reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1804.01. Animal hobby permit

§ 8–1804.01. Animal hobby permit.
(a) No person shall own or keep 7 or more animals, larger than a guinea pig and over the age of 4 months, without obtaining an animal hobby permit; provided, that this section shall not apply to a licensed pet shop, licensed veterinary hospital, circus or traveling exhibition.
(b) An owner of 7 or more animals shall before July 1st of each year or within 10 days of acquiring 7 or more animals obtain the permit required by this section.
(c) An owner applying for an animal hobby permit shall fully describe the kind and number of animals to be maintained and the premises where the animals are to be kept.
(d) No animal hobby permit shall be issued to:
(1) An owner unless the owner has obtained the necessary animal licenses as required by law;
(2) An owner who maintains animals for commercial purposes. For purposes of this section, “commercial purposes” shall not include the sale of offspring if such sales are occasional and are not the primary purpose for maintaining the animals.
(e) The Mayor shall collect the fees and issue the permits as provided in this section.
(f) A holder of an animal hobby permit shall provide his or her animals with adequate care, adequate feed, adequate shelter, adequate space, adequate water, and appropriate veterinary care.
(g) A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit objectionable odors or noises to disturb the comfort or quiet of any neighborhood. A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit a [an] animal to commit a nuisance on public space or property owned by others.
(h) The Mayor may revoke an animal hobby permit for failure to comply with the provisions of this section.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 10, 26 DCR 765; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 104(f), 55 DCR 9186; redesignated as § 5a, Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(e)-(f), 64 DCR 11682 .)
Prior Codifications
2001 Ed., § 8-1809
1981 Ed., § 6-1009.
1973 Ed., § 6-2409.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 8-1805.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 17-281, in subsecs. (a) and (b), substituted “7 or more” for “5 or more”; and rewrote subsec. (d)(1), which had read as follows: “(1) A dog owner unless the owner has obtained a license for each dog as provided in § 8-1804;”.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(f) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(j) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority pursuant to Law 3-30, see Mayor’s Order 83-206, August 2, 1983, as amended by Mayor’s Order 86-64, April 22, 1986.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1805. Impoundment

§ 8–1805. Impoundment.
(a) The Mayor shall impound any dogs, cats, rabbits, or ferrets, the combination of which exceeds 4 animals, or any dogs, cats, rabbits, or ferrets beyond the number authorized in an animal hobby permit issued pursuant § 8-1804.01.
(b) Upon impounding an animal, the Mayor shall make a prompt and reasonable attempt to locate and notify the owner of the impounded animal, including scanning the animal for a microchip.
(c) The Mayor may dispose of any wild, sick, or badly injured animal upon its impoundment.
(d) The Mayor shall provide appropriate vaccinations for each animal upon its impoundment.
(e) The Mayor shall provide appropriate veterinary services for each dog wearing a valid license upon its impoundment.
(f) The Mayor shall deem abandoned any animal impounded and not redeemed by its owner within 7 days of impoundment if such animal is wearing identification. If notice is given under subsection (b) of this section, the owner has 7 days from the date of the notice to claim the animal. Any animal impounded not wearing identification shall be deemed abandoned if not redeemed by its owner within 5 days of impoundment. An animal deemed abandoned shall become the property of the District of Columbia and may be adopted or disposed of in a humane manner.
(g)(1) The Mayor shall not release an animal unless it has received a rabies vaccination in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's rabies vaccination schedule.
(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to puppies or kittens under 4 months of age.
(h) The Mayor shall not release a sick or dangerous animal to anyone other than a licensed veterinarian until reasonably satisfied that it is safe to do so.
(i) The Mayor shall adopt rules for disposing of animals impounded under this section in accordance with § 2-505.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 6, 26 DCR 765; Sept. 16, 1980, D.C. Law 3-97, § 2(b), 27 DCR 3523; Mar. 17, 1993, D.C. Law 9-236, § 2(b), 40 DCR 614; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 104(d), 55 DCR 9186; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(g), 64 DCR 11682.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1005.
1973 Ed., § 6-2405.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 8-1806.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 17-281 rewrote subsec. (a); and, in subsec. (b), substituted “impounded animal, including scanning the animal for a microchip” for “impounded animal”. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: “(a) The Mayor may impound any animal at large or any dangerous animal.”
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(g) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(g) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority under Law 3-30, see Mayor’s Order 83-206, August 2, 1983.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1806. Release to owner

