ORDINANCE NO.  7895  

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS AMENDING SECTION 3-105(A)(1)(a) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS, DECEMBER 2003 EDITION, CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Whereas, the governing body of the City of Lawrence, Kansas is entrusted with the responsibility to establish reasonable laws, policies and regulations to further the general public health, safety, welfare, and economic vitality of the community; and

Whereas, domesticated animals should be protected from cruel and inhumane treatment and torture;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS:

Section  1.  Section 3-105(A)(1)(a) of the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, December 2003 edition, and amendments thereto, is hereby amended to read as follows:

“(a)    to willfully or maliciously kill, maim, disfigure or torture, strike, hit or beat with a stick, board, chain, club or other object; mutilate, burn, or scald with any  substance; or drive over any domesticated animal, or otherwise cruelly set an animal upon another animal, except that reasonable force may be employed to drive off vicious or trespassing animals; or”

Section  2.  Severability.  If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or is otherwise held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect the validity of any remaining parts of this ordinance.

Section 3.  Effective Date.  This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect following its adoption and publication as provided by law.

Adopted this ________________ day of  ________________, 2005.

PASSED:

Dennis Highberger, Mayor

ATTEST:

Frank S. Reeb, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:

David L. Corliss, Assistant City Manager

and Director of Legal Services