Jun 10
3
Clark County has proposed some big changes to the rules for pet owners. The new rules seem to be targeted at ensuring responsible pet ownership as well as cracking down on “puppy mills” and “crazy cat ladies.” The County Commission will be voting on these and other new rules later this month [Source: LVRJ]:
- Those who fail to sterilize a cat or dog will be fined $225 for the first offense, $350 for a second offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. If the owners come into compliance, the fines will be reduced to $25. Money from the fines will go into a special fund to aid in the sterilization of pets.
- Owners have three days to retrieve a pet from a shelter and must show proof of ownership through veterinary records or photographs. If they lack proof, they have 24 hours to obtain it before the animal is pegged again for euthanization. The animal also must be sterilized and a microchip implanted before it is released.
- Breeders are limited to eight purebred cats and dogs and must get a special permit, with a yearly fee of $50.
- A pet fancier permit, which costs $50 a year, is required for anyone to own more than three dogs or cats. The limit is six dogs and 10 cats.
- Pets must be kept in areas that are no colder than 50 degrees or no hotter than 85 degrees.
- Animals cannot be tethered for more than 14 hours, and the line must be at least 12 feet long.
- A motorist who accidentally hits a domestic animal is no longer required to stay with the injured creature until help arrives.
- Owners are not allowed to buy, sell, breed or keep animals for fighting. Watching animal fights also is forbidden.
If you are a pet owner in Las Vegas — or anywhere else! — please be responsible: unless you are a breeder, spay or neuter; microchip pets in case they get lost; make sure they are properly cared for.
