§ 6-18. Livestock prohibited.

(a)

Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

House pet means a dog, cat or any animal of a type customarily used for a pet of an individual or family.

Livestock or livestock animal means any domestic animal except a house pet, and includes, but is not limited to, cattle and horses.

(b)

Prohibitions and restrictions.

(1)

It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to keep, possess or maintain any livestock animal on any parcel of land unless such parcel of land shall have a minimum of one acre plus a minimum of one-half acre for each additional livestock animal.

(2)

The restrictions as set forth in subsection (b)(1) of this section shall not apply, provided livestock remain on or about their premises as noted below:

a.

In a building or structure such as a stable, barn, shed or pen having a minimum of 100 feet, measured in a straight line, from the nearest point of a nonowner neighboring structure used for human habitation, other than that of the owner, as a residence, restaurant, cafe or other public eating place or church, school, library, post office, nursing home, medical office or clinic or hospital;

b.

In a fenced area, the perimeter having a minimum of 100 feet measured in a straight line from the nearest point of a nonowner neighboring structure used for human habitation, other than that of the owner, as a residence, restaurant, cafe or other public eating place or church, school library, post office, nursing home, medical office or clinic or hospital.

(c)

Nuisances prohibited. In no event shall any animal, whether house pet or livestock, be kept or maintained so as to be a nuisance to any person or property situated in the city. Nuisances shall include, but are not expressly restricted to:

(1)

Any animal being kept or maintained in an unsanitary condition or surroundings;

(2)

Any premises where animals are kept being unsanitary, or where any condition of the animals or premises are offensive or injurious to any person or property situated in the city, or result in material injury to property or interfere with its comfortable use and enjoyment by persons of ordinary sensibilities;

(3)

Allowing any offensive or unsafe matter to grow, accumulate or otherwise occupy and remain upon such premises. Any such premises where animals are kept shall be thoroughly swept on a regular basis, and it shall be unlawful to permit any decaying food, or any refuse of any kind, to remain on such premises.

(4)

Noxious smells, rats, flies and noise may constitute a nuisance where they result in injury to neighboring property or interfere with its comfortable use and enjoyment by persons of ordinary sensibilities. The presence of any rats in any poultry or animal yard shall be prima facie evidence that such yard is maintained in violation of the provisions of this section.

(5)

Any violation of municipal, parish, state or federal sanitation laws or regulations.

(d)

Nonconforming uses. The prohibitions and restrictions contained in subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to:

(1)

Keeping livestock animals on property where livestock animals are being kept at the time of the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived subject to the following:

a.

This nonconforming use shall not be increased or intensified in number of animals or area of use; and

b.

The right to exercise this nonconforming use shall terminate to the extent it is discontinued for any period of time and may not be re-established.

(2)

Keeping livestock animals in connection with any school-related program, such as a 4-H or FFA program, until the end of the program.

(e)

Remedies. Any violation of this section shall be punishable under the provisions of section 1-9. In addition, the city may seek injunctive relief, or any other legal redress available, to remove, terminate or abate any violation of this section.

(Code 1968, § 4-19; Ord. No. 2008-04, §§ 1—5, 5-6-2008)