§ 8–1806. Release to owner.
(a) The Mayor shall not release a dog to its owner unless the owner has obtained a license as provided in § 8-1804.
(b) An owner of an animal that is impounded shall pay the following:
(1) An impoundment fee of $15 for animals certified by a licensed veterinarian as either spayed or neutered or incapable of enduring spaying or neutering;
(2) An impoundment fee of $15 for unneutered and unspayed animals, provided the owner agrees to have the animal sterilized and prepays the cost of the surgery;
(3) An impoundment fee of $75 for dogs and $50 for all other animals that have not been spayed or neutered, where the owner does not utilize the option in paragraph (2) of this subsection;
(4) A boarding fee of $5 for each night after the 1st night;
(5) The cost of veterinary services, including vaccinations, provided by the Mayor; and
(6) Any outstanding fines.
(c) The Mayor shall issue a notice of violation to an owner of an animal impounded under § 8-1805 except that this subsection shall not apply the 1st time an owner has an animal impounded.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 7, 26 DCR 765; Mar. 17, 1993, D.C. Law 9-236, § 2(c), 40 DCR 614; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(h), 64 DCR 11682.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1006.
1973 Ed., § 6-2406.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(h) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1807. Adoption

§ 8–1807. Adoption.
(a) The Mayor shall not release a dog for adoption unless the person adopting the dog obtains a license as provided in § 8-1804.
(b)(1) The Mayor shall not release a female animal over the age of 6 months for adoption unless:
(A) The animal has been spayed; and
(B) The person adopting the animal has paid the expense of spaying.
(2) The Mayor shall not release a female animal under the age of 6 months for adoption unless the person adopting the animal has paid the expense of spaying the animal. The person adopting the animal shall have it spayed before it becomes 6 months of age.
(3) The Mayor shall not release a male animal over the age of 10 months for adoption unless:
(A) The animal has been neutered; and
(B) The person adopting the animal has paid the expense of neutering.
(4) The Mayor shall not release a male animal under the age of 10 months for adoption unless the person adopting the animal has paid the expense of neutering the animal. The person adopting the animal shall have it neutered before it becomes 10 months of age.
(5) The Mayor shall refund any money collected for the purpose of spaying or neutering an animal upon proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered by a private veterinarian.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 8, 26 DCR 765; Sept. 16, 1980, D.C. Law 3-97, § 2(c), 27 DCR 3523.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1007.
1973 Ed., § 6-2407.
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority under Law 3-30, see Mayor’s Order 83-206, August 2, 1983.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1808.01. Dog parks. [Recodified]

§ 8–1808.01. Dog parks. [Recodified]
Recodified as § 8-1810.02.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9a; as added Dec. 10, 2005, D.C. Law 16-40, § 2(c), 52 DCR 9087.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) redesignation of this section, see § 2(j) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(i) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority pursuant to D.C. Law 3-30, the Animal Control Act of 1979, as amended by D.C. Law 16-40, the Dog Park Establishment Act of 2005, see Mayor’s Order 2007-53, February 7, 2007 ( 54 DCR 2428).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1808.02. Animals left in vehicles

