Cass County Animal
Control
Our location
323 M 62
Cassopolis, MI
49031
Shelter telephone
(269) 445-3701
Fax
(269) 445-5018
Email
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Shelter / Adoption Center hours
|
Monday thru
Friday |
8:00 am to 5:00
pm |
|
Saturday |
Closed |
|
Sunday |
Closed |
We are also closed on major holidays.
Field Services hours
|
Monday thru
Friday |
8:00 am to 5:00
pm |
|
Saturday |
8:00 am to 5:00
pm |
|
Sunday |
8:00 am to 5:00
pm |
In case of after hours
emergencies, please contact Cass County Central Dispatch at: (269) 445-1560.
Did you know that
you can report your pet missing by logging into your account?
Don’t have an
account? Contact us today to help you get it set up.
Important links
Cass County Michigan Governmental Offices
Our Mission
To
provide quality, professional, fair and equitable enforcement of the Cass
County
dog
ordinance and State statutes relating to dogs and other animals. We strive to
provide
a clean, cheerful and safe environment for homeless and owner-released
dogs
and cats while attempting to locate owners or find homes for unwanted animals.
2025 dog
license online sales are now delinquent as of March 1st.
License fees
are double for currently owned dogs.
Purchase or Renew
Dog License online
FIRST TIME USERS – Obtain your Setup Code from your License Renewal Form and click on “Quick Account Setup”.
If you do not have a License Renewal Form or Setup Code, contact our office 269-445-3701 and one will be provided to you. DO NOT SELECT “LOGIN”.
RETURNING USERS – Select “Login” and log into your existing account.
Once you have successfully completed the online license purchase or renewal, approved applicants will receive their license tag and paperwork in the mail.
Licensing Fees
Cass County
residents
Non – delinquent
Non sterilized dogs $25.00
Sterilized dogs $10.00
Puppies (4-6 months old) $10.00
Certified service dog Free
Replacement tag (lost) Free
Delinquent – Fees
are doubled
Dog Licensing
Under Michigan Law all dogs (4) four months old or over must have both a current rabies vaccination and a current dog license.
**In order to renew your dogs license, the rabies vaccination must be valid and expire no less that 30 days from date of renewal.
Licenses are available for purchase starting in December and will be available through the end of February.
After February 28th (29th if a leap year), delinquent licenses must be purchased from the County Treasurer, Cass County Animal Control or online.
Spayed/Neuter (Sterilization) is not required to license your dog. Dog licenses are renewed yearly in Cass County.
To print the license application, please
right click over the image and select print picture.
An Ordinance relating to and providing
for animal control within the boundaries of Cass County; providing for the
employment of a County Animal Control Director and describing the duties,
authority and responsibilities of that office; prescribing the licensing and
vaccination of dogs and the confinement of animals under certain circumstances;
authorizing the establishment of a County Animal Shelter for the impoundment of
dogs and other animals and their redemption; permitting the seizing and
euthanizing of dogs and other animals; providing special controls or penalties
for keeping vicious animals; authorizing a dog census to be made of dogs;
enumerating certain violations and penalties thereof; prescribing the County
Treasurer’s duties with regard to licensing; authorizing certain fees and
expenses and the receipt and disbursement of funds; and repealing other
ordinances inconsistent herewith.
THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTY OF CASS, STATE
OF MICHIGAN DO HEREBY ORDAIN THE 2006 REVISED ANIMAL CONTOL ORDINANCE.
Section
1. The County of Cass deems that the ownership of an animal
carries with it responsibilities to the County and its residents with regard to
care and control of such animals. In interpretation
and application, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be construed to impose
a primary responsibility for compliance therewith on the owner of such
animal. The County of Cass concludes it
advisable to adopt a revised Dog Law Enforcement Ordinance in the interest of
protecting public health and safety, promoting the welfare of animals within
Cass County and providing for the orderly and uniform administration of the
provisions of Act 339 of the Public Acts of 1919, as amended. The Board of Commissioners finds that the
presence of vicious animals, as defined herein, within Cass County creates an
increased danger to public health and safety and to the welfare of other
animals.
For the purpose of this section, the
following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or
requires a different meaning.
AGENT.
Any person assigned the responsibility for the care of an animal by its
owner.
ANIMAL. Any
living creature, domestic or wild, including livestock, poultry, pet rodents,
pet birds and vermin.
ANIMAL
CONTROL DEPARTMENT. Cass County Animal Control.
ANIMAL
CONTROL DIRECTOR. The person
recommended by the Sheriff and appointed by the Board of Commissioners to oversee
the daily operation of the Animal Control Department.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any person employed by the County and sworn
by the Sheriff, for the purpose of enforcing this ordinance or state statutes
pertaining to dogs, as well as persons or deputies employed by the County to
act in the Animal Control Department.
ANIMAL
DEALER. Any person engaging in the business
of buying and/or selling any animal or animals for the purpose of resale to pet
shops, research facilities, another animal dealer, including the sale of any
animal from any roadside stand, booth, flea market or other temporary site.
Persons buying or selling animals fit and destined for human consumption and
persons involved in the sale of an occasional litter or animal on a random basis
are not included in this definition.
ANIMAL
SHELTER. Any premises designated and/or
operated by the County of Cass for the purpose of impounding and caring for
animals held under authority of this Ordinance.
APPROVED
RABIES VACCINE. Any vaccine approved as
effective by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for protecting
an animal from contracting rabies.
ATTACK.
An unprovoked attack in an aggressive manner that bites causing a
scratch, puncture, abrasion or bruising of the skin of a human or causes
death or injuries to a domestic animal requiring veterinary treatment.
BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS. Legislative body of the County of Cass.
BOARDING
KENNEL. Any establishment where dogs or
puppies, are kept for the purpose of boarding for remuneration for any part of
a 24-hour period. This includes veterinary hospitals and clinics
or grooming shops that advertise boarding services other than for grooming, for
treatment, diagnostic, or recuperative purposes.
CAT. Any domestic feline four months of age or older.
CIRCUS.
A variety show, which features animal acts. A
circus shall not include dog and cat shows sponsored and/or sanctioned by the
American Kennel Club, the United States Kennel Club, the American Cat Fanciers
Association, the Cat Fanciers Association or any affiliate thereof, nor shall
it include any primary horse show.
CLASS A KENNEL. An establishment
where dogs and/or puppies are kept for the primary purpose of breeding,
trading, showing or sporting and the facility is so constructed that the dogs
or puppies cannot stray there from or come in accidental contact with the
public or other stray animals. Class A Kennels
are required to have proof of rabies vaccination and licensure on file for all
animals covered under the license. The Class A Kennel license shall apply to a
minimum of three (3) and up to ten (10) dogs and shall require an additional
Class A Kennel license for each increment of up to ten (10) dogs. Fees for the kennel inspection and kennel
license are set by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. This kennel license does not include those
facilities required under State law to be registered as an animal protection
agency pursuant to MCLA 287.331.
CLASS B KENNEL. Any
establishment where dogs or puppies are kept for the primary purpose of
boarding. Class B Kennels are required to have proof of rabies
vaccination and licensure on file for all boarded animals on premises. Fees for the kennel inspection and kennel
license are set by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. This kennel license does not include those
facilities required under State law to be registered as an animal protection
agency pursuant to MCLA 287.331.
CRUELTY. Failing to provide adequate food, water and
shelter; failing to detect the need for or withholding veterinary care;
creating or allowing unhealthful living conditions; infliction of pain, injury,
or death to an animal by striking, beating, dropping, kicking, dragging,
choking, or by the use of an object or weapon; causing pain, injury, or death
by means of caustic, flammable, boiling, or heated substances; causing
suffering, injury, or death by suffocation or drowning; failure to provide
health-related grooming.
DANGEROUS
ANIMAL. Any warm-blooded mammal which is
known to carry or be susceptible to the rabies virus and which cannot be
effectively vaccinated against that virus with any vaccine approved by the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A dangerous animal
includes any hybrid animal or any pet wildlife which has attacked a human or
which is apprehended or observed unrestrained.
(1) An animal that bites
or attacks a person who is knowingly trespassing on the property of the
animal’s owner.
DANGEROUS
DOG. Any dog, which, when unprovoked, in
an aggressive manner commits a severe attack on any person or another animal.
DOG. Any domestic canine four months of age or older.
DOGHOUSE. A doghouse shall be constructed of
suitable material to protect the animal from weather and shall be made of four
sides, a roof and floor. The size of the
house shall be commensurate to the size of the dog, allowing for the animal to
stand, sit and turn around without touching the sides or the roof. The house shall be sufficiently insulated in
the winter (or when the temperature drops or is predicted to drop to freezing)
to protect the animal from cold.
DOMESTIC.
Any animal whose physiology has been determined or manipulated through
selective breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild, and any animal,
which may be vaccinated against rabies with an approved rabies vaccine, and any
animal, which has an established rabies quarantine observation period.
DWELLING
UNIT. Either a single room or two or more
connected rooms sold or leased as a unit and intended for occupancy by one or
more persons, and which at a minimum contains sleeping, toilet and bathing
facilities which are accessed independently from any similar such facilities in
the same building. This term includes hotel or motel rooms, extended stay
lodging facilities, nursing home rooms and assisted living units.
ENCLOSURES.
(1)
ENCLOSURES FOR DOGS AND PUPPIES.
