CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

North Las Vegas Municipal Code tit. 6, ch. 6.12

in effect

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.010 Animal Fighting.

6.12.010 - Animal Fighting. It is unlawful for any person to keep or use, or be in any manner connected with or interested in the management of, or receive money or other things of value for the admission of any person to, a house, apartment, pit or place for the baiting and fighting of birds or animals, and it is unlawful for any owner or occupant of a house, apartment, pit or place to willfully procure or permit the same to be used or occupied for such baiting or fighting, or to instigate, promote, arrange or carry on, or do any act as assistant, umpire, principal, spectator or otherwise, in aid of or calculated to encourage or further any fight between birds, dogs or other animals. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.020 Cruelty.

6.12.020 - Cruelty. A. It is unlawful for any person to overdrive, overload, torture or cruelly beat, or unjustifiably injure, maim, mutilate or kill any animal, whether belonging to himself or to another, or deprive any animal of necessary sustenance, food, drink, shelter, shade, or fail to provide veterinary medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering, or willfully instigate, engage in, or in any way further an act of cruelty to any animal, or any act to produce such cruelty. B. It is unlawful for any person to ride or drive a horse while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug. C. It is unlawful for any person to intentionally trip or fell any equine animal by the legs or by any means whatsoever for the purposes of, but without limitation hereto, sport or entertainment. D. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit or interfere with the animal protection officer or code or law enforcement officer in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties in this title set forth as to them, and any properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations performed only under the authority and direction of the faculty of any regularly incorporated medical college or university of the State of Nevada. E. The provisions of this section do not apply with respect to any injury to or death of an animal that occurs accidentally in the normal course of: (a) carrying out the activities of a rodeo or livestock show or (b) operating a ranch. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.030 Abandoning Injured Animals.

6.12.030 - Abandoning Injured Animals. It is unlawful for any person owning, possessing or having the care, custody and control of an animal, whether injured or not, to abandon the same, or leave it to die in a public street, road, alley, or other public place, or upon the private property of himself or another, more than one hour after he receives notice that it is left disabled. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.040 Poisoning.

6.12.040 - Poisoning. It is unlawful for any person to unjustifiably administer any poisonous drug or substance to any animal, or unjustifiably expose any such drug or substance with intent that the same shall be taken by an animal, whether such animal be the property of himself or another. Nothing in this section or chapter shall be construed to: 1. Prevent or restrict an animal protection officer, police officer, health officer or similar official in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of such officers; 2. Prevent the eradication by poisoning of animals commonly considered pests, which are harmful or destructive to man, other animals or property; 3. Prevent the eradication by poisoning of "vertebrate pests" as that term is defined by NRS 555.005; or 4. Prevent scientific experiments or investigations on animals performed by an accredited medical college or research institution. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.050 Endangering Animals.

6.12.050 - Endangering Animals. It is unlawful for any person to throw, drop or place upon any road or public or private right-of-way any material, substance or device intended to wound, disable or injure an animal. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.060 Transporting of Animals.

6.12.060 - Transporting of Animals. A. It is unlawful for any person to carry or enclose, or cause to be carried or enclosed, in or upon any vehicle, device, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane or dangerous manner, or so as to produce torture. B. It is unlawful for any person to transport any animal in the bed of an open truck or similar vehicle without taking reasonable measures to prevent the animal from jumping or being thrown from the vehicle. C. It is unlawful for any person to confine an animal in a motor vehicle under conditions or for such period of time as may endanger the heath of such animal due to heat, cold, lack of food or water or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.070 Tethering.

6.12.070 - Tethering. 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2. and 3. and NRS 574.210 to 574.510, inclusive, a person shall not restrain a dog: i. Using a tether, chain, tie, trolley or pulley system or other device that: a. Is less than twelve (12) feet in length; b. Fails to allow the dog to move at least twelve (12) feet or, if the device is a pulley system, fails to allow the dog to move a total of twelve (12) feet; c. Allows the dog to reach a fence or other object that may cause the dog to become injured or die by strangulation after jumping the fence or object or otherwise becoming entangled in the fence or object; d. Places the dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions; or e. Does not permit the dog access to food, water, shade, dry ground, or shelter. ii. Using a prong, pinch or choke collar or similar restraint; or iii. For more than ten (10) hours during a twenty-four-hour period. 2. Any pen or other outdoor enclosure that is used to maintain a dog must be appropriate for the size and breed of the dog. If any property that is used by a person to maintain a dog is of insufficient size to ensure compliance by the person with the provisions of paragraph i. of subsection 1., the person may maintain the dog unrestrained in a pen or other outdoor enclosure that complies with the provisions of this subsection. 3. The provisions of subsections 1. and 2. do not apply to a dog that is: i. Tethered, chained, tied, restrained or placed in a pen or enclosure by a veterinarian, as defined in NRS 574.330, during the course of his practice; ii. Being used lawfully to hunt a species of wildlife in this State during the hunting season for that species; iii. Receiving training to hunt a species of wildlife in this State; iv. In attendance at and participating in an exhibition, show, contest or other event in which the skill, breeding or stamina of the dog is judged or examined; v. Being kept in a shelter or boarding facility or temporarily in a camping area; vi. Temporarily being cared for as part of a rescue operation or in any other manner in conjunction with a bona fide nonprofit organization formed for animal welfare purposes; vii. Living on land that is directly related to an active agricultural operation, if the restraint is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the dog. As used in this paragraph, "agricultural operation" means any activity that is necessary for the commercial growing and harvesting of crops or the raising of livestock or poultry; or viii. With a person having custody or control of the dog, if the person is engaged in a temporary task or activity with the dog for not more than one hour. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.080 Animal Hoarding.