§ 8–1808.02. Animals left in vehicles.
(a) An owner or custodian shall not leave an animal alone in a vehicle in such a way as to endanger the animal's health or safety.
(b) After making a reasonable attempt to contact the owner or custodian, an animal control officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer may use reasonable force to remove the animal from the vehicle whenever it appears that the animal's health is endangered; provided, that no attempt to contact the owner or custodian is required if the animal is in immediate danger or appears in distress.
(c) Following an animal's removal from a vehicle by an animal control officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer, the animal shall be impounded and medical care shall be provided if needed. A written notice shall be left attached to the vehicle identifying the responding animal control officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer, and providing a phone number, time, date, and the location where the animal is being held.
(d)(1) Any person found in violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be responsible for all expenses incurred by the District in the care, medical treatment, and impound cost of the animal.
(2) The District shall not be responsible for the:
(A) Injury or death to an animal due to enforcement of subsections (b) and (c) of this section; or
(B) Cost of any damage to a vehicle due to enforcement of subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9b; as added Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(k), 64 DCR 11682.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 2(k) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1809. Animal hobby permit. [Recodified]

§ 8–1809. Animal hobby permit. [Recodified]
Recodified as § 8-1804.01.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 10, 26 DCR 765; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 104(f), 55 DCR 9186.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1009.
1973 Ed., § 6-2409.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 8-1805.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 17-281, in subsecs. (a) and (b), substituted “7 or more” for “5 or more”; and rewrote subsec. (d)(1), which had read as follows: “(1) A dog owner unless the owner has obtained a license for each dog as provided in § 8-1804;”.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(j) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority pursuant to Law 3-30, see Mayor’s Order 83-206, August 2, 1983, as amended by Mayor’s Order 86-64, April 22, 1986.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1810. Education and incentive program

§ 8–1810. Education and incentive program.
The Mayor shall implement an education and incentive program, which shall include the following:
(1) Low-cost spay and neuter clinic services; and
(2) An educational program for animal owners regarding pet care and safety, specifically in extreme weather conditions or emergencies, and the laws related to pet ownership.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 11, 26 DCR 765; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(l), 64 DCR 11682.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1010.
1973 Ed., § 6-2410.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(l) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) creation of § 8-1810.01, see § 2(l) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(k) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority pursuant to law 3-30, see Mayor’s Order 83-206, August 2, 1983.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1810.01. Animal Education and Outreach Fund

§ 8–1810.01. Animal Education and Outreach Fund.
(a) There is established as a special fund the Animal Education and Outreach Fund ("Fund"), which shall be utilized in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Revenue deposited into the Fund shall come from $2 of each fee paid for the application, issuance, or renewal of a dog license pursuant to § 8-1804(e-1).
(c) Money in the Fund shall be used for the following purposes:
(1) Pursuant to § 8-1810, providing for low-cost spay and neuter clinic services, and implementing an educational program for animal owners regarding pet care and safety, specifically in extreme weather conditions or emergencies, and the laws related to pet ownership; and
(2) Appropriate overhead and administrative expenses related to the Fund.
(d) The money deposited into the Fund shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 11a; as added Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(m), 64 DCR 11682.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 2(m) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) creation of an abandonment of an animal section, see § 2(l) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1810.02. Dog parks

§ 8–1810.02. Dog parks.
(a) The Mayor is authorized to establish dog parks on District-owned parkland in which a dog under the verbal command of a responsible adult may exercise off-leash.
(b) A dog park shall be completely enclosed by a fence and gate, both no less than 5 feet in height.
(c) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this section. The rules shall:
(1) Establish procedures for selecting a site for establishment of a dog park, which shall include notice to the public and an opportunity for public comment; and
(2) Establish procedures for the operation, maintenance, and use of a dog park, which shall include a process for enforcement of the rules and for monitoring and addressing health and environmental safety concerns.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9a; as added Dec. 10, 2005, D.C. Law 16-40, § 2(c), 52 DCR 9087; redesignated as § 11b, Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(j), 64 DCR 11682 .)
Prior Codifications
2001 Ed., § 8-1808.01
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) redesignation of this section, see § 2(j) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(i) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority pursuant to D.C. Law 3-30, the Animal Control Act of 1979, as amended by D.C. Law 16-40, the Dog Park Establishment Act of 2005, see Mayor’s Order 2007-53, February 7, 2007 ( 54 DCR 2428).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1811. Penalty