(a) Enclosures for dogs and puppies shall be a fence or structure of
sufficient height and construction to prevent the animal from leaving the
owner's property. The fence or structure must be in good repair and fit
to ground level or a fabricated structure that prevents the animal from digging
out. Gates and doors must fit properly and must be locked or secured by a
latch that prevents the animal from opening the gate or door.
(b) Property enclosed by a buried wire which produces a signal
received by a device attached to a collar worn by the dog or puppy which
prevents the animal from leaving the property of the owner will be considered a
proper enclosure, provided the device and signal are working and the animal
does not leave the property unrestrained. Such property must be clearly
marked with a sign prescribed by the Animal Control Department, posted next to
the driveway or entry to the property. The enclosure must contain proper
shelter from the weather. This type of enclosure is not acceptable for a
female in heat.
(2)
ENCLOSURES FOR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOGS AND DANGEROUS DOGS.
Enclosures for potentially dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs shall be an
uncovered fence or structure at least seven feet in height, installed beneath
ground level or in concrete or pavement, or a fabricated structure, to prevent
digging under it, and with a gravel or concrete floor, sufficient in size to
allow the dog to stand, sit, and turn around in a natural position, and which
allows for an adequate exercise area for the size/breed being kept.
Either enclosure shall be designed to prevent the entry of children or
unauthorized persons or animals and to prevent those persons from extending
appendages inside the enclosure. The enclosure must contain proper
shelter from the weather. A “DANGEROUS DOG” sign prescribed by the
Animal Control Department must be posted at the entry to the property.
EXOTIC
SPECIES. Any animal whose natural habitat is
outside the continental United States excluding non-venomous reptiles and fish.
FEES.
Fees are monetary amounts set by resolution of the Board of
Commissioners for licenses and other activities of the Animal Control
Department and Shelter wherein a monetary amount may be charged.
FOSTER DOG. A dog that has come from an organization such as an
animal shelter, humane society, animal protection shelter or other such
facility for the purpose of being temporarily housed in a residence or dwelling
unit until a permanent placement can be found for the dog. Any foster dog four months of age or older
must be licensed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of this
Ordinance. The limit of foster dogs may
be controlled by township, city or village ordinance and is subject to Article
IV Section 4.1(B).
HUMANE
SOCIETY. Any organization
existing for the purpose of the prevention of cruelty to animals and
incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan and registered with the
Department of Agriculture.
IDENTIFICATION. For purposes of this ordinance, identification is a
current license tag or a microchip.
KITTEN.
Any domestic feline younger than four months of age.
LICENSE.
For purposes of this Ordinance, a license is a metal tag
provided by the County Treasurer and meeting the requirements of State Statute
for the purpose of identifying an owner’s animal.
LICENSE
FACILITY. Any facility and/or business
operation or person designated by the County Treasurer pursuant to Article V of
this ordinance to issue licenses required by this ordinance and/or provide
applications thereto.
LIVESTOCK.
Horses, stallions, colts, geldings, mares, fillies, ponies, sheep,
rams, lambs, llama, alpaca, buffalo, bulls, bullocks, steers, heifers, cows,
calves and other exotic beef breeds, mules, jacks, jennets, burros, goats,
kids, swine and confined and domesticated hares and rabbits.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Means any person
employed or elected by the People of the State of Michigan, or by the County or
any municipality of the County or Township, whose duty it is to preserve law
enforcement or to make arrest or to enforce the law and includes game, fish and
forest fire wardens and members of the state law enforcement and conservation
officers.
MICROCHIP.
A passive transponder which can be implanted in an animal and which is a
component of a radio frequency identification (RFID)
system. Such system must be compatible with a scanner used by the Animal
Control Department.
OCCASIONAL
SALE. Any sale of a single animal or a
single litter of puppies, or otherwise which is on a random, unsystematic basis
and does not exceed the sale of one animal or one litter over a 12-month
period.
OWNER.
A person who owns (with proof acceptable to an animal
control or law enforcement officer) or harbors a dog or other animal.
PERSON.
An individual, partnership, association, company,
firm, business or corporation.
PET
BIRDS. Any tamed or domesticated bird kept
caged or indoors.
PET RODENTS.
Hamsters, gerbils, mice or similar rodents which are kept as
domesticated or tamed animals and which are kept caged or within doors at all
times.
PET SHOP.
Any person engaged in the business of breeding, buying, selling at
retail or as a broker of animals of any species for profit-making purposes.
POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS DOG.
(1) Any dog
which, when unprovoked, bites, punctures, scratches, or bruises any person.
(2) Any
unrestrained dog which, when unprovoked, bites, punctures, injures, or kills
another domestic animal while that animal is restrained in compliance with this
Ordinance.
POULTRY. All domesticated
fowl and all game birds, which are legally kept in captivity.
PUBLIC
NUISANCE means any dog that barks, whines or howls in an excessive,
continuous fashion.
PUPPY.
Any domestic canine younger than four months of age.
QUARANTINE. Humane confinement of an animal in a secure enclosure which
enclosure prevents the animal from coming into unplanned contact with any other
animal or human being.
REASONABLE
HOURS. The normal business
hours of any establishment or business regulated by this chapter.
RESIDENCE. Commonly known as a
home, trailer, dwelling unit or house that is occupied by one or more persons
and is sanctioned by a governmental agency as being suitable for occupancy.
RESIDING. The act of living
in or occupying a residence or dwelling unit.
RESPONSIBLE PERSON. For purposes of
this Ordinance, a responsible person shall be a person charged with or who has
assumed control of a dog or puppy that is off the premises of its owner.
RESTRAINT.
(1) For
puppies and dogs, RESTRAINT shall mean on the premises of the
owner or confined in an enclosure as previously defined,
or accompanied by the owner on the owner's property and under his/her direct
control. If off the premises of the owner, the animal must be restrained
by a lead or leash and under the control of a responsible person, or
accompanied by a responsible person into an enclosed "off-leash" area
designated by the State of Michigan or the County of Cass and in conformance
with all regulations and/or requirements imposed as a condition of utilizing
such "off-leash" area by such Department of Parks, or its designee.
(a) It is prohibited to exclusively restrain a dog or puppy by a fixed-point
chain or tether. A fixed-point restraint may be used temporarily but not to
exceed ten (10) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period.
(b) A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether
provided that it is at least ten (10) feet in length and attached to a pulley
or trolley mounted on a cable, which is also at least ten (10) feet in length
and mounted no more than seven (7) feet above ground level and provided the
animal has access to a proper doghouse.
(c) Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy
to leave the owner's property.
(d) No chain or tether shall weigh more than 1/8 of the dog or
puppy's body weight.
(e) Any chain or tether shall be at least ten (10) feet in length
and have swivels on both ends.
(f) Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting
collar or harness worn by the animal.
SERIOUS INJURY. Serious injury means permanent,
serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health, or serious impairment of a
bodily function of a person.
SEVERE
ATTACK. An unprovoked attack in an aggressive manner upon
a human or animal in which the victim suffered a bite(s), slashing or clawing
or was shaken violently, or which caused serious trauma or death.
SHELTER. The
term “Shelter” shall be used to designate the Cass County Animal Shelter and
this term shall be used throughout this ordinance instead of the proper name
Cass County Animal Shelter.
SINGULAR WORD. A singular word
shall include the plural. Masculine
shall include the feminine and neuter.
THEATRICAL
EXHIBITION. Any exhibition
or act featuring performing animals. Such exhibitions shall not include
dog and cat shows which are sponsored and/or sanctioned by the American Kennel
Club, the United States Kennel Club, the Cat Fanciers Association, American Cat
Fanciers Association or any affiliate thereof nor shall it include any primary
horse show.
UNFIT FOR PURCHASE.
Any disease, deformity, injury, physical
condition, illness or any defect which is congenital or hereditary and which
would adversely affect the health of the animal, or which was manifest, capable
of diagnosis or likely to have been contracted on or before the sale and
delivery of the animal. For purposes of this ordinance, veterinary findings of
internal and external parasites shall not be grounds for declaring the animal
unfit for purchase unless the animal is clinically ill due to such
condition. An animal shall not be found unfit for purchase on account of
injury sustained or illness contracted subsequent to the consumer's taking
possession thereof.
VACCINATIONS.
The injection by a veterinarian or other qualified
persons of vaccines approved by the Unites States Department of Agriculture.
VETERINARIAN.
A licensed and accredited practitioner of veterinary
medicine.
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL. Any establishment maintained and
operated by a licensed veterinarian on the premises for the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases and injury to animals and/or for the hospitalization of
animals for diagnostic or recuperative purposes.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal:
1.
which has previously attacked or bitten
a human being or other domestic animal other than under justifiable circumstances;
2.
which has behaved in such a manner that
the owner thereof knows or should reasonably know that the animal is possessed
of tendencies to attack or bite human beings or other domestic animals other
than under the type of circumstances that would be justifiable.
The circumstances that would be justifiable in
subsections 1 and 2 above are those set forth in Section 1(a)(I-iv) of 1988 PA
426, being MCLA287.321;MSA 12.545(21).
