apiary lot. Such
materials once removed from the site shall be handled and stored in sealed
containers,or placed within a building or other vermin-proof container.
(h) Each beekeeper shall maintain his beekeeping equipment in good condition,
including keeping the hives painted if they have been painted but are peeling or
flaking,and securing unused equipment from weather,potential theft or vandalism
and occupancy by swarms.
(i) Prohibitions. Africanized honey bees(Apis mellifera scutellata)may not be kept on a
property under the regulations of this Section.
(D) License required
(1) No beekeeping may occur on any property in the city unless the Community Development
Director or designee issues a license to the beekeeper on that specific property.The license
will be valid for a single calendar year beginning on January Is'and expiring on December
31st.
(2) A beekeeping license will only be issued if:
(a) The license application has been submitted documenting all applicable items to
include; name of applicant, property address, contact number, license fee, and
scaled site plan consistent with the standards of practice identified within this
section;
(b) Notification has been mailed by the City to all property owners abutting the
applicant's property;
(c) A permit is issued by the Inspection Services Division for construction of the
required flyaway barrier.
(3) Licenses are personal to the applicant,non-transferrable,and do not attach to or run with the
land.
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(4) The fee for the initial license shall be as established by the Common Council. Annual
renewal of the license is required and the fee for the renewal license shall be equal to the
initial license fee as established by this Chapter.
(5) All standards of practice must be met in order to issue a license.
(6) If the standards of practice are not maintained subsequent to issuance of a beekeeping
license,the license shall be revoked by the City.
SECTION 6-6.5 FEEDING OF DEER PROHIBITED
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to place any feed including but not limited to salt, minerals,
grain,corn,fruit,vegetable material or any other type of feed on the ground or in feeders,mangers
or any other type of structure or receptacle for the purpose of feeding deer or enticing deer onto
anyone's property in the City except as provided in subsection(C)of this section.
(B) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that either of the following acts are for the purpose of
feeding whitetail deer:
1. The placement of salt,minerals,grain,corn,fruit,vegetable material or other type of feed in an
aggregate quantity of greater than one-half gallon at a height of less than six feet off the ground.
2. The placement of salt,minerals,grain,corn,fruit,vegetable material or any other type of feed in
any aggregate quantity in a drop feeder, automatic feeder or similar device regardless of the
height of the feeder or device.
(C) This section shall not apply to the following situations:
1. Naturally growing grain,fruit or vegetable material,including gardens and residue from lawns,
or gardens and other vegetative materials maintained as a mulch or compost pile.
2. Unmodified commercially purchased bird feeders or their equivalent.
3. Deer feeding may be authorized on a temporary basis by the common council for deer
management practices authorized by the City.
SECTION 6-7 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
(A) Every owner or person responsible shall provide animals with a sufficient supply of
good/wholesome food and potable water to maintain health.
(B) No person shall confine and/or allow animals to remain outside during adverse weather conditions
constituting a health hazard to such animal.
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(1) Sufficient shade by natural or artificial source shall be provided to protect the animal from
direct sunlight.
(2) Natural or artificial shelter appropriate to the local climatic conditions shall be provided as
necessary.
(C) Every owner and/or person in charge or control of any animal which is kept outdoors, or in an
unheated enclosure, shall provide such animal with shelter and bedding as prescribed in this
Section as a minimum.
(1) The housing facilities shall be structurally sound,moisture proof,and maintained in good
repair.
(2) Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained to provide sufficient space to allow each
animal adequate freedom of movement and the retention of body heat.
(3) A solid floor raised at least 2" off the ground (exception for chickens).
(4) An entrance covered by a self-closing, swinging covering, or an L-shaped entrance to
prevent the wind from blowing directly into the house (exception for chickens).
(5) A sufficient quantity of suitable clean bedding material,to provide insulation and protection
against the cold and dampness and promote the retention of body heat.
(6) During the months of May through September,inclusive,paragraphs 4 and 5 above may be
suspended (exception for chickens).
