It is unlawful to own, keep, harbor or allow to remain on any premises within the city of Ida Grove more than a combined total of four of any of the following: cats, dogs, hamsters, fowl (including chickens, ducks and geese), gerbils, potbellied pigs, rabbits or any other animals kept as pets or for breeding. This section does not apply to fish. This section does not apply to wild animals running free, such as squirrels and wild birds. This section does not apply to cats or dogs kept for temporary boarding (not more than two weeks at a time) in kennels, so long as the operators of the kennel are licensed by the state of Iowa. This section does not apply to animal hospitals and veterinarians when such animals are held for temporary boarding (not more than two weeks at a time). This section does not apply to licensed health care facilities, including licensed hospitals, licensed nursing homes and licensed assisted living facilities. The young produced by any pets permitted under this section may be maintained with the parent animals for a period not to exceed 12 weeks. Any owner of property, any tenant or person in control of property or any owner of the animals, that commits or allows a violation of this section will be punished as a municipal infraction. In addition, the city may treat any violation of this section as a nuisance, abate the nuisance as set forth in Chapter 8.10 IGCC, and assess the costs to any owner, tenant, and/or person in control of the property or any of the animals, and/or to the property itself. This section does not limit the city’s authority under Chapter 8.10 IGCC to cite any property or person with four or less animals as a nuisance, if it otherwise qualifies. [Ord. 544, 2015; Ord. 510 § 1, 2007; Code 1975 § 3-2.0119.]