WILD ANIMALS. Any animal which is not typically
domesticated or found on farms or in residential homes, but which are typically
found in the wild, zoos, circuses, wildlife sanctuaries or nature
preserves. This definition includes, but
is not limited to, such animals as primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, camels,
all members of the Felidae family including, but not
limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, cheetahs, cougars, jaguars,
lynx, mountain lions, puma, bobcat, ocelot, and servals or any other species of
non-domesticated cat, badgers, bears, beavers, coyotes, coyote hybrids, wolves,
wolf hybrids, crows, deer, antelope, elk, mink, moose, muskrat, fox, fox
hybrids, opossums, otters, ostriches, emu, wild rabbits, raccoon, skunks,
venomous snakes, squirrels, wild turkey, crocodiles, alligators, seals, sharks
and whales.
WILDLIFE.
Any animal, which occurs naturally in a wild state.
This includes any animal which is a hybrid of wildlife.
ZOOLOGICAL
GARDEN. Any park or zoo operated by other
than a governmental agency or foundation.
ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTOR
Section 3.1 OFFICE
OF ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTOR. An Animal Control Director shall be appointed
by the Board of Commissioners, upon recommendation of the Sheriff and the
County Administrator, for such term or terms as they designate and shall serve at
the pleasure of the Board. An Animal
Control Director shall meet minimum standards set by the Board of Commissioners
and shall be properly deputized as a law enforcement officer by the County
Sheriff for the purposes of this ordinance and shall be legally authorized to
have the power to issue notice of violations and/or misdemeanor citations to
any person in violation of the provisions of this ordinance.
Section 3.2 COMPENSATION. The Animal Control Director shall be paid a
salary as set by the Board of Commissioners in lieu of all fees and other
remuneration under the statutes of this State.
Section 3.3 DUTIES.
The Animal Control Director shall fulfill the duties as set out in the
Position Description adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
Section 3.3(1) CENSUS.
The Board of Commissioners shall, by resolution, cause a dog census to
be made in the County.
(a) The Animal Control Director shall hire
census takers to conduct the dog count.
The dog count shall be taken beginning March 1 and completed before June
1, or such other time as specified by the Board.
(b) The Animal Control Director shall cause
all census takers to be sworn as deputy animal control officers by the County
Sheriff; the Animal Control Director shall have the power to dismiss census
takers for failure to carry out duties prescribed by the Animal Control
Director.
(c) The census takers shall canvass each
residence in the county, and upon finding an unlicensed dog, the census taker
shall issue a notice of violation to the owner, possessor, or person harboring
such dog under this ordinance to appear at the Animal Shelter to answer said
notice of violation. A person, firm or
corporation, failing to appear at the Animal Shelter within the appropriate
time limits or failing to pay the fee connected to the notice of violation
shall be issued a Uniform Citation to appear in District Court or such other
court of the County. A person convicted of violating any of the provisions of
this section shall, upon being found guilty, be punished as hereinafter set
forth in Article XX.
DOG LICENSE, KENNEL LICENSE, LOSS OF LICENSE, TAG REMOVAL, NON- RESIDENTS
TRANSFERABILITY, AND VACCINATIONS
(A) Effective upon passage of this ordinance and from
that day forward, every owner of a dog four (4) months of age or older who
resides or whose dog resides in Cass County and who is regulated by this
Ordinance shall apply to the County Treasurer or license facility designated by
the County Treasurer, for a dog license. Individual dog licenses shall be
issued in conjunction with a valid rabies vaccination certificate and shall be
valid for one calendar year from January to December and must be renewed annually,
unless said period is changed in conjunction with applicable State
Statutes. Licenses and rabies vaccinations shall be required for each dog
four months of age or older. Animals
kept temporarily (not in excess of 30 days unless granted an extension by the
Animal Control Department) for the purpose of breeding or showing shall not
require an individual dog license provided the owner has proof of a current
rabies vaccination. Application for such
license shall be made in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of
Michigan and shall be accompanied by proof of vaccination of the dog for
rabies.
(B) The limit of individual licensed
dogs in any residence in Cass County is no more than five (5) dogs four months
of age or older. Should the individual
occupying a residence or dwelling unit wish to license more than five (5) dogs,
they must apply to the Department for an inspection.
(C) License tags shall be firmly attached to a
harness or collar worn by every dog. If
the license is not attached to the collar, then the dog must be micro-chipped.
(D) Fees for dog licenses and inspections shall be
established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.
Section
4.2 KENNEL LICENSE. FIXATION OF TAGS. (A) Any person who keeps or operates
a kennel may, in lieu of individual licenses required under this ordinance and
under the laws of the State of Michigan, apply to the Animal Control Department
for a kennel license allowing him/her to keep or operate such kennel in
accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Michigan provided however
that the kennel facility is not required under State law to be registered as an
animal protection agency, pursuant to MCLA 287.331.
(B) All kennels must be inspected and approved in writing under rules
promulgated by the Animal Control Department annually on or before March 1 of
each year hereafter. Each new request
for a kennel license shall be accompanied by a written statement of approval
directed to the Animal Control Director, from the zoning board or planning
commission of the village, township or city in which the kennel shall be
located, or, if no such board or commission exists, by the village council,
township board or city council in which the kennel shall be located.
(C) Kennel license tags shall be firmly attached to a harness or collar
worn by every animal specified to be in the kennel. If the license is not attached to the collar,
then the dog must be micro-chipped.
(D) Fees for kennel inspections and kennel licenses shall be established
by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.
Section 4.3 LOSS OF
LICENSE TAG. If any dog tag is
lost, it shall be replaced without cost by the county treasurer, upon
application by the owner of the dog, and upon sworn statement of the fact
regarding the loss of such tag.
Section 4.4 TAG
REMOVAL. It
shall be unlawful for any person except the owner or authorized agent to remove
any license tag from a dog.
Section 4.5 TRANSFERABILITY. No license or license tag issued for one dog
shall be transferable to another dog.
Section
4.7 VACCINATIONS; RABIES INFORMATION. (A) Every owner of a dog four months of age or older
shall have it vaccinated against rabies. Any owner of a dog reaching four months
of age shall have such animal vaccinated by the thirtieth day after the date
the dog attained this age. Such vaccination shall be in accordance with the
vaccination requirements prescribed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture,
Board of Veterinary Medicine or Michigan Department of Health. Rabies
vaccination must be performed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian.
(B) The veterinarian
administering the vaccination shall issue to the dog owner a vaccination
certificate on a form prescribed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The
vaccination certificate shall be prepared and issued in triplicate. Each
vaccination certificate shall bear the name and address of the issuing party, a
serial tag number, an expiration date, the name of the animal and a brief
description of the animal vaccinated. The veterinarian or qualified
person shall also furnish each owner with a metal tag bearing serial tag number
and the name of the veterinary facility issuing it.
COUNTY TREASURER’S RECORDS AND DUTIES
Section
5.1 LICENSE FACILITY. The county treasurer shall provide the city treasurer,
each township treasurer and any other license facility deemed appropriate, with
license applications and/or tags on or before December 1st of each
year.
Section 5.2 RECORDS. (A) The county treasurer shall keep a record of all dog
licenses, and all kennel licenses, issued during the year in each city and
township in the county. Such records
shall contain the name and address of the person to whom each license is
issued. In the case of an individual
license, the record shall also state the breed, sex, age, color and markings of
the dog licensed; and in case of a kennel license, it shall state where the
business is conducted. The record shall
be a public record and open to inspection during business hours. He/She shall also
keep an accurate record of all license fees collected by him/her or paid over
to him/her by any city, township treasurer or other license facility.
(B) In all prosecutions for violation
of the ordinance, the records of the county treasurer’s office showing the name
of the owner and the license number to whom any license was issued and the
license tag affixed to the collar or harness of the dog showing a corresponding
number shall be prima facie evidence of ownership or non-ownership of any dog
and of issuance or non-issuance of a dog license or tag.
Section
5.3 Every
township or city treasurer in the County shall, before December 1 of each year,
make application to the county treasurer for the necessary license blanks and
tags for the ensuing year and after receipting therefore, may issue dog
licenses and tags in a likely manner, and upon like application as prescribed
for the issuing of license by the treasurer.
Each township or city treasurer shall not later than March 1st
of each year return to the county treasurer all unused tags together with the
book or books from which he/she has issued dog licenses, with the stubs therein
contained properly filled out, and showing the names of each license and the
number of each license issued to him/her and a full description of each dog
licensed by him/her. He/She
shall also on or before March 1st of each year pay over all monies
received by him/her for issuing licenses for a fee, set by the Board of Commissioners,
will be paid to townships, cities and villages for issuing and recording the
same. Any city may, by resolution of its
legislative body, provide that its clerk shall perform the duties by this act
imposed on its treasurer. Upon the
adoption of such a resolution the treasurer of such city shall not be required
to issue licenses under this act but the clerk of such city shall thereupon
perform in like manner and under like terms and conditions and with the like
compensation, all of the duties imposed upon the city treasurer by this act.
Section 5.4 Upon application and proof of immunization as provided
above, the various township treasurers or the county treasurer shall issue a
dog license and tag to the applicant. If such application is made between November 1st, and
the last day of February, the fee shall be as provided for by the Board of
Commissioners. Any dog required
to be licensed after the normal November 1st to the end of February
licensing period, shall be licensed within thirty (30) days and the fee shall
be as provided for by the Board of Commissioners. Beginning March 1st of each year,
the County Treasurer shall issue, upon application and proof of immunization, a
delinquent dog license and tag to the applicant. A delinquent fee set by the Board of
Commissioners in addition to the normal licensing fee, will be charged for any
dog which should have been licensed before the last day of February, or which
was not licensed within thirty (30) days if said dog was not required to be licensed
during the regular November 1st to the last day of February
licensing period. The dog license shall
be purchased in the County of Cass, Michigan.
