FAQ

Animal Control Frequently Asked Questions

This information is considered to be a general summary for quick reference and convenience. To read the regulating ordinances in their entirety, please refer to Chapter 2 of the City of Springtown Code of Ordinances.

Are swine allowed to be kept within the City Limits?

Generally, no. Swine, pigs, and members of the Family Suidae are prohibited within the City of Springtown.

Limited exceptions exist for animals temporarily maintained for educational purposes by accredited schools or institutions of higher learning, or for approved rodeos, livestock shows, or similar events conducted in accordance with applicable laws and zoning regulations.

Must animals—including dogs—be kept on a leash or otherwise contained?

Yes. City ordinance requires animals to be kept under restraint at all times. An animal is considered under restraint when it is securely confined by a building, fence, enclosure, cage, vehicle, or leash sufficient to control the animal.

Dogs and other animals running at large are prohibited and may be impounded by Animal Control.

Can cats roam freely?

Cats are permitted to roam within the city; however, owned cats that are off their owner’s property must wear a collar or harness displaying:

• Owner identification information; and
• A current rabies vaccination tag.

If an owned cat is brought to the shelter, the owner has 48 hours to reclaim the animal before impoundment fees and procedures apply.

My neighbor’s dogs bark constantly and at all hours of the night. Is this a violation?

Yes. The following are considered animal-related nuisances:

• Frequent or long-continued barking, crying, bellowing, braying, crowing, or bleating that reasonably disturbs others.
• Accumulation of animal waste that creates offensive odors or breeding grounds for insects.
• Animals running at large.
• Keeping bees in a manner that interferes with neighboring properties or public welfare.

How many dogs and cats may I keep?

Residential households may keep:

• Up to three (3) owned dogs.
• Up to three (3) owned cats.
• Up to six (6) total dogs and cats combined, including foster animals.

Residents may foster animals from the City of Springtown Animal Shelter or approved animal welfare organizations, provided the total number of owned and fostered dogs and cats does not exceed six (6).

Temporary exceptions exist for litters up to eight weeks of age.

Can I keep livestock within the City limits?

Yes, subject to lot size and distance requirements.

Livestock

The area containing livestock must be at least:

• 21,780 square feet for the first animal unit.
• One additional contiguous acre for each additional animal unit.

An animal unit consists of:

• One head of cattle;
• One horse, donkey, or mule;
• Two miniature horses or ponies; or
• Two sheep or goats.

Livestock must be kept at least 100 feet from any occupied building other than the owner’s.

Chickens and Other Fowl

• Fowl must be kept in a secure enclosure.
• Fowl may not be allowed to wander onto neighboring property.
• Properties under one acre may keep up to ten (10) fowl.
• Properties larger than one acre may keep ten (10) additional fowl per acre.
• Fowl must be kept at least fifty (50) feet from any occupied building other than the owner’s.

Can I keep wild or exotic animals within the City?

Generally, no.

It is unlawful to own, possess, harbor, keep, or exhibit wild or exotic animals within the city except under limited circumstances such as approved educational programs, zoos, or temporary exhibitions authorized by permit.

Examples of prohibited wild animals include:

• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Coyotes
• Wolves
• Bears
• Bobcats
• Lions and tigers
• Venomous snakes
• Alligators and crocodiles

Can I keep my dog tied up to prevent it from leaving my property?

Restrictions apply.

A dog may not be restrained by a fixed-point chain or tether for more than three (3) hours within a 24-hour period.

For longer restraint periods:

• The tether must be attached to a pulley or trolley system.
• Both the tether and trolley cable must be at least ten (10) feet long.
• The system must prevent the dog from leaving the property.
• The restraint may not weigh more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight.
• Choke, pinch, or prong collars may not be used.

I have puppies or kittens that I would like to give away. Can I do so in a parking lot or public place?

No.

City ordinance prohibits selling, trading, bartering, leasing, renting, giving away, or displaying live animals for commercial purposes on:

• Public rights-of-way
• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Medians
• Flea markets
• Commercial parking lots
• Retail parking lots
• Other publicly accessible locations

Certain licensed animal welfare organizations, shelters, rescue groups, veterinary clinics, and similar entities are exempt from this restriction.

What should I do if my animal bites someone?

Any animal bite involving a human must be reported to Animal Control as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the incident.

Animals that bite humans are generally required to undergo a ten-day quarantine approved by the Local Rabies Control Authority. The owner is responsible for quarantine costs.

What vaccinations are required?

All dogs and cats must receive:

• A rabies vaccination after four months of age; and
• Annual rabies boosters thereafter.

Owners must maintain proof of vaccination and ensure the rabies tag is attached to the animal’s collar or harness.

I am having trouble with nuisance wildlife. Can I borrow a trap?

Yes.

City-owned live traps may be borrowed for up to seven (7) days after:

• Completing the required agreement; and
• Paying the required deposit.

The trap must be checked daily, and Animal Control must be contacted once an animal is captured.

Traps may not be set during certain weather conditions, weekends, holidays, or other prohibited times specified by ordinance.

A $50 refundable deposit is required to borrow a city-owned trap.