(7) Chickens shall be provided enclosures that are enclosed, predator-proof, insulated, and
adequately ventilated.
(8) Chicken enclosures shall measure a minimum of seven (7) square feet in area or three (3)
square feet in area per chicken,whichever is greater with one nest box provided per every
two (2) chickens.
(9) Chicken enclosures must be so constructed and maintained as to prevent rodents from being
harbored underneath or within the walls thereof.
(10) Chicken enclosures shall provide elevated perches to ensure chickens are able to rest in their
natural roosting position.
(11) No chicken enclosure,food storage unit,or waste compost shall be located closer than 25 feet
to any primary residential structure on an adjacent lot and must be located in the rear yard
of the property,as defined by the Zoning Ordinance. The structure must also meet accessory
structure setbacks, as regulated by the Zoning Ordinance.
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(12) Chickens shall be secured with the enclosure during non-daylight hours.
(13) In addition to an enclosure, chickens shall be provided access to an outdoor enclosed run
area for the majority of daylight hours,weather permitting.
(D) Every owner that houses or confines an animal in a pen or enclosure shall keep and maintain such
pen or enclosure in a clean, sanitary and odor free condition.
(E) No person may abandon or neglect any animal.
(F) No person shall kick, beat, cruelly ill treat, torment, overload, overwork, or otherwise abuse any
animal.
(G) No person may cause or allow an animal to be placed or confined in a motor vehicle under such
conditions or for such a period of time,without adequate ventilation,as to endanger the health or
well being of such animal due to temperature, humidity, lack of food or drink, or such other
conditions as may be reasonably expected to cause suffering, disability or death.
(H) No person may intentionally instigate, promote, aid or abet as a principal, agent or employee, or
participate in the earnings from, or intentionally maintain or allow any place to be used for a
cockfight, dog fight, bullfight or other fight between the same or different kinds of animals or
between an animal and a person(951.08)
(I) No theatrical exhibit or act shall be held in which animals are forced or encouraged to perform
through the use of chemical,electrical or mechanical devises. (951.07)
(J) The performance of any act prohibited by this section,or the non-performance of any act required by
it,shall be deemed cruelty to animals and subject to the provisions of sections 951.15 and 951.16 Wis.
Stats.adopted herein. Impoundment of animals under this section shall be as prescribed in section
6-18 of this municipal code.
(K) The slaughter of chickens is prohibited.
(L) The performance of any act prohibited by this Section,or the non-performance of any act required
by it, shall be deemed cruelty to animals.
SECTION 6-8 LIMIT NUMBER OF ANIMALS
(A) Purpose. The owning,harboring and keeping by any person(s)of a large number of dogs, cats or
combination thereof within the City, detracts from the quality of life within the entire residential
district due to various noise,odor,health and safety problems which constitute a public nuisance.
(B) Limitation. No person may own,harbor or keep in their possession,within the City,more than 3
dogs,5 cats or combination not to exceed a total number of five(5)animals thereof,over the age of
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five (5)months,except when they possess a Kennel License which is in full force and effect.
The exception being a litter of pups/and or kittens or a portion of a litter,may be kept for a period of
time not exceeding five (5)months from birth.
(C) A maximum of four (4) chickens may be kept per residential lot in areas zoned R-1 (Single Family
Residence)District or R-2(Two Family Residence)District provided that all families living in the R-
2 property where a chicken license is requested consent to the presence of chickens and written
permission/consent from all abutting neighbor's property.
(D) Exemptions:
(1) Any person owning,harboring or keeping in their possession within the City,on March 2,
1996,more than 5 dogs,cats or combination thereof,over the age of five(5)months,shall be
permitted to own,harbor or keep in their possession said dogs and/or cats provided that:
(a) Required license fees for each dog and/or cat have been paid, the licenses are
continually maintained in full force and effect,and proof thereof is furnished to City
personnel empowered to enforce this ordinance upon request.
(b) Required and effective rabies immunization for each dog and/or cat has been
procured,and effective level of rabies immunization continuously maintained,and
proof thereof furnished to City personnel empowered to enforce this ordinance upon
request.