RESTRAINT, CONFINEMENT OF A DOG IN HEAT, OWNER TO CONTROL DOGS, NUISANCES
PROHIBITED, SANITARY DISPOSAL OF DOG FECES REQUIRED, RESIDENCY OF OWNER
Section 6.1 RESTRAINT
REQUIRED.
All dogs shall be kept under restraint
at all times, as defined in this ordinance, except as otherwise provided
herein, and any deviation or violation thereof is strictly prohibited.
Section 6.2 CONFINEMENT OF DOG IN HEAT.
Every female dog in heat shall be
confined in a building or secure enclosure in such manner that such female dog
cannot come into contact with another dog except for a planned breeding.
Section 6.3 OWNER TO CONTROL DOGS; NUISANCES PROHIBITED.
No owner shall fail to exercise proper
care and control of his or her dogs so as to prevent the following actions:
excessive or continuous barking, yelping, or howling rising to the level of a public
nuisance, molesting of passersby, chasing of vehicles, attacking domestic
animals, trespassing upon school grounds or private property, or damaging
property of any nature.
Section 6.4 SANITARY DISPOSAL OF DOG FECES REQUIRED.
(A) It shall be unlawful for any
owner or person in charge of a dog, to permit such animal to be on any private
property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of such
animal without the permission of the owner of said property, or on any streets,
sidewalks, highways, school grounds, parks or other public property, or
rights-of-way of the County other than duly designated bridle paths, without
the owner or person in charge of such animals to have in his or her possession,
a suitable device for the picking up, collection and proper sanitary disposal
of the animal feces.
(B) It shall be unlawful for the
owner or person in charge of a dog to permit or allow such animal to excrete
feces on any private property other than that of the owner or person in charge
or control of such animal without the permission of the owner of said property,
or on any streets, sidewalk, highways, school grounds, parks or other public
property, or rights-of-way of the County other than duly designated bridle
paths, unless the owner or person in control of such animal immediately removes
all feces deposited by such animal and disposes of same in a sanitary manner.
(C)
This section shall not apply to blind
or visually impaired persons accompanied by a "seeing eye" or other
certified assistance dog used for assistance of impaired individuals.
Section 6.5 LIVING
ON PROPERTY. It shall be unlawful for the owner of a dog to permit
said animal to be restrained on property where no responsible person is
residing. The exception to this section
is when a dog is being used as a guard dog at a facility that is occupied
during normal business hours.
IMPOUNDMENT
IMPOUNDMENT AUTHORIZED; EUTHANASIA OF UNCLAIMED ANIMALS, ISSUANCE OF
CITATIONS, CITIZEN COMPLAINTS, NOTIFICATION, RECLAIM OF IMPOUNDED ANIMAL
Section 7.1 IMPOUNDMENT AUTHORIZED.
(A) Unrestrained domesticated animals may be taken to the Animal
Shelter and there confined in a humane manner. However, if after a
reasonable effort the seizure of any such unrestrained animal cannot be made or
should the animal present a hazard to public safety or property or have an
injury or physical condition which causes the animal to suffer, the Animal
Control Officer or law enforcement officer may immediately destroy the animal
by the most reasonable and humane means then available.
(B) Impounded dogs shall be kept
for not less than five days, unless reclaimed by their owners. If the
owner can be identified by means of a license tag or otherwise, that animal
must be held for not less than seven (7) days unless reclaimed by their
owner.
Section 7.2 EUTHANASIA OF UNCLAIMED ANIMALS.
Animals not reclaimed by their owners within
the established time periods and those not placed in suitable new homes, may be
humanely euthanized by the Animal Control Director or his/her designees.
However, if an impounded animal has an injury or physical condition, which
causes the animal to suffer, the Animal Control Director or his/her designees
may immediately humanely euthanize the animal.
Section 7.3 ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS. At the discretion of the Animal Control
Director, his/her deputies or other law enforcement officers, when a dog is
found running at large and its ownership is known to the officer, such officer
need not impound the dog, but may cite the owner of such dog as specified in
Article XI of this ordinance.
Section 7.4 CITIZEN COMPLAINTS.
Whenever a dog is running at large, and a complaint is made by a
citizen to the Animal Control Director, his/her deputies or other law
enforcement officers, such officer need not impound the dog, but may issue a
warrant request and report to the prosecutor asking that the owner appear in
court to answer charges of violation of this ordinance; provided, however, the
complainant shall be required to appear in court to testify as to the
violation.
Section 7.5 NOTIFICATION.
Immediately upon impounding a dog, the Animal Control Director shall
make every reasonable effort to notify the owner of the dog so impounded and
inform the owner of the conditions whereby he/she may regain custody of the dog
pursuant to the regulations for the operation of the Shelter.
RECLAIMING IMPOUNDED ANIMAL
Section
8.5 RECLAIM
OF IMPOUNDED ANIMAL. (A) A dog owner may reclaim a dog from the
Shelter by executing a statement of ownership, furnishing a license as required
by this ordinance and paying the required fees posted at the Shelter.
(B) Any dog which is impounded a second or subsequent time for
violation of restraint requirements within a 12-month period will subject the
owner to a graduated scale of reclaim fees as set forth by the Board of
Commissioners.
CONFINEMENT OF DOGS,
CATS OR FERRETS AFTER BITING
CONFINEMENT OF OWNED
ANIMAL, QUARANTINE ORDER, IMPOUNDMENT OF NON-RABIES VACCINATED ANIMAL, DISPOSAL
OF ANIMAL NOT CLAIMED, TESTING OF SICK ANIMAL
Section
9.1 CONFINEMENT
OF OWNED ANIMAL. Any dog, cat or ferret that bites a
person or animal shall be securely confined by the owner inside some
appropriate building or enclosure for a minimum of ten (10) days following the
biting of a person or animal, provided the animal that bit has a valid rabies
vaccination. In the event the owner of
such dog or cat shall fail to securely and properly confine the animal for such
a period of time or the animal does not have a current rabies vaccination, then
the animal shall be confined in the Animal Shelter or an approved veterinarian
facility until the expiration of said ten (10) days period and satisfactory
evidence is shown that said animal is not suffering from rabies. The costs of quarantine will be the
responsibility of the owner of the animal.
Section 9.2 QUARANTINE
ORDER. All owners of
dogs, cats or ferrets that have bitten a person or animal shall sign a
Quarantine Order regarding the quarantine of their dog, cat or ferret and abide
by the rules contained therein.
Section
9.3 IMPOUNDMENT
OF NON-RABIES VACCINATED ANIMAL. Any dog, cat or ferret running loose
after biting some person or animal, and whose owner cannot be determined shall
be kept and confined for a period of ten (10) days at the Shelter in accordance
with the provisions of this section, and thereafter dispose of in accordance
with the provisions of this ordinance, or such regulations that are in effect
at the Shelter.
Section 9.4 TESTING
OF SICK ANIMAL. Should
a dog or cat that is under quarantine die during the ten (10) day quarantine
period or should it show signs of rabies and need to be humanely euthanized,
the animal shall be tested for the rabies virus pursuant to standards set out
by the Michigan Department of Community Health Rabies Protocol. Costs associated with the preparation and
testing of the animal shall be borne by the owner of said animal.
KILLING OF DOGS
Section 10.1 Any person may kill any dog which he/she sees
in the act of pursuing, worrying or wounding livestock or poultry or attacking
persons, and there shall be no liability on such person in damages or otherwise
for such killing. Any dog that enters
any field or enclosure which is owned or leased by a person and that field is
producing livestock or poultry, outside of a city, unaccompanied by his/her
agent or his/her owner, shall constitute a trespass, and the owner or his/her
agent shall be liable in damages.
Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than a law enforcement officer, to kill or injure or
attempt to kill or injure any dog which bears a license tag for the current
year. Also, except as provided in this
section, it shall be unlawful for any person to: willfully, maliciously and
without just cause or excuse to kill a dog.
ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS OR
COMPLAINT TO DISTRICT COURT OR OTHER COURT OF CERTAIN FACTS; PROCEDURE AND
VIOLATIONS; VIOLATION NOTICE
The Animal Control Director, his/her
deputies or any law enforcement officer may issue an appearance citation before
the District Court or may make complaint before the District Court or the
Magistrate of Cass County whenever one or more of the following facts exist:
Section 11.1 DOG AT LARGE. A
dog is running at large unaccompanied by its owner or is engaged in lawful
hunting and is not under the reasonable control of its owner, with or without a
license attached to the collar of the dog.
Section 11.2 DOG AT LARGE,
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. A dog,
licensed or unlicensed, has destroyed or damaged property, real or personal, or
trespassed in a manner that causes actual damage to the property of persons
other than the owner including, but not limited to, the repetitive depositing
of feces or urine on said property.
Section
11.3 DOG BITE. A dog, licensed or unlicensed, has
attacked or bitten a person or another animal.
Section 11.4 DOG AT LARGE-VICIOUS. A dog has shown vicious habits or has molested a person when lawfully on
the public highway or on property other than that of the owner.
Section
11.5 BARKING DOG. A dog by frequent or habitual barking, yelping or
howling, shall be a public nuisance.
