Title 6 - Animals

6.10.030 Exceptions; Permit and Registration Requirements.

Any person or organization which falls into one of the following subsections shall be permitted to own, harbor or have charge, custody, control, or possession of any animal described in 6.10.010(A) hereof, provided the person or organization has first secured a permit under 6.10.070; shall also be required to register their animals in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and Title 6 of the Overland Park Municipal Code:

1. A.
   The keeping of such animals in zoos, bona fide educational or medical institutions, museums or any other place where they are kept as live specimens for the public to view, or for the purpose of instruction or study.
2. B.
   The keeping of such animals for exhibition to the public of such animals by a circus, carnival or other exhibit or show.
3. C.
   The keeping of such animals in a bona fide, licensed veterinary hospital for treatment.
4. D.
   Commercial establishments possessing such animals for the purpose of sale or display.
5. E.
   The keeping of a dangerous dog as defined in 6.10.010(B) or (C) herein shall be subject to the following mandatory requirements:

   1. 1.
      Leash and Muzzle. No person shall permit a dangerous dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four (4) feet in length. No person shall permit a dangerous dog to be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash. Such dogs may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. In addition, all dangerous dogs on a leash outside the animal's kennel must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.
   2. 2.
      Confinement. All dangerous dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, except when leashed and muzzled as above provided. Such pen, kennel, or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine dangerous dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet. All structures erected to house dangerous dogs must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the City. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
   3. 3.
      Confinement Indoors. No dangerous dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such animal may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
   4. 4.
      Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of dangerous dogs within the City shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words "Beware of Dog." In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such animal.
   5. 5.
      Insurance. All owners, keepers or harborers of dangerous dogs must, within ten (10) days of the effective date of this ordinance, provide proof to the City Clerk of public liability insurance in a single incident amount of $300,000.00 for bodily injury to or death of any person or persons or for damage to property owned by any persons which may result from the ownership, keeping or maintenance of such animal. At the time of initial registration, the owner, keeper or harborer must present proof to the City Clerk of the required insurance. At the time of subsequent registration, the owner, keeper or harborer must show proof of insurance for the present registration period and proof that there was insurance coverage throughout the period of the prior registration year.
      In the event said liability insurance is canceled, lapsed, or for any other reason becomes non-enforceable, said owner, keeper, or harborer shall be in violation of the provisions of this ordinance and subject to the penalties provided herein.
   6. 6.
      Identification Photographs. All owners, keepers or harborers of dangerous dogs must within ten (10) days of being designated such provide to the City Clerk two color photographs of the registered animal clearly showing the color and approximate size of the animal.
   7. 7.
      Reporting Requirements. All owners, keepers or harborers of dangerous dogs must, within ten (10) days of the incident, report the following information in writing to the City Clerk as required hereinafter:

      1. a.
         The removal from the City or death of a dangerous dog.
      2. b.
         The new address of the dangerous dog or owner should the owner move within the corporate City limits.
   8. 8.
      Microchipping. All owners of a dangerous dog must provide proof of microchipping to the City Clerk within 10 days of being designated such.
   9. 9.
      Spaying/Neutering. All owners of Dangerous Animals must, within 10 days of designation, spay or neuter the animal, if such animal has not previously been sterilized, and provide proof of such to the City Clerk. 
   10. 10.
       Failure to Comply. It shall be unlawful for the owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous dog to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this ordinance. Any dog found to be the subject of a violation of this ordinance shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment. In addition, failure to comply will result in the revocation of the license of such animal and the permit providing for the keeping of such animal resulting in the immediate removal of the animal from the City or provide proof that the animal has been humanely euthanized by its owner to the City.

6. F.
   The keeping of any snakes of the species boa constrictors, Madagascar ground boas, green and yellow anacondas, Cuban boas, Indian pythons, reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, Amethystine pythons, Boelen's pythons and all members of the family pythonidae that exceed six feet in length; provided, these animals shall be kept under the following mandatory conditions.

   11. 11.
       In consideration of the right of the public not to be unexpectedly exposed to snakes, these animals will not be openly displayed in a public setting outside of established forums for such practices to include herpetological shows, educational displays, pet stores and other special displays whereby members of the public are forewarned that a snake(s) may be displayed in the open.   
   12. 12.
       Snakes shall be transported in a manner that precludes escape. At a minimum snakes shall be placed in a sturdy cloth bag free of holes or tears and the bag placed in a box or similar container. The box or container must be locked or sealed during transportation.
   13. 13.
       Snakes shall be housed in secure cages with hinged tops or doors or a sliding glass front which includes a locking mechanism. The cage shall be kept in a room modified to prevent snake escapes and which has a door which shall be kept shut or locked when not occupied by the owner.
   14. 14.
       Snakes requiring permits shall not be sold to minors.
   15. 15.
       Pet stores or other vendors or sellers of snakes requiring permits are required to provide a copy of this ordinance to all prospective purchasers of such snakes.
   16. 16.
       Snakes will not be fed or in any fashion provided any live or living creature while observable by any member of the public or in any manner which may otherwise violate the humane laws of the City.
   17. 17.
       It shall be unlawful and a violation of this subsection for any person to not comply with the standards set forth herein.

(History: Ord. DAC-3329 §8, 2021; Ord. DAC-2621 §1, 2006; DAC-1871 §2, 94; DAC-1625 §2, 89; DAC-1442 §2, 87; DAC-1309 §3, 85; DAC-880 §14)

Effective on: 1/1/1901