(c) However this exemption shall not authorize the replacement of any dog and/or cat
until the specified limitation within this ordinance is complied with. The burden of
proving entitlement to this exemption is upon the party seeking the exemption.
(2) This section shall not apply to properly licensed facilities under Article V of this chapter,the
Oshkosh Animal Shelter,or veterinary hospitals.
SECTION 6-9 PET LITTERING
No owner shall allow their animal to soil, defile, defecate on, or commit any nuisance on any private or
public property unless the owner immediately removes and disposes of all feces so deposited in a proper
receptacle located upon the owner's property or upon another's property with permission in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 23 of this Municipal Code.
SECTION 6-10 ANIMAL TRAPS
Any unlicensed trap, snare, spring gun, set gun,net, or other device or contrivance which might entrap,
ensnare, or kill game, or any trap without a metal tag attached as required by Section 29.03(5)Wis. Stats.
shall be prohibited,except for live traps.
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SECTION 6-11 REPEALED
SECTION 6-12 ANIMAL NOISE
No person shall keep any dog or other animal which by loud or frequent or habitual noise shall disturb the
peace or any person in the vicinity.
ARTICLE IV. ANIMAL SHELTER/IMPOUNDMENT OF ANIMALS
SECTION 6-13 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
The rules and regulations pertaining to impoundment,specifically Sections 173.13 and 173.23,Wisconsin
Statutes,together with any future additions,deletions or supplements thereto,are herewith incorporated as
part of this Chapter and shall be enforced with the same force and effect as though set forth in full herein.
Providing,however,that where such rules and regulations are less stringent than other provisions found in
this Code,the provisions of this Code shall apply.
The rules and regulations pertaining to impoundment shall apply also to cats within the City of Oshkosh.
SECTION 6-14 RABIES VACCINATION
(A) Required. Dogs and cats shall be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or, if a veterinarian is
physically present at the location the vaccine is administered,by a veterinary technician,pursuant
to section 453.05 (2) (d) of the Wisconsin Statutes at no later than five (5) months of age.
Unvaccinated dogs or cats acquired or moved into the City must be vaccinated within thirty (30)
days after purchase or arrival,unless under five (5)months of age,wherein the above shall apply.
Each dog or cat vaccinated at under one(1)year shall be re-vaccinated twelve(12)months after the
initial vaccination. Thereafter, every dog or cat shall be re-vaccinated at not more than thirty-six
month intervals with a three year vaccine or at not more than 12 month intervals with a one year
vaccine.
(B) Transient Animals. The provisions of this section with respect to vaccination shall not apply to any
dog or cat owned by a person temporarily remaining within the City for less than 30 days,or any
dog or cat brought into the City for field trial or show purposes,nor for hunting dogs in the state for
less than thirty (30) days. Such animals shall be kept under strict supervision by the owner.
However, it shall be unlawful to bring any animal into the City which does not comply with the
animal health laws and import regulations of the State of Wisconsin.
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SECTION 6-15 RABIES CONTROL
(A) Requirement for Reporting Bites and/or Scratches. All dog, cat or other animal bites and/or
scratches of humans shall be immediately reported to the Oshkosh Police Department,by the person
owning,possessing,keeping,or harboring such animal and/or by the person bitten or scratched.
(B) Reserved. (Repealed 05/07/12)
(C) Reserved. (Repealed 05/07/12)
(D) Reserved. (Repealed 05/07/12)
(E) Reserved. (Repealed 05/07/12)
(F) Reserved. (Repealed 05/07/12)
SECTION 6-16 VICIOUS ANIMALS
No person shall own, possess, harbor, keep or maintain a vicious animal contrary to the terms of this
ordinance.
(A) Vicious Animal License
(1) Requirement. Any person who may own,possess,harbor,keep or maintain a vicious animal
shall do so only after first having obtained a vicious animal license from the Oshkosh Police
Department and only after complying with the terms of said vicious animal license.