§ 8–1811. Penalty.
(a) The Mayor, pursuant to Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to set specific fine amounts for violations of each provision of this subchapter; provided, that the fines shall not exceed the following amounts:
(1) $500 for each offense, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2) $1000 for each offense for violations of § 8-1808(n), (o) or (p)(1).
(b) Fines issued under this section shall not preclude any other criminal or civil penalty or enforcement action provided by District law.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 12, 26 DCR 765; Mar. 17, 1993, D.C. Law 9-236, § 2(e), 40 DCR 614; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(n), 64 DCR 11682.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1011.
1973 Ed., § 6-2411.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(n) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(m) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
For temporary amendment of section, see § 2(b) of the Dangerous Dog Designation Emergency Amendment Act of 1996 (D.C. Act 11-351, August 12, 1996, 43 DCR 4553).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1812. Civil liability. [Repealed]

§ 8–1812. Civil liability. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 12a; as added Sept. 16, 1980, D.C. Law 3-97, § 2(f), 27 DCR 3523; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(o), 64 DCR 11682.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1012.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) repeal of this section, see § 2(o) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) repeal, see § 2(n) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1813. Notice of violation

§ 8–1813. Notice of violation.
(a) The Mayor may issue a notice of violation to any person who violates a provision of this subchapter.
(b) A notice of violation shall:
(1) State the nature of the violation; and
(2) Describe the procedures provided in this section.
(c) A notice of violation shall be the summons and complaint for the purposes of this subchapter.
(d) A person shall answer a notice of violation within 15 days by:
(1) Depositing and forfeiting collateral in an amount established by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; or
(2) Depositing collateral in an amount established by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and requesting, through the issuing agency, a trial in Court.
(e) The Mayor shall prescribe the form for the notice of violation and establish procedures for the administrative control of the notice of violation.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 13, 26 DCR 765.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 6-1013.
1973 Ed., § 6-2412.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of § 8-1814, see § 2(o) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority under Law 3-30, see Mayor’s Order 83-206, August 2, 1983.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter I - General › § 8–1814. Rules

§ 8–1814. Rules.
The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, may issue rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 13a; as added Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(p), 64 DCR 11682.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 2(p) of Standard of Care for Animals Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-165, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10792).
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 2(o) of Standard of Care for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-137, July 31, 2017, 64 DCR 7787).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II - Commercial Licensing Requirement › § 8–1821.01. Commercial animal breeder license

§ 8–1821.01. Commercial animal breeder license.
(a) Within 180 days of December 5, 2008, the Mayor shall establish licensure requirements for commercial animal breeders in the District of Columbia, which shall include:
(1) Licensing fees;
(2) Standards for the care and management of animals; and
(3) Facility inspection requirements.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “commercial animal breeder” means any person, firm, organization, or corporation engaged in the operation of breeding and raising more than 25 animals per year for sale or in return for consideration.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 201, 55 DCR 9186.)
Editor's Notes
Section 701 of D.C. Law 17-281 provided: “Sec. 701. Rulemaking. The Mayor, pursuant to Title 1 of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act, approved October 21, 1968 (82 Stat. 1204; D.C. Official Code § 2-501 et seq.), shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this act.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II - Commercial Licensing Requirement › § 8–1821.02. Commercial pet care facilities; rulemaking

§ 8–1821.02. Commercial pet care facilities; rulemaking.
(a) No person shall operate a commercial pet care facility without first obtaining a basic business license with an Inspected Sales and Services license endorsement pursuant to Title 47. The Mayor shall issue rules to establish the standards for the care and management of animals in a commercial pet care facility.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “commercial pet care facility” means a facility that provides day or overnight boarding, or provides pet-related services, including feeding, exercise, training, bathing, or grooming, but does not include an animal facility as defined in § 3-502 [repealed] or a licensed pet shop.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 202, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.01. Short title

§ 8–1825.01. Short title.
This subchapter may be cited as the “Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture Act of 2012”.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 211, 60 DCR 1300.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.02. Definitions

