[Adopted at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
The Village Board has
learned that thousands of large-scale dog-breeding facilities exist
all over the United States and, further, that the numbers also appear
to be increasing in other areas, including upstate New York. Further,
it has been documented in the press that dogs rescued from these operations
exhibit a wide array of veterinary and behavioral problems, including
severe malnutrition, rotting teeth and severe periodontal disease,
extreme matting of fur sometimes leading to skin lesions, mange, flea,
tick, and parasite infestations; serious foot and leg injuries from
living an entire life on wire mesh flooring; that female dogs in such
circumstances are typically bred at every opportunity until they are
physically spent and can no longer reproduce; that these dogs live
out their entire lives in tiny enclosures, never having a chance to
get out of their cages for exercise or socialization. Said conditions
thereby present a public health risk to the residents of the Village.
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions
shall apply:
Any building or lot on which at least three or more dogs
not owned by the property owner are trained, or boarded (but not bred
or sold) for commercial purposes.
Any building or lot on which any of the following occurs:
At least three or more dogs at any one time are bred or sold
for commercial purposes;
Any adult female dog is bred more than once in any twelve-month
period with the intent of selling or giving away said dog's pups;
or
More than two litters of pups are sold or given away in any
twelve-month period.
The construction or operation of any new pet breeder or kennel
facility or expansion of any existing pet breeder or kennel facility
shall be prohibited within the Village of Interlaken. This prohibition
shall not apply to the following: any facility operated by or under
contract for the state, a county, a municipal corporation, or any
other political subdivision of the state for the purpose of impounding
or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs,
cats, and other animals; any veterinary hospital or clinic operated
by a veterinarian or veterinarians which operates for such purpose
in addition to its customary purposes; and any facility operated,
owned, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal
welfare society, or other nonprofit organization for the purpose of
providing for and promoting the welfare, protection, and humane treatment
of animals.
An offense against the provisions of this article shall be punishable
by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for up to 15 days.
Each day's continued violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