(2) Fee and Term. The License term shall be from January 1 through December 31. The License
fee, which is not pro-ratable, shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) which fee shall cover the costs of
City issued tags and signage.
(3) Conditions for License Issuance. A license may be granted and issued subject to proof of the
following:
(a) Current vaccination for rabies.
(b) Current license where the vicious animal is a dog or cat.
(c) Neutering or spaying,where the vicious animal is a dog or cat.
(4) Conditions for License Maintenance. A license granted and issued hereunder is conditioned
upon the following:
(a) Compliance with Subsection(3) above.
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(b) The posting of signs no smaller than eight and one-half (8 1/2) inches by eleven (11)
inches, made of metal, plastic, or laminated cardstock, florescent yellow in color,
bearing the wording "WARNING VICIOUS ANIMAL" in English print and also
bearing the license number of each vicious animal,which signs shall be posted at each
entrance to the building in which the vicious animal is kept and at each entrance
through a fence and at such location to be viewable from the public sidewalk,if any,in
the vicinity of any walk or drive approaching any entrance to the building in which
the vicious animal is kept.
(c) The vicious animal while off the premises where kept,shall be muzzled with a no-bite
type muzzle, restrained as to movement by a choke-type collar or harness and leash
secured by and under the direct control and supervision of a mentally competent adult
person.
(d) The vicious animal while on the premises where kept shall be placed within a secured
building,or within a secured fence of sufficient height and construction to maintain
the animal within, which fence shall be inspected and approved by the Police
Department.
(5) Impoundment and Destruction. A vicious animal which is owned,possessed,harbored,kept
or maintained in violation of this ordinance may be impounded and destroyed by the City or
its agents at the expense of the owner, following notice and an opportunity to be heard
before a Hearing Officer who shall be appointed by the City Manager. Any person or party
aggrieved by such decision of the Hearing Officer may appeal such decision to the Common
Council by filing a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within five(5)City business
days of mailing of a written order from the Hearing Officer. The vicious animal shall be
impounded,but not destroyed,until the time for appeal has expired and until any timely
appeal has been heard. The City elects not to be bound by Chapter 68,Wisconsin Statutes,
with respect to administrative procedure in this regard.
(6) Sale or Transfer of Possession.
(a) No person may sell or transfer possession of a vicious animal to another person
without first notifying the person to whom the vicious animal is being sold or
transferred,of the fact that such is a vicious animal and of any requirements imposed
upon the owner of such animal by this ordinance.
(b) No person may sell or transfer possession of a vicious animal to another person
without first notifying the Oshkosh Police Department thereof, in writing to be
received at least five(5)business days in advance of the sale or transfer of possession.
(B) Destruction or Death of Vicious Animals. If a vicious animal is euthanized,the owner thereof shall
provide to the Oshkosh Police Department within ten(10)days of the date of death of the animal a
certificate or other written proof of euthanasia from a licensed veterinarian. If a vicious animal is
killed,destroyed,or dies from any other cause or means,the owner shall within ten(10)days of the
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date of death of the animal provide in writing to the Oshkosh Police Department verification of the
death of the animal.
SECTION 6-17 ANIMAL RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED
No person shall permit any animal to run at large in the City at any time. Each owner of any such animal is
required to confine it within the limits of his or her premises except when it is attended to by some person,
and in such cases animals shall be fastened securely to a suitable leash not more than six(6)feet in length.
For purposes of this section, the phrase "running at large" embraces all places within the City except the
owner's premises, and includes all streets, alleys, sidewalks,or other public or private property.
(A) Unrestrained animals, including dogs and cats, may be taken by a law enforcement officer,
community service officer, personnel from the Oshkosh Animal Shelter, or City Health Division
personnel and impounded in the Oshkosh animal shelter and there confined in a humane manner.
SECTION 6-18 IMPOUNDMENT
The rules and regulations pertaining to impoundment, specifically sections 173.13, 173.17, 173.19, 173.21,
173.22, 173.23, 173.24, and 173.25, Wisconsin Statutes, together with any future additions, deletions or
supplements thereto,are herewith incorporated as part of this Chapter and shall be enforced with the same
force and effect as though set forth in full herein. Providing, however, that where such rules and
regulations are less stringent than other provisions found in this Code, the provisions of this Code shall
apply.