Section 11.6 FAILURE TO RABIES VACCINATE. A dog four (4) months of age
or older, is not, or has not been vaccinated against the rabies virus by an
accredited licensed veterinarian.
Section 11.7 FAILURE TO LICENSE. A dog four (4)
months of age or older, is not duly licensed as provided for in Article IV of
this Ordinance.
Section 11.8 FAILURE TO PRODUCE LICENSE.
An owner or harborer
of a dog that is four (4) months of age or older refuses or fails to display a
valid license for said dog upon demand by a law enforcement officer.
Section 11.9 FAILURE TO ATTACH IDENTIFICATION. An
owner of a dog that is four months of age or older failed to attach a license
to the collar worn by the dog, or, if not wearing a collar, failed to microchip
said dog.
Section 11.10 FAILURE TO SPAY OR
NEUTER. An owner
who adopted an animal from the Shelter, has not spayed or neutered the animal
in compliance with the adoption contract.
Section 11.11 FAILURE TO LIVE ON PROPERTY.
An owner of a dog allows said animal to
be restrained on property that is not occupied by the owner or a responsible
person.
Section
11.12 OTHER. In the event
there is a violation of any of the above sections of this Article, or of this
Ordinance, the Animal Control Director and his/her deputies or other law
enforcement officers may issue a summons or complaint to the owner of such dog
requiring said owner to appear in District Court or other court to answer to
the charges made in violation of this ordinance, and upon conviction thereof,
the owner shall be punished as hereafter provided in Article XX.
Section
11.13 SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION. Should the owner possessor, or person
harboring an unlicensed dog not obtain a license with ten (10) days immediately
following the issuance of the appearance citation, the ownership, possession or
harboring of such dog shall hereafter constitute a second or subsequent
violation of this ordinance, and any person, firm or corporation, convicted of
violating this provision of this ordinance, shall upon being found guilty by
said court, be punished as provided in Article XIX of this ordinance.
Section
11.14 WARRANT EXECUTION. Upon issuance of
a warrant by the court, the Sheriff’s Office shall proceed to execute the same.
Section
11.15 VIOLATION NOTICE. Where violations
of the licensing (11.7, 11.8, 11.9) and/or vaccination
(11.6) and/or control requirements (11.1) of this ordinance are observed, any
Animal Control Officer may issue a violation notice in lieu of an appearance
citation. The violation notice will
stipulate a compliance date and associated fee and late fee, as well as a
waiver provision providing that the person to whom the violation notice is
issued waives all rights to protest such violation and waives all rights to a
hearing on the issues relating to that violation. All associated fees and late fees shall be
set by the Board of Commissioners and be paid to the Animal Control Department
for deposit in the general fund of Cass County.
Failure to pay associated fees and/or late fees and failure to waive
rights by the compliance date may result in the issuance of an appearance
citation to appear in court.
SHOW CAUSE
Section 12.1 COMPLAINT TO SHOW CAUSE. The Animal Control Director, Animal Control Officer
or other law enforcement officer may, in addition to the issuing of an
appearance citation for a violation of Article XI, proceed to the Prosecuting
Attorney and request a district court magistrate or district court to issue a
summons to show cause why a dog should not be euthanized, upon a sworn
complaint that any of the following exist:
(A)
That a dog, licensed or unlicensed, has
destroyed property or habitually causes damage by trespassing on the property
of a person who is not the owner.
(B)
That a dog, licensed or unlicensed, has
bitten or attacked a person or another animal.
(C)
That a dog has shown vicious habits or
has molested a person when lawfully on the public highway or on property other
than that of the dog’s owner.
(D)
After January 10 and before June 15 in
each year a dog over 4 months old is running at large unaccompanied by its
owner or is engaged in lawful hunting and is not under the reasonable control
of its owner without a license attached to the collar of the dog.
Section 12.2 HEARING. After a hearing the district court magistrate or district
court may either order the dog euthanized or confined to the premises of the
owner. If the owner disobeys this order
the owner may be punished under Article XX of this Ordinance. Costs as in a civil case shall be assessed
against the owner of the dog, and collected by the county.
Section 12.3 COMPLAINT TO SHOW
CAUSE-DANGEROUS DOG.
(1) Upon a sworn complaint that a dog is a dangerous dog and the dog has
caused serious injury or death to a person or has caused serious injury or
death to a dog, a district court magistrate or district court, shall issue a
summons to the owner ordering him or her to appear to show cause why the animal
should not be destroyed.
(2) Upon the filing of a sworn complaint as provided in subsection (1), the
court or magistrate shall order the owner to immediately turn the dog over to
the Animal Shelter, or a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s option, to be
retained by them until a hearing is held and a decision is made for the disposition
of the dog. The owner shall notify the
person who retains the dog under this section of the complaint and order. The expense of the boarding and retention of
the dog is to be borne by the owner.
(3) After a hearing, the magistrate or court shall order the destruction of
the dog, at the expense of the owner, if the dog is found to be a dangerous dog
that caused serious injury or death to a person or a dog. After a hearing the court may order the destruction
of the dog, at the expense of the owner, if the court finds that the dog is a
dangerous dog that did not cause serious injury or death to a person or a dog,
but is likely in the future to cause serious injury or death to a person or a
dog, or in the past has been adjudicated a dangerous animal.
(4) If the court or magistrate finds that a dog is a dangerous dog but has
not caused serious injury or death to a person or a dog, the court or
magistrate shall notify Animal Control of the findings of the court, the name
of the owner of the dangerous dog and the address at which the dog was kept at
the time of the finding of the court. In
addition, the court shall order the owner of the dog to abide by the provisions
of Article XVII (A), (B), (C) and (D).
Costs as in a civil case shall be assessed against the owner of the dog,
and collected by the County.
STEALING OF A DOG
Section 13.1 Any
person who shall steal or take without the consent of the owner and without
lawful authority, any dog of which he is not the owner shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor. Any persons, excepting
animal control officers, who shall harbor or hold in his/her possession any
stray dog of which he/she is not the owner and does not
report such possession to the Cass County Sheriff or the Police Department of
the City in which he/she is holding such dog within 48 hours after coming into
possession of such dog shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who shall steal, or confine and
secrete any dog licensed under this Ordinance or kept under a kennel license
under this Ordinance or bearing indication of ownership, unless legally
authorized to do so, or unless such confining be justifiable in the protection
of person, property or game, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon
conviction thereof shall suffer the penalties provided for in Article XX of
this Ordinance.
HUMANE TREATMENT OF
ANIMALS
PROVISION OF NECESSITIES, RESTRAINT
BY LEASH OR CHAIN; SPECIFICATIONS, ABANDONMENT, CROPPING OF EARS OR TAIL, CRUELTY;
EXHIBITION FIGHTING PROHIBITED, POISONS, OFFERING ANIMAL AS PRIZE OR REWARD,
KILLING DOGS, CATS FOR FOOD OR FUR PROHIBITED, MUTILATION, SEXUAL ACTS WITH
ANIMALS, REMOVAL OF ANIMAL IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CONFISCATION OF VICTIMIZED
ANIMAL
Section 14.1 PROVISION OF NECESSITIES. No owner shall fail to provide his animal with good
wholesome food and water, proper shelter and protection from the weather,
veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, and humane care and
treatment. Any owner of animals shall maintain a clean and healthful
shelter and living area for any animal being kept, which area shall be free of
accumulated waste and debris so that the animal shall be free to walk or lie
down without coming in contact with any such waste or debris. All such
shelters or living areas must be cleaned and maintained regularly so as to
promote proper health for the animals being kept. All living areas shall
be constructed and maintained to promote drainage of rainwater to prevent the
accumulation of mud and/or water. Shelters shall be constructed to
protect the animal from precipitation and of a material, which provides
insulation from temperature extremes. In addition to the shelter a shaded
area shall also be provided by means of other structures, trees, or
awning(s). The shelter shall have a floor which is dry and constructed of
material that provides insulation or the floor augmented with resting
boards. Insulating bedding materials shall be provided during inclement
weather.
If any animal is restrained by a
chain, leash, or similar restraint, it shall be designed and placed as defined
under RESTRAINT in this Ordinance.
Section 14.3 ABANDONMENT.
No person shall abandon any
animal. Abandonment consists of leaving
such animal for a period in excess of 24 hours, without providing for someone
to feed, water, and check on the animal's condition. No owner shall leave
an animal by a roadside or other area, or leave such animal on either public or
private property, without the property owner's consent. In the event that
an animal is found so abandoned, such animal may be taken by an Animal Control
Officer, law enforcement or humane officer and impounded in the Animal Shelter,
and there confined in a humane manner. Such animal, if taken from private
property, shall be kept for not less than the prescribed period in accordance
with the procedures set forth in Article VII. The owner or the person, if
any, who has been charged with the animal's care, shall be subject to a
citation for violation of this section.
No person shall crop a dog's ears or
tail, except a veterinarian.
(A) No person shall neglect,
beat, cruelly ill-treat or torment any animal or cause, permit or be a party to
any planned or arranged dogfight, cockfight or other combat between animals.