§ 8–1825.02. Definitions.
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Africanized bee” means a hybrid variety of Apis mellifera produced by the cross-breeding of the aggressive African honey bee Apis mellifera scutellata with a European honey bee subspecies.
(2) “Apiary” means a place where a colony is kept.
(3) “Bee disease” means an abnormal condition resulting from action by a parasite, predator, or infectious agent.
(4) “Brood” means the embryo and egg, larva, and pupa stages of a bee.
(5) “Colony” means a hive and its equipment and appurtenances, including bees, brood, comb, pollen, and honey.
(6) “Comb” means the assemblage of cells containing a living stage of a bee at a time prior to emergence as an adult.
(7) “Department” means the District Department of the Environment.
(7A) “Director” means the Director of the District Department of the Environment.
(8) “Hive” means a container used for the housing of a colony.
(9) “Honey bee” means Apis mellifera or another species designated as suitable for an urban environment by the Director.
Apis mellifera
(10) “Multi-unit building” means a building with at least 4 separate housing units.
(11) “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, association, firm, joint stock company, organization, commission, or any other legal entity.
(12) Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 212, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(a), 61 DCR 8045.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-142 added (7A); substituted “used” for “intended” in (8); rewrote (9); inserted “building” following “Multi-unit” in (10); substituted “legal entity” for “private entity” in (11); and repealed (12).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.03. General authorization and restrictions

§ 8–1825.03. General authorization and restrictions.
A colony may be kept in the District only if it is established and maintained in a manner consistent with this subchapter and any regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 213, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(b), 61 DCR 8045.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-142 added “and any regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter” at the end.
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.04. Responsibilities of beekeepers

§ 8–1825.04. Responsibilities of beekeepers.
(a) A colony kept in the District shall be registered annually with the Department.
(b) No person shall bring into the District a colony or portion of a colony, bees on combs, empty used combs, used hives, or other used apiary appliances without complying with the procedures established by the Department in accordance with this subchapter.
(c) A colony may not be established in a multi-unit building without written permission from the property manager or owner.
(d) A hive must be kept and maintained to prevent overcrowding and deter swarming according to procedures established by the Department through rulemaking.
(e) A beekeeper shall be responsible for the remediation of bee swarms and nuisance conditions. If a beekeeper fails to fulfill this obligation, the owner of the property on which a hive is located shall be responsible for remediating these conditions, and the beekeeper shall reimburse the property owner for the costs incurred by the remediation.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 214, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(c), 61 DCR 8045.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-142 rewrote the section.
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.05. Colony density and distance from property line. [Repealed]

§ 8–1825.05. Colony density and distance from property line. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 215, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(d), 61 DCR 8045.)
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.06. Colony disposition. [Repealed]

§ 8–1825.06. Colony disposition. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 216, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(e), 61 DCR 8045.)
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.07. Diseased colonies or equipment

§ 8–1825.07. Diseased colonies or equipment.
(a) The Department shall establish procedures and may take measures to control the spread of bee diseases and may order a beekeeper to take measures to control the spread of bee diseases.
(b) The Mayor shall treat or destroy the bees, hives, and honey of a beekeeper who fails to take measures ordered by the Mayor to eradicate or control bee disease.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 217, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(f), 61 DCR 8045.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-142 substituted “Department shall establish procedures and” for “Mayor” in (a).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.08. Fees. [Repealed]

§ 8–1825.08. Fees. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 218, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(g), 61 DCR 8045.)
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter II-A - Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture › § 8–1825.09. Rules; enforcement

§ 8–1825.09. Rules; enforcement.
(a) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2 [§ 2-501 et seq.], may issue rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter. The rules may establish fees necessary to implement the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) The Mayor may enforce this subchapter by use of any injunctive relief, measure, or combination of measures, authorized by this subchapter or otherwise by law.
(c) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as sanctions for a violation of this subchapter or rules or regulations issued under the authority of this subchapter, pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 [§ 2-1801.01 et seq.] (“Civil Infractions Act”).
(d) Repealed.
(e) The Mayor may require reimbursement for the District’s costs resulting from services, including inspections, testing, storage, and transportation of hives or bees, or other reasonable costs or fees incurred in implementation of this subchapter or regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter.
(Apr. 20, 2013, D.C. Law 19-262, § 219, 60 DCR 1300; Dec. 17, 2014, D.C. Law 20-142, § 411(h), 61 DCR 8045.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-142 added the last sentence in (a); repealed (d); and added (e).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-142: Section 502(h) of D.C. Law 20-142 provided that § 411 of the act shall apply as of December 17, 2014.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter III - Release of Animals › § 8–1831.01. Release of animals

