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MONTHLY INFORMATION
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INHUMANE TREATMENT – CRUELTY – NEGLECT To continue with inhumane treatment issues, there are three conditions that must be met. The big three are food, water and shelter for the animals. These conditions must be met for the health, safety and wellbeing of the animal. Food: The food shall be sufficient to maintain all animals in good health. (Note: There is no requirement per se for daily presentation of food to the animal. Also, the quantity of feed must meet the nutritional needs of the animal.)
Water: If potable water is not accessible to the animals at all times, it shall be provided daily and in sufficient quantity for the health of the animal. Clean water in a fluid state should be available. In the winter dogs restrained outdoors will burn more body heat attempting to use snow or ice as their sole source of water.
(The definition of “potable” has been problematic, especially regarding the suitability of now or ice as the sole source of water. The term “potable” implies a liquid state, and other states have specifically determined that snow or ice as a sole source of water is unacceptable. It is biologically possible for animals to subsist on snow and/or ice for variable periods of time. The more closely confined the animals are, the more urgent the need for a clean, liquid source of water. The surrounding environment, species, age, stage of growth, production and reproduction, and exercise or workload all affects the body’s biological demand for water.)
Providing proper shelter: No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to provide the animal with proper shelter as prescribed in this section. In the case of farm animals, nothing in this section shall be construed as imposing shelter requirements or standards more stringent than normally accepted husbandry practices in the particular county where the animal or shelter is located.
(1) Indoor standards: Minimum indoor standards of shelter shall include: (a) Ambient temperatures. The ambient temperature shall be compatible with the health of the animal. (b) Ventilation: Indoor-housing facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical means to provide for the health of the animal at all times. Medical Note: Adequate ventilation is generally in the range of 2 to 10 complete air changes per hour, varying with animal species, stocking density, and room topology. By comparison, an average older home yields 1-2 complete air changes per hour due to natural movement of air through window and door seals, and through the chimney and ventilation system; an energy efficient home may yield only 0.05-0.1 air changes per hour.
(2) Outdoor standards: Minimum outdoor standards of shelter shall include: (a) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion of an animal tied or caged outside, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to protect the animal from direct sunlight. As used in this paragraph, “caged” does not include farm fencing used o confine farm animals. (b) Shelter from inclement weather. 1. Animals generally. Natural or artificial shelter appropriate to the local climatic conditions for the species concerned shall be provided as necessary for the health of the animal. 2. Dogs. If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under weather conditions which adversely affect the health of the dog, a shelter of suitable size to accommodate the dog shall be provided.
(3) Space standards. Minimum space requirements for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include: (a) Structural strength. The housing facilities shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals. (b) Space requirements. Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of debility, stress or abnormal behavior patterns.
(4) Sanitation standards. Minimum standards of sanitation for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include periodic cleaning to remove excreta and other waste materials, dirt and trash so as to minimize health hazards.
(“Normal husbandry practices in the country” testimony by veterinarian showing sufficient evidence for conviction. The statute (S951.13 and S951.14) does not impose liability on only the person primarily responsible for the animals. State v. Heran and Heran 92 (2d) 906, 287 NW (2d) 853 (Ct. App.1979).)
Animals in general must be sheltered from inclement weather in a manner appropriate to the species and for prevailing weather. What constitutes adequate shelter especially for large animals is hotly debated. For livestock and horses at pasture, a windbreak of trees or topographic features of the landscape may provide satisfactory and functional shelter.
Statute also requires indoor housing to be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical means. Ventilation controls air freshness and humidity. When the ammonia causes the eyes to water or noses to burn, the ventilation is clearly inadequate.
The law also requires enclosures be cleaned periodically to remove waste materials.
If you can smell the dog crap inside the house from the street, the sanitation is obviously faulty. Stink is one of the best measures of sanitation. If it doesn’t smell, it is probably cleaned periodically and sufficiently.
Importance of Grooming in Pet Care
Although there are not laws regarding groom, you should know the importance of grooming in pet care.
Good grooming will keep your pet clean and healthy. Weekly brushing will cut down on shedding and matting. Dogs should be bathed about every two to three months. Small non-shedding dogs require brushing about every other day to avoid matting. They should see the groomer at least once every two months for a cut and bath and nail trim. If a dog’s coat is left without proper care, they can develop matting which is painful, miserable in hot weather and can cause sores on the skin and places for fleas and ticks to reside. Nail clipping should be done once every one to two months to avoid cracking and foot problems.
When choosing a pet, take into consideration the amount of time and money needed for proper grooming. Small fuzzy dogs may be cute as puppies, but require a lot of time and money for grooming. Non-shedding dogs need the most grooming. The Golden Retriever or Collie have beautiful coats, but need regular brushing. During brushing, check your dog’s skin for any irritations, fleas and ticks. Also check their ears for infection and their nails. Questions about how to do any of these can be answered by your vet or groomer. A clean pet is a healthier pet.
Who to Contact
After reviewing all of this information, you should know the laws for investigating any type of abuse, cruelty or abandonment case have changed. Only law enforcement officers or state certified humane officers can investigate these complaints. You can call your local humane society or law enforcement agencies for this information. The City of Marshfield has two state certified humane officers to answer questions or complaints, and we can be reached at 715-384-0814. |