ARTICLE V. PET STORES/COMMERCIAL KENNELS
SECTION 6-19 SALE OF PROHIBITED ANIMALS
(1) No person or firm shall offer for sale or barter, sell or give away those animals, fowl, and
insects not permitted within the City under Section 6-6 except in conformance with these
provisions:
(a) A sign prescribed by the Oshkosh Police Department informing persons of the
provisions of Section 6-6 of this code shall be posted up and at all times displayed in a
conspicuous place near the main entrance to the store/structure and near each area
where animals, fowl or insects prohibited under Section 6-6 are displayed, so that all
persons visiting such place may readily see the same.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly to deface or destroy such sign or to remove it
without the consent of the property owner and the Oshkosh Police Department.
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ARTICLE VI. PENALTIES
SECTION 6-20 PENALTIES
Any person convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of the following Sections of this Chapter shall
for each offense be punished by the forfeitures as set forth, together with the costs of prosecution and in
default of payment of such forfeitures and costs,by license suspension or imprisonment in the County Jail
for Winnebago County for the terms hereinafter stated;except that if a different penalty is enumerated by
the Wisconsin Statutes, as adopted by this Chapter, then the enumerated penalty including alternative
penalty for default of payment shall be imposed.
(A) General Penalty.Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter for which a specific penalty
is not provided below shall be fined not less than Seventy-five Dollars($75.00)nor more than One
Thousand Dollars ($1000.00).
(B) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00)for a violation of any of the following:
Sections 6-5, 6-7, 6-14(A), 6-15(A), 6-16(A)(1), 6-16(A)(6)
(C) A forfeiture of not less than Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00), excepting that for a second and subsequent violations within a twelve-month period a
forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00)for a violation of any of the
following:
Section 6-10
(D) A forfeiture of not less than Fifty Dollars($50.00)nor more than Five Hundred Dollars($500.00)for
violation of the following:
Section 6-9, 6-11
(E) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00)for a violation of any of the following:
Section 6-16(A)(3), 6-16(A)(4)
(F) In addition to the penalties herein provided,any license or permit issued under this Chapter held by
a person convicted of violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to revocation by a
Court of record. Further,any license or permit issued under this Chapter held by a person convicted
of violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the
Oshkosh Common Council.
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SECTION 6-21 PENALTIES-JUVENILE
Any person age 16 and under who is convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of the following
Sections of this Chapter shall for each offense be punished by the forfeitures as set forth,together with the
costs of prosecution and in default of payment of such forfeitures and costs, by license suspension or
imprisonment in the County Jail for Winnebago County for the terms hereinafter stated; except that if a
different penalty is enumerated by the Wisconsin Statutes,as adopted by this Chapter,then the enumerated
penalty including alternative penalty for default of payment shall be imposed.
(A) General Penalty - Juveniles. Any person age 16 and under who violates any provision of this
Chapter for which a specific penalty is not provided below shall be subject to a forfeiture in the
amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00).
(B) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)nor more than Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00)for a violation of any of the following:
Sections 6-5, 6-7, 6-14(A), 6-15(A), 6-16(A)(1) and (6)
(C) A forfeiture of not less than Twenty-five($25.00)nor more than Five Hundred Dollars($500.00)for
violation of the following:
Section 6-9, 6-11
(D) A forfeiture of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00),
excepting that for a second and subsequent violation within a twelve month period a forfeiture of
not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)for a violation of any of the following:
Section 6-10
(E) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) nor more than Five Hundred
Dollars ($500.00)for violation of any of the following:
Sections 6-16(A)(3), 6-16(A)(4)
(F) In addition to the penalties herein provided,any license or permit issued under this Chapter held by
a person convicted of violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to revocation by a
Court of record. Further,any license or permit issued under this Chapter held by a person convicted
of violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the
Oshkosh Common Council.
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