For the purpose of this section, neglect, cruel, ill-treatment and torment of
an animal shall be defined as a failure by a person to adhere to the
requirements and provisions of Section 14.1. In the event there is a
reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is being beaten, cruelly
ill-treated, neglected or tormented or involved in a planned or arranged
dogfight, cockfight or other combat, custody of such animal may be taken by an
Animal Control Officer, law enforcement, or humane officer and impounded in the
Animal Shelter. The animal shall be held as evidence and confined in such
facility in a humane manner. Upon finding by a court that the animal has been
neglected, beaten, cruelly ill-treated or tormented or involved in a planned or
arranged dogfight, cockfight or other combat between animals, the animal shall
become the property of the Shelter.
(B) No person shall own,
possess, keep, or train any animal with the intent that such animal shall be
engaged in an exhibition of fighting. In the event that a person shall own,
possess, keep, or train any animal with the intent that such animal shall be
engaged in an exhibition of fighting, he/she shall be liable for citation for
violation of this section and be subject to the penalties provided for
in Article XX.
(C) No person shall be present
at any planned or arranged dogfight, cockfight or combat between animals. In
the event that a person is present at a dogfight, cockfight, or combat between
animals, he/she shall be liable for citation for violation of this section and
be subject to the penalties provided in Article XX.
(D) Any person who is found present at a planned or
arranged dogfight, cockfight, or combat between animals, and who is charged
with being a spectator in violation of this section, and who is then and there
in possession or control of and/or is the owner of an animal of the same
species as that involved in the animal fight, shall be charged with intent to
engage in an exhibition of fighting in violation of this section. The
animal shall be confiscated if found on the premises or in the immediate area
of the dogfight, cockfight, or combat between animals.
No person shall store, maintain or
place any poisonous substance, which may be harmful to any domesticated animal
in any location where it could be eaten by such animal.
(A) No person shall offer any
live animal as a prize or award in connection with any raffle, protest,
demonstration, promotion, or as an incentive to participate in any game,
promotion, or otherwise.
(B) The provisions of this
section shall not apply to any raffle or promotion conducted by a private,
non-profit, livestock-related organization engaged in such activity at a show
or exhibition sanctioned by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Section
14.8 KILLING DOGS, CATS FOR FOOD OR FUR
PROHIBITED.
No person shall raise or kill a dog
or cat for food or the skin or fur; nor possess any items made from or
containing dog, puppy, cat or kitten fur; or any food item containing dog,
puppy, cat or kitten. All items made from or containing any type of fur must be
labeled with the name of the species whose fur is used.
No person shall mutilate any dead or
living animal. This provision does not apply to accepted livestock practices
concerning slaughter at licensed stockyards, slaughterhouses and meat packing
establishments or on the premises of bona fide farming operations.
Further, this section shall not apply to the processing of fish or wildlife
taken through legal hunting and fishing methods.
No person shall engage in a sexual
act with any animal.
Any animal observed by a
law enforcement or Animal Control Officer to be in immediate danger may
be removed from such situation by the quickest and most reasonable means
available.
(A) Any animal found involved in
a violation of any portion of this Article may be confiscated by any Animal
Control Officer or any law enforcement officer and held in a humane manner.
(B) Upon a hearing before a
district court judge, and that judge finding probable cause that the violation
was committed, the court shall order immediate forfeiture of the animal to the
Animal Shelter unless the owner, or his/her designated agent within 24 hours of
such finding, posts a cash bond with the court equal to the cost of care of the
animal(s), including all estimated boarding fees in the amount established by
the Board of Commissioners for each animal, for the first 30 days of its
impoundment in addition to any veterinary costs or other fees for each animal
that has been incurred. If after 30
days, the case has not been adjudicated, the owner must post another full cash
bond on the 30th day in the same amount of the original bond or equal to the
cost and care of each animal for the first 30 days, whichever is greater. This
same process shall be followed each 30-day period until the case has been
adjudicated.
(1) Upon
entry of a finding of guilt the cash bond(s) shall be immediately paid to the
Animal Control Department. The owner shall also be responsible to pay all
costs of care from the date of the impoundment until the time of the first
hearing and the posting of the initial bond, as well as any other associated
expenses not covered by the daily boarding fee(s). Any portion of the
posted bond that exceeds the daily costs incurred at the time of the finding of
guilt shall be returned to the owner. Upon conviction, all animals not
forfeited pursuant to subsection (B) herein above shall become the property of
the Shelter.
(2) Upon a
finding of not guilty or dismissal or withdrawal of the charge(s), the animal
and any cash bond(s) posted shall be immediately returned to the owner.
(C) The
Animal Control Department shall be allowed reasonable access to inspect the
property of anyone found guilty of violation of any of the provisions
under Section 14.1 through 14.12 of this Article.
SALE OF ANIMALS FROM
ANIMAL SHELTER
(A) All dogs and cats purchased
or obtained from the Shelter must be surgically altered to prevent breeding
within 30 days of obtaining the dog or cat. For purposes of this
Article, “obtained” does not include reclaimed.
(B) Prior to the sale or
adoption of any animal from the Animal Shelter, the Animal Control Department
may require the prospective buyer to complete an animal placement
questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to determine the prospective
owner's ability to properly care for the animal. Past experience and
knowledge of Animal Control Department personnel of the prospective owners, as
well as previous violations of this section by the prospective owners, may be
grounds to refuse the sale or adoption. Additional grounds may be whether
the prospective owner is able to provide an enclosure where the animal is to be
kept which is adequate to keep the animal restrained, whether the animal is
being purchased for resale, whether the prospective owner has obtained another
animal from the Animal Shelter in the past 12 months, whether the prospective
owner has owned a pet which has died without appropriate veterinary care, and
whether the prospective owner is purchasing the animal solely for guard or
attack purposes. The Animal Shelter is not obligated to sell any animal
in its custody.
(C) Any person
adopting an animal is required to comply with all stipulations and conditions
set forth in the adoption agreement. Failure to do so may result in the
issuance of an appearance citation for violation of this section and forfeiture
of the animal.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS
Section 16.1 No dangerous animal as defined in this Ordinance
shall be kept within Cass County, except as provided in Article XVII and
Article XVIII 3 (B) of this Ordinance.
DANGEROUS DOGS AND
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOGS
LICENSE, LICENSING,
HOUSING & OTHER REQUIREMENTS, PROHIBITION, EXEMPTIONS
Section 17.2 (B) EXEMPTIONS. An animal
shall not be deemed to be a potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog solely
because it bites or attacks:
(1) Anyone
assaulting its owner. This shall not include any law enforcement officer
attempting to subdue or effect the arrest of a
suspect.
(2) Any
person who is in the act of tormenting or abusing it.
(3) Any
unrestrained animal which attacks it or its young while it is restrained in
compliance with this Section.
(4) Anyone
entering the owner's property to commit robbery, burglary, assault, or other
crime. Simple trespass by a person onto private property shall not be
considered provocation for any attack.
(5) While
performing work by a governmental law enforcement agency.
WILD/EXOTIC/DANGEROUS
ANIMALS
Section 18.1 EXHIBITIONS OF
WILD/EXOTIC/DANGEROUS ANIMALS PROHIBITED.
No person shall
keep, or permit to be kept on his/her premises any wild, exotic or dangerous
animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a
fee.
Section 18.2 PROHIBITED
ANIMALS. Wild, exotic or dangerous animals as defined in this
ordinance may not be possessed, bred, exchanged, bought, sold or attempted to
be bought or sold in Cass County except within the provisions cited below.
Section 18.3 EXCEPTIONS.
(A) Notwithstanding the above provisions, it shall not be a violation of
this Ordinance for a person, persons, corporation or
business entity in lawful possession of an animal to travel through Cass County
on a public highway for a destination out of the County. Zoological parks and aquariums that are
accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, or
wild life sanctuaries accredited by the Association of Sanctuaries and/or the
American Sanctuary Association, nature preserves, circuses, and bona fide scientific,
medical or educational research facilities are also an exception.
(B) If a person is in possession of a wild and/or exotic animal as defined
in this Ordinance on the effective date of this Ordinance, that person must
apply for a permit to keep said animal within 90 days after the effective date
of the Ordinance. The person shall file
an application with the Animal Control Department and pay any application,
inspection and/or permit fee(s) as set by the Board of Commissioners. The owner shall abide by all standards set by
the Animal Control Department in the keeping of said animal.
(C) (1) If there is probable cause
to believe this Article is being violated, an Animal Control Officer may give
notice of the violation in writing to the owner of the wild and/or exotic
animal. The notice shall identify the
violation.
(2) Not more than 30 days after the notice is delivered, the owner of the
wild and/or exotic animal shall transfer ownership and possession of said
animal, or subject to subsection (3), correct the violation and shall notify
the Animal Control Officer of the action taken.
(3) If the violation was failure to obtain a permit and the violation was
committed knowingly, not more than 14 days after the notice is delivered, the
owner of the animal shall transfer ownership and possession of the animal and
notify the Animal Control Officer of the action taken.
(4) An animal transferred under subsection (2) or (3) shall be transferred
to: (a) An approved animal control or animal protection shelter, (b) A person licensed
or approved by the Department of Natural Resources of this State or by the Fish
and Wildlife Service of the United States Department of the Interior, (c) A zoological
park approved or accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association
or (d) A person approved by the
Association of Sanctuaries or the American Sanctuary Association.
COMMON LAW LIABILITY
Section 19.1 Nothing in
this Ordinance shall be construed to prevent the owner of a licensed dog from
recovery in an action at law from any law enforcement officer or other person,
except as herein provided.
