New Franklin Animal Neglect or Abandonment ordinance (§ 205.190)

A. A person is guilty of animal neglect when he/she has custody or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care or adequate control which results in substantial harm to the animal.

B. A person is guilty of animal abandonment when he/she has knowingly abandoned an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.

C. Animal neglect or animal abandonment are ordinance violations. For a first (1st) offense of either violation, a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen (15) days, or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment may be imposed. For a second (2nd) or subsequent violation of either offense, a term of imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment may be imposed. All fines and penalties for a first (1st) conviction of animal neglect or animal abandonment may be waived by the court provided that the person found guilty of animal neglect or abandonment shows that adequate, permanent remedies for the neglect or abandonment have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals may not be waived.

D. In addition to any other penalty imposed by this Section, the court may order a person found guilty of animal neglect or animal abandonment to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:

1. The care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals within the person's custody or ownership;

2. The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's custody or ownership;

3. The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate area of the neglect or abandonment; and

4. The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created by the neglect or abandonment of the animals.