§ 8–1831.01. Release of animals.
(a) No person shall release an animal from the custody or control of any entity charged with animal protection for any purpose except adoption or to improve the opportunity for adoption, redemption by the owner of the animal, or other suitable placement in the best interest of the animal. No animals shall be knowingly released from any entity charged with animal protection for the purposes of research, experimentation, testing, or medical instruction or demonstration.
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 180 days, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 301, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.01. Definitions

§ 8–1841.01. Definitions.
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term “commercial guard dog” means any dog trained to guard, protect, patrol, or defend any commercial premises.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 401, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.02. License; immunizations

§ 8–1841.02. License; immunizations.
(a) All commercial guard dogs shall have a valid commercial guard dog license issued pursuant to District law. Upon issuance of a license, the Mayor shall issue a fluorescent guard dog identification tag, or such other tag as the Mayor determines appropriate, to be affixed to the collar or harness of the commercial guard dog to indicate the dog is a commercial guard dog.
(b) All commercial guard dogs shall be immunized against rabies and distemper pursuant to District law, and a current and valid certificate of these immunizations shall be retained on file by the owner of the commercial guard dog.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 402, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.03. Health

§ 8–1841.03. Health.
(a) All commercial guard dogs shall undergo an annual examination by a licensed veterinarian for the purpose of determining whether or not the animal is healthy and fit to work as a commercial guard dog. Upon a determination by a licensed veterinarian that a commercial guard dog is unfit to work, the dog shall not be used to guard, protect, patrol, or defend any commercial premises until the dog is re-examined by the veterinarian. Upon a determination by a licensed veterinarian that a commercial guard dog is permanently unfit to work, the dog shall be immediately retired.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any individual, business, or entity to cause, allow, use, or train commercial guard dogs that have undergone the surgical procedure of ventricular cordectomy.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 403, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.04. Insurance requirements

§ 8–1841.04. Insurance requirements.
An individual, business, or entity that utilizes a commercial guard dog shall maintain a general liability insurance policy for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage of not less than $50,000 to insure against liability resulting from acts of the animal performed while on guard duty.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 404, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.05. Notification requirements

§ 8–1841.05. Notification requirements.
An individual, business, or entity that utilizes a commercial guard dog shall notify the Mayor, in writing, as to the presence of the animal and shall provide contact information for the entity responsible for the animal and a 24-hour emergency telephone number.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 405, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.06. Signage

§ 8–1841.06. Signage.
An individual, business, or entity that utilizes a commercial guard dog shall post a sign in plain view alerting the public to the presence of a commercial guard dog and shall include the name of the entity responsible for the animal and a 24-hour emergency telephone.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 406, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.07. Care of animal

§ 8–1841.07. Care of animal.
A commercial guard dog shall not be maintained on any premises unless the dog is provided:
(1) Full access to an enclosed shelter sufficient to protect the dog from wind, rain, excessive heat or cold, and disease; and
(2) Continuous access to sufficient food and water.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 407, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.08. Violation and penalty

§ 8–1841.08. Violation and penalty.
Any person found guilty of violating this subchapter shall be subject to a penalty of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 408, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter IV - Commercial Guard Dogs › § 8–1841.09. Rules

§ 8–1841.09. Rules.
The Mayor shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 409, 55 DCR 9186; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 65, 59 DCR 6190.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2012 amendment by D.C. Law 19-171 substituted “this subchapter” for “this section.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter V - Classroom Animals › § 8–1851.01. Animals kept in schools