Section 19.2 Nothing in
this Ordinance shall be construed as limiting the common law liability of the
owner of a dog for damages committed by said dog.
PENALTY
Section 20.1 Any person violating any of the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be
punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned for a period not to
exceed 90 days in the County jail, or both so fined and imprisoned. Each
day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 20.2 Any person found guilty of owning a dangerous dog, in
addition to the penalties imposed, may be required by a District Court Judge to
have the dog humanely euthanized if in the opinion of that judge the severe
attack warrants such action.
Section 20.3 Any person found guilty of owning a potentially dangerous
dog or dangerous dog shall be fined not less than $250 and shall have the dog
spayed or neutered within seven days of that finding. Proof of the
surgery must be provided to the Animal Control Department within 24 hours of
its performance.
Section 20.4 Any person found guilty
of owning a potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog, in addition to any
other penalties or stipulations imposed, shall within seven days of that
finding also have the dog implanted with amicrochip
identification. Within seven days of that implantation, the owner shall
present the animal to the Animal Control Department for scanning and
verification of the microchip and identification number.
Section 20.5 In addition to any
penalties and/or stipulations imposed, anyone convicted of violations
of section 14.1 through 14.10 and 16.1 shall also be required to relinquish
ownership of the animal(s) to the Animal Shelter immediately upon that
conviction.
FEES AND EXPENDITURES
All fees associated with this Ordinance
are set by the Board of Commissioners.
All resolutions regarding fees are incorporated by reference
herein. All fees associated with this
Ordinance, are to be credited to the County General Fund to pay the costs and
expenses of animal control.
REPEAL
Section 22.1 All Ordinances or parts of
Ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
SEVERABILITY
Section
23.1 If any part of this Ordinance shall be
held void, such part shall be deemed severable and the invalidity thereof shall
not affect the remaining parts of this Ordinance.
ADOPTION AND REVISIONS
Section 24.1 This Ordinance adopted on this 10th day of October 1984, by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Cass,
State of Michigan.
Section 24.2 This Ordinance was revised on this 12th day of December
2000 by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Cass, State of
Michigan.
Section 24.3 This Ordinance was revised on this 17th day August
2006 by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Cass, State of
Michigan.
Christmas for the Animals Open House
Come Celebrate with us!
Saturday December 7th, 2024
At the Animal Shelter
323 North M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
The shelter will be open 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
As a thanks to all of our volunteers and supporters for their time
and donations throughout the year, please join us for refreshments and light
snacks.
Monetary, Pet food and cleaning supplies accepted
Special Needs:
·
Dry
Dog Food
·
Bleach
·
Kitty
Litter
·
Dish
Soap
·
Laundry
Soap
![toys_for_tots[1]](/ShelterProNet/CustomerSupportFiles/CASSMI/WEBSITE%20ANIMAL%20SERVICES%20MAIN%20-%20PAGE%206_files/image004.jpg)
Have a new toy donation?
We are a Toys For Tots partner!
Attention!
The shelter is at critical capacity levels of dogs.
If
you have to surrender your dog, please contact the shelter to see if there is
space available before bringing the dog to the shelter.
There,
we can discuss rehoming options that you may consider before surrendering your
dog to the shelter.
Adopt A Pet is a
great resource in helping to rehome your pet!
Summer tips and information from our partners
at Petfinder and the Bissell Pet Foundation.
Why
Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks? 11 Things You Should Know.
Summer
safety tips for your pets.
Pet Adoption Information
Before you adopt, careful consideration must
be given to the responsibilities of pet ownership.
The Animal Shelter adopts dogs and cats,
puppies and kittens to the general public.
All adopted animals are required to be spayed
or neutered pursuant to Michigan law.
Individuals must sign a spay/neuter contract
at the time of adoption which entitles them to
spay/neuter specials and discounts with
participating veterinarians.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees: Cats are $20 and dogs $40.
There is also a $25 spay/neuter deposit
required for unaltered pet adoptions.
Payment methods are cash, check or
credit/debit.
Animal Adoptions
The Shelter, located at 323 North M 62,
Cassopolis, Michigan, will be open to the public for viewing of animals.
Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Adoption policies will be strictly enforced to ensure that all animals adopted
through the Cass County Animal Shelter will be treated humanely and placed in a
home with responsible pet owners only.
Information regarding the adopter of any
animal from the Cass County Animal Shelter is regarded as confidential and will
not be released without a court order.
Adoption Guidelines
Adopters must obey all state and county laws
pertaining to animals.
A copy of the Cass County Animal laws is
provided to anyone making the request for this information.
Adopters agree:
To comply with designated dates for rabies
inoculations and county animal licensure.
To have the new pet examined by a licensed
veterinarian within three (3) days of its' adoption to ensure its' present and
future health.
To provide proper food, proper water and
proper shelter (when pet is outdoors).
Proper shade must be provided in the summer
months.
To keep the pet as their own. If you can no
longer keep the pet, you should contact the Cass County Animal Shelter.
Placement options for your pet will be discussed with you.
To keep the pet well groomed and make every
effort to keep it free of parasites.
In addition, all adopted dogs must wear
collars with identification tags, rabies and license tags.
If the animal is lost, a tag is the best way
to reunite the animal with its' owner.
We recommend microchipping as a permanent
identification.
A fenced yard is ideal for all dogs.
This protects the dog from roaming and owners
from liability that their loose animal can cause.
Dogs should never be left unattended in a
yard. Chaining, except for brief periods, is not recommended.
Dogs will not be placed in homes where they
will be allowed to run at large.
Currently owned animals must be licensed and
be up to date on required inoculations.
The adoption of very small dogs or potentially
aggressive dogs will be discouraged to homes with young children.
The Cass County Animal Shelter reserves the
right to deny any adoption based on previous Animal Control records and/or a
Pre-adoption questionnaire.
If an adopted animal dies, then the owner
must notify Animal Control in a timely manner.
Animals Offered For Adoption
All adoptable animals are offered on a first
come, first serve basis.
Individuals traveling in excess of 50 miles
may contact the shelter to make arrangements to hold a pet to ensure it will be
here upon arrival.
Adoptable animals will be identified as
"For Adoption".
The specified adoption fee must be paid at
the time of adoption.
All adopters are given the following:
A copy of the condensed animal control laws
of Cass County will be provided to County residents upon request.
Stray animals have a holding time, if not
claimed by an owner at the end of that time, the animal shall be deemed
abandoned and become the property of the Cass County Animal Shelter.
The stray animal will then either be offered
for adoption or humanely euthanized.
No adoptable animal has a guaranteed holding
time.
Animals Not For Adoption
Animals that have exhibited vicious
tendencies will not be available for adoption.
Wolf Hybrids and wild animals will not be
offered for adoption.
Adoption Policy
This policy will be strictly enforced to
ensure that all animals adopted through the Cass County Animal Shelter will be treated
humanely and placed in home with responsible pet owners only.
Persons seeking to adopt an animal through
the Cass County Animal Shelter may be required to complete a pre-adoption
questionnaire.
The following policy has been implemented in
regards to persons who are ineligible to adopt animals from the shelter.
Any person who has been found guilty of
abandonment or cruelty to animals are ineligible to adopt animals from the
shelter.
Any person who has turned over custody of an
animal to the Cass County Animal Shelter may be ineligible to adopt animals
from the shelter.
Any person, who in the opinion of a licensed
Veterinarian, has cruelly treated, abused or neglected an animal is ineligible
to adopt animals from the shelter.
Any person with a past history of animal
control problems/complaints/violations is ineligible to adopt animals from the
shelter.
Any person under the age of 18, unless
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian is ineligible to adopt animals from
the shelter.
Any person not owning their residence may be
required to provide proof, in writing from the landlord that they have
permission to have animal on the property.
No animal will be adopted as a gift for
another person.
Any person violating the spay/neuter contract is ineligible to adopt animals from the shelter.
Did you know????
In order to
help control the pet overpopulation, Cass County Michigan residents may be
eligible for assistance to get their dog or cat spayed or neutered.
Barn cats
and feral cats are included as well.
Local
Veternarians and neighboring Humane Societies are working with us to provide
residents with a low cost option to help spay or neuter your pet.
The funding
for this progam is limited and applications will be approved as funding allows.
The above
form above can be printed off by right clicking over the application image.
If you are
having problems dowloading the form, please contact the shelter and we can
email you a copy.
Once filled
out, it can be emailed, mailed or dropped off to the shelter for approval.
Do you have a happy
tails success story about a pet that you adopted from the shelter and would
like to share it with us?
Email us at: ccac@cassco.org
Sheriff
Richard J. Behnke is pleased to announce the addition of a new K9 member to the
Cass County Sheriff’s Office generously provided by our local animal control.
This initiative aims to enhance the well-being of our dispatchers and other
personnel by offering a source of comfort and stress relief. The new K9,
“DD”(Dispatch Dog), was found as a stray by Cass County Animal Control
Deputies. Cass County Animal Control Director Ron Butts recognized how special
she was and saw the potential in DD to make a significant impact in a
supportive role. Thanks to the training provided by Top Notch Service Dogs, DD
has joined our team and will live at the 911 center, where she will be readily
available to provide comfort and support to our dispatchers and other personnel
during their shifts. DD's presence is expected to contribute significantly to
reducing stress and improving the overall well-being of our team members,
further reinforcing our commitment to serving the community with dedication and
care. Our team is excited to welcome DD and we look forward to the many
benefits this initiative will bring.
