title
To amend City Code § 4-309, concerning the sale, adoption and other transfers of dogs and cats, for the purpose of changing the penalty for failure to display the breeding permit number related to the advertisement for the sale, adoption, or transfer of dogs and cats from a civil penalty to a Class 4 misdemeanor.
body
THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That section 4-309 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2020) be and hereby is amended as follows:
Sec. 4-309. Sale, adoption and other transfers.
(a) Any person who offers or provides, whether for compensation or otherwise, any dog or cat for sale or other type of transfer shall disclose to the transferee information regarding the license and permit requirements of the City applicable to the transferred animal.
(b) No person shall present any dog or cat for sale, adoption, barter, or exchange, whether for compensation or otherwise, in any public place without first obtaining a breeding permit pursuant to Section 4-307. This prohibition shall not apply to the following:
(1) Government agencies, nonprofit animal rescue organizations exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3), or Humane Societies or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals if such societies are incorporated under State law;
(2) Permitted dog or cat shows;
(3) Permitted pet stores which sell or otherwise transfer dogs or cats, whether for compensation or otherwise, within the store; or
(4) Any dog or cat that has been sterilized.
(c) No person shall give away any dog or cat as a prize or as an inducement to enter into any contest, lottery, drawing, game, or competition.
(d) No person shall give away any dog or cat as an inducement to enter a place of business or to enter into a business arrangement.
(e) No person shall sell, barter, exchange or offer for adoption, whether for compensation or otherwise, any dog or cat to any minor under the age of 18 years, without the written permission of one of the minor's parents or legal guardians.
(f) Commercial establishments that sell dogs and cats that were not bred within the City shall prominently display the name and address of the breeders of such dogs and cats and any other pertinent information required by the Director.
(g) The failure to display the breeding permit number or include it in any advertisement for sale, adoption or other transfer of dogs and cats is [an infraction punishable by a civil penalty of $50.00 for the first occurrence, $75.00 for the second occurrence and $100.00 for each subsequent occurrence] a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(h) The possession of a valid permit under this division does not entitle the permit holder to engage in an activity that is otherwise prohibited by law.
§ 2. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.