§ 8–1851.01. Animals kept in schools.
Only animals of appropriate size and temperament suitable to a classroom environment shall be introduced into the classroom. Use of such animals shall be for instructional purposes only.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 501, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter V - Classroom Animals › § 8–1851.02. Care of classroom animals

§ 8–1851.02. Care of classroom animals.
(a) Animals kept in schools shall be provided sufficient food and water, be cared for in a safe and humane manner, and remain in schools during holidays only if provided adequate care.
(b) Animals no longer needed in the classroom should be adopted out to a suitable home or given to a local humane organization for adoption.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 502, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter VI - Animal Emergency Preparedness › § 8–1861.01. Animal emergency preparedness plan

§ 8–1861.01. Animal emergency preparedness plan.
Within 90 days of December 5, 2008, the Mayor shall establish an emergency preparedness plan for the protection, sheltering, and evacuation of domestic animals during and following a major disaster or emergency.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 601, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter VII - Dogs allowed in outdoor dining areas of food establishments › § 8–1865.01. Definitions

§ 8–1865.01. Definitions.
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) "Carrier" means a crate designed for carrying dogs or a front-pack or backpack designed to safely carry a dog.
(2) "Food establishment" means any business that offers outdoor seating and sells food for consumption on its premises.
(3) "Leash" means a line held by a person on one end that is for leading or restraining a dog.
(4) "Outdoor dining area" means an outdoor area on private property where food is served by a food establishment.
(5) "Unenclosed sidewalk café" means any authorized use of public space adjacent to a food establishment that contains tables, chairs, railings, or planters, which is open to the sky and at the sides, but may include awnings or umbrellas, and which is able to be removed within a 24-hour period.
(6) "Waste bag" means a plastic bag designed for disposing of dog excrement.
(May 5, 2018, D.C. Law 22-91, § 2, 65 DCR 2639.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 2 of Dining with Dogs Emergency Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-154, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10760).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) creation of of this section, see § 2 of Dining with Dogs Temporary Act of 2017 (D.C. Law 22-38, Jan. 17, 2018, 64 DCR 12300).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 8 - Environmental and Animal Control and Protection › Chapter 18 - Animal Control › Subchapter VII - Dogs allowed in outdoor dining areas of food establishments › § 8–1865.02. Outdoor dining with dogs

§ 8–1865.02. Outdoor dining with dogs.
(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of District law or regulation to the contrary, a food establishment may permit dogs in outdoor dining areas or designated portions thereof, or in unenclosed sidewalk cafés.
(2) A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés may restrict types of dogs based on a dog's size or temperament.
(b) A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés shall:
(1) Post signage outside the food establishment clearly stating that dogs are permitted in outdoor dining areas of the food establishment or in an unenclosed sidewalk café adjacent to the food establishment, along with any restrictions on dogs based on size or temperament;
(2) Provide an entrance that does not require dogs to enter an indoor dining area or an area in which food is being stored or prepared to access the outdoor dining area or the unenclosed sidewalk café;
(3) Provide patrons with waste bags and a sanitary means of disposing of waste bags;
(4) Meet the requirements of section 503.1 of Title 25A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (25A DCMR § 503.1), by ensuring that food employees do not care for or handle dogs;
(5) Require a patron to keep the patron's dog in a carrier or on a leash at all times; and
(6) Prohibit a patron from leaving the patron's dog unattended.
(c) A food establishment may require a patron to take the patron's dog off the food establishment's premises or away from the food establishment's unenclosed sidewalk café.
(d) Nothing in this subchapter, shall be construed to prevent live animals, as described in section 3214.2(b) and (c) of Title 25A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (25A DCMR § 3214.2(b) and (c)), from accessing a food establishment.
(May 5, 2018, D.C. Law 22-91, § 3, 65 DCR 2639.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 3 of Dining with Dogs Emergency Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-154, Oct. 23, 2017, 64 DCR 10760).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) creation of of this section, see § 3 of Dining with Dogs Temporary Act of 2017 (D.C. Law 22-38, Jan. 17, 2018, 64 DCR 12300).