Hello, I adopted
Polly almost three weeks ago after a friend sent me a link to a Facebook
post featuring her. I immediately called and spoke with Officer McKeel and made
an appointment to meet her. When Abby brought her out my heart melted and I had
to take her home. I
couldn’t be happier with my decision to adopt her. She settled right in
when I got her home. I
showed her around her new home she immediately stretched out in the
middle of my living room and took a much needed nap. Shortly after that I was
talking with a friend about how she reminds me of another pooch named Lucy,
after hearing that name a few times she sprung to attention, I asked her
if she liked that name and she lit up like a Christmas tree, so we call her
that now. She
loves car rides, I take her with me every chance I get and everybody loves her,
she gets all the belly rubs she wants. She even did great at her first vet
appointment where she was given a clean bill of health and got all her vaccines
updated. She gets walks twice a day and has been to the dog beach at Warren
Dunes multiple times. It breaks my heart that she waited over 400 days for
someone to come get her. But I’m glad it was me. She is in a very loving home
and will live the best life that I can provide for her. Oh and the tennis ball
she loves her tennis ball, I’ve bought her several others and she has chewed
many of them up, but the one you gave her she won’t chew on, Its like she
has an attachment to it and doesn’t want to destroy. To Officer McKeel and all
the staff at CCAC that made this possible. Thank you, Oren.
I was surfing Petfinder Friday as I have on a regular basis
for the past few weeks. When the picture on the left popped up in the
feed. I would like to introduce y'all to Rayna. She is 22 months
old and is a mixture of Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepard. She
had been owner surrender to the Cass County Animal Shelter on Thursday.
After Lori and I saw the picture, I made an initial call to
facility; where I was told a lot of people had been calling about her.
Lori said that if I wanted her, we better get down there before someone
else does. I called them back and told them we were on the way, but it was a
2-hour drive. Before leaving we had both agreed if she wasn't what we
were looking for, we'd walk away. Berners have never been in our plan,
ever, so Lori spent the drive researching Berners and finding all the reasons
why we shouldn't get her. When we arrived, the Deputy said a lot of
people had called, but we were the only ones to say we were on the way.
He let Lori take her for a walk while we talked. Needless to say,
we didn't walk away. She does come with some bad habits of KNOWING she
can get on any bed, ONLY laying on a dog bed once since arriving. She
also wants to just climb in your lap and cuddle. Happily, she does not
crowd me out of the bed and does not mind my CPAP. So after less than 24
hours in a shelter, she's home for good. Best $30 we have ever spent.
Rosie (formerly known as
Frosty when adopted) came to live with us in March of 2017. She has
another doggy friend Astro that has shown her the routine and she has pretty
well taken over as Astro has gotten to an age that he can retire from many of the
duties that the house dog has. She is now the official greeter of all
that visit, announcer of all trespassers and cat sheriff. She has also
taken up some horse herding duties when they won’t go into their stalls as they
should. She loves to ride in the truck and chase doggy nephew Jace when
he visits. Sometimes mom puts funny stuff on us and makes us look
foolish, but we do get some treats when that happens. ~Abrams family
We adopted my handsome
fella, Butch from Cass County Animal Control in May of 2018. I have a special
place in my heart for older dogs and their energy levels are generally more at
my pace! When we found Butch, I knew right away that he was exactly what I was
looking for. Butch was about 10 years old when we adopted him. I'm not certain
what kind of past he had, but he was in reasonably good health aside from
having a seemingly sad heart. He was a little insecure when we first brought
him home, but with a little patience, we started to get to know one another and
he began to let his guard down and accept this as home. We have definitely
formed a special bond and he prefers to stay right by my side at all times. He
enjoys the outdoors, but generally prefers for me to be out there with him. He
absolutely LOVES the couch, so now it doubles as his dog bed! He is smart
and picks up new tricks quickly. Does great on a leash and enjoys his walks. He
really hates taking a bath & car rides (Oh my goodness does he cry like a
baby the whole time-haha!) He doesn't really love other grooming either, but
with a little patience he now tolerates the things he needs, like cleaning his
ears, nail trimming, and brushing his teeth. He has a special personality
(don't we all?) He is a bit stubborn and a little pushy when he wants
something ( he IS definitely a shepherd- 🙂. ) We have a little separation anxiety, but once
I get home from work and sit down on the couch, he curls up next to me and
everything is right in the world again. It melts my heart. He is super gentle,
eager to please, is protective, and has such a huge huge heart. He sucks on his
lip when he sleeps! It's the most adorable thing! I call him my "emotional
old man." His favorite flavor is vanilla-mint. Who would have guessed
that?!? He won't chew on bones.... but loves to hide & bury them. He is such a handsome fella and I love how everyone
that meets him comments on how he has such a big head. He is without a doubt
pampered and spoiled. I make him venison stew which he has every night with his
dinner and I've learned that he likes a little yogurt with his breakfast! He is
the light in my life! And I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual. I may
have attached too many pictures! I struggled to choose from the hundreds that I
have on my phone! Adopting Butch has been a blessing to us both. And if
you can't tell, I just can't say enough about him! ~ Heidi
This is
Brian the Cat. We adopted him from Cass County Animal Control in 2018. He
was nervous at first and we weren't sure if he was the right kitty for us. But
we decided to give him a few days to settle in before judging. He has
turned out to be the most loving, friendly, and cool cat that
anyone could ever ask for. He even knows his name and comes when called
to have his belly rubbed. We definitely made the right decision when
choosing Brian. Thank you, to all the people who work hard to find homes
for these lost and abandoned animals.
Hi! We
adopted a dog in 2013 from you. It’s now 6 years later and I wanted to share
with you what a joy he has brought to our lives all these years.
I can’t
recall his adoption name but his furever name is Bruce Campbell. He’s
definitely marches to his own beat! I’ve attached a few pictures and wanted to
say thank you for the amazing work you do. Bruce is now a Wisconsin dog but we
get back home to SWMI as much as we can! Brucey said he’ll bring you cheese
curds on our next visit. Much love, barks and puppy breath.
Sandy
Ricci, Bruce Campbell and family.
I adopted my fur baby love 1 year ago today! I walked
into the shelter to browse and there he was. His name was Ghost. Now named
Chief, he is the best thing that has happened to my family and he has completed
training classes and is now my son's autism service dog! No regrets the staff
was amazing. Melanie.
We adopted “Marley”
now named Luna June on September 25th 2018. We had not been looking for a dog
long, but knew we wanted to add to our little family.
We walked into the
Cass County Animal Shelter and simply described what type of animal we were
looking for... “Small or medium, young, and loveable”. Everyone in the room at
the time said “you need Marley!”
They brought Marley
out to the front room and it was love at first site. She came on command,
wanted all sorts of hugs and kisses, and sat in between our legs. We knew she
would be going home with us.
She is now spoiled rotten and loves her weekly trips to the dog park to play with her friends, or having sleep overs at grandma’s house. For being such a small Dog she takes up most of our king sized bed, even though she has her own bed on the floor!
Hello, we are Don and Dawn East, two of the owners of
Hidden Acres Petting Farm. We have been looking for a Boxer. We were on Cass
County Animal Shelters website and saw Gunther and knew we had to go meet him.
I contacted the office to see if he was still available and the gentleman who
answered the phone was extremely helpful and took the time to answer ALL my
questions.
We adopted a dog years ago from the shelter and had an
excellent experience, so we didn't hesitate to go back to adopt another. When we
met Gunther the 4 1/2 year old Male Boxer he was so excited he piddled on my
shoe. We took him outside to get to know him a little and I knew right away
this dog belonged with us. At the time our 15 year old son was with us and he
was extremely friendly with him. All of the officers and employees told us he
was very good with children, other dogs and cats as well. My question was how
would he be with my very energetic 3 year old granddaughter?
How would he be at the petting farm where he would be
exposed to LOTS of children? Well day one with the granddaughter and HE WAS
AWESOME!!!! She was hanging all over him and he LOVED it. I have no doubt he
will be great with other children that come to visit our farm. He is excellent
with our other dogs and our cat too (who is not a dog fan).
We can't thank Cass County Animal Control enough for all
of their help and all of the work they do for the animals in our county. Please
if you’re looking for a dog or a cat make sure you check CCAC first, YOU might
just find a very special "Gunther" that will complete your family.
Some of our Empty the
Shelters Success Stories
Sponsored by the
Bissell Pet Foundation!
Meet Piggy!
2025 Rabies Vaccination Clinic
Cass County Animal Control with Bergman Veterinary Small Animal PC will be hosting two rabies clinics at the Cass County Animal Control Shelter, 323 M 62 North in Cassopolis.
At the request of the veterinary office, this is a cash only
event!
Rabies and DHLP vaccinations will be offered.
Cost for the
vaccinations:
$25.00 for a 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccination.
$25.00 for a (DHLP) vaccination that covers distemper, hepatitis, lepto and parvo.
2025 dog licenses
will be available to purchase as well.
$10.00 for puppy and altered dogs.
$25.00 for unaltered dogs.
The Rabies clinics
will be held on:
Saturday, January 25th, and February 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Please call the
shelter to sign up for one of the clinic dates to reserve a spot for your pets
vaccinations at (269) 445-3701.