Pet Ordinance

On September 17, 2002, the Windom City Council passed a new ordinance which became effective on September 25, 2002. This ordinance placed restrictions on the number of cats and dogs that citizens of Windom can keep on their property.

The ordinance limits the number of cats and dogs per household to three dogs and/or three cats. This means that each household can possess no more than three dogs or three cats or a combination of up to three dogs and three cats.

If you own more than three cats or three dogs (or a combination thereof) at the present time, you are housing these additional animals at your own risk.

All pet owners are required to:

• Obtain licenses for the animals from the City Clerk’s Office;
• Properly house the animals in your home or on your property;
• Properly care for the animals and not subject them to neglect, unsanitary conditions, or abuse;
• Properly leash the animals and ensure that they are under the supervision of a responsible individual when they are not on the owner’s property;
• Ensure that the excrement of the animals is disposed of in a proper manner.

This ordinance will be enforced by the Police Department and the Animal Control Officer. If the Police Department shall determine that any of the foregoing conditions are not being met or if complaints are received from neighbors, law enforcement personnel, or other citizens, the Police Department may take the necessary steps as set forth in the City Code, including in some cases, the removal and/or impoundment of the animals. The City ordinances concerning the handling and impoundment of animals would then be followed. The pet owner may also be subject to other proceedings and/or fines as provided by city and state statutes.

The limitation on the number of cats and dogs to be housed at a particular location does not apply to:

1. One litter of pups or kittens under ninety (90) days of age born to a licensed dog or cat;
2. Residents of newly-annexed areas, provided that the owners have the animals licensed within ninety (90) days after annexation occurs, and until such time as one or more of the illegal animals dies or from some other reason is not owned or possessed by the resident;
3. A kennel licensed by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health that is located in an appropriately-zoned area;
4. A licensed veterinarian; or
5. An animal shelter owned and operated by a city or humane society.

Should you have any questions concerning this new ordinance or its enforcement, please contact the Windom Police Department or the City Building & Zoning Office.