6.12.080 - Animal Hoarding. A. It is unlawful for any owner or person to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly own, possess, confine, or harbor a number of animals in a quantity such that the person or owner fails to provide each animal with the adequate care necessary to sustain each animal in a state of good health. B. The number of animals owned, possessed, confined, or harbored shall not be determinative of whether there has been a violation of this section, but may be considered as a factor in determining whether the animals have been provided adequate care. C. A person or owner's affection for or humanitarian purpose in owning, possessing, confining or harboring the animals is not a defense to a violation of this chapter. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.090 Criminal Prosecution and Penalty.

6.12.090 - Criminal Prosecution and Penalty. A. If a person or owner is found guilty of violating Section 6.12.080 of this chapter, the defendant is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced as follows: 1. A fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or imprisonment of up to six months in jail, some of which may be suspended; 2. The court may order the defendant to undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, and if determined appropriate by the court after due consideration of the evaluation, to receive psychiatric or psychological counseling. The evaluation and counseling shall be at that defendant's own expense; and 3. The court may, as a condition of probation, order the defendant not to own, possess, confine and/or harbor any animal, or may impose a specific limit on the number of allowed animals for a period of time not to exceed the probationary period, the maximum of which is two years, with the following terms: a. The defendant may be subject to random home inspections on a quarterly basis by any City of North Las Vegas authority while residing in, renting, and/or owning any property in the City of North Las Vegas (e.g., North Las Vegas Animal Protection Services, North Las Vegas Police, and/or or North Las Vegas Code Enforcement) to ensure compliance with the court order; and b. The defendant shall be required to notify Animal Protection Services of any change of address and/or telephone number within ten (10) days, regardless of whether the defendant resides within the City of North Las Vegas. B. If a person or owner if found guilty for a subsequent violation of Section 6.12.080 of this chapter, the defendant is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced as follows: 1. A fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00); 2. Imprisonment for a minimum of ten (10) days in jail, but up to six months in jail, some of which may be suspended; 3. The court may order the defendant to undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, and if determined appropriate by the court after due consideration of the evaluation, to receive psychiatric or psychological counseling. The evaluation and counseling shall be at that defendant's own expense; and 4. The court may order the defendant not to own, possess, harbor and/or confine any animals for a period of time not to exceed the probationary period, the maximum of which is two years, with the following terms: a. The defendant may be subject to random home inspections on a quarterly basis by any City of North Las Vegas authority while residing in, renting, and/or owning any property in the City of North Las Vegas (e.g., North Las Vegas Animal Protection Services, North Las Vegas Police, and/or or North Las Vegas Code Enforcement) to ensure compliance with the court order; and b. The defendant shall be required to notify Animal Protection Services of any change of address and/or telephone number within ten (10) days, regardless of whether the defendant resides within the City of North Las Vegas. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.100 Impoundment for Violations of this Chapter.

6.12.100 - Impoundment for Violations of this Chapter. A. Any police officer or animal protection officer may, upon discovery of any animal that is being treated cruelly, take possession of it and impound it at the contracted animal shelter or, upon obtaining written permission from the owner of the animal, the police officer, animal protection officer, or the animal shelter may destroy the animal in a humane manner. B. If a police officer or animal protection officer takes possession of an animal, the officer shall give to the owner, if the owner can be found, a notice containing a written statement of the reasons for the taking, the location where the animal will be cared for and sheltered, the fact that there is a limited lien on the animal for the cost of shelter and care and notice of the right of the owner to request a hearing pursuant to NRS 574.203 within five days after receipt of the notice. If the owner is not present at the taking and the officer cannot find the owner after a reasonable search, the police officer or animal protection officer shall post the notice on the property from which the police officer or animal protection officer takes the animal. If the identity and address of the owner are later determined, the notice must be mailed to the owner immediately after the determination is made. C. A police officer or animal protection officer who takes possession of an animal pursuant to this section has a lien on the animal for the reasonable cost of care and shelter furnished to the animal and, if applicable, for its humane destruction. D. Upon proof that the owner has been notified in accordance with the provisions of subsection B. or, if the owner has not been found or identified, that the required notice has been posted on the property where the animal was found, the North Las Vegas Municipal Court, after providing an opportunity for a hearing if such is requested pursuant to NRS 574.203, shall order the animal sold at auction, humanely destroyed or continued in the care of the officer for such disposition as the officer sees fit. E. If the court receives a timely request pursuant to NRS 574.203, the court shall hold a hearing within fifteen (15) judicial days after receipt of the request to determine whether the person is the owner of an animal and whether the person is able and fit to provide adequate care and shelter to the animal. F. For the purpose of conducting a hearing pursuant to this section, the court may consider: 1. Testimony of the peace officer or animal protection officer who took possession of or impounded the animal or other witnesses concerning the conditions under which the animal was owned or kept; 2. Testimony and evidence related to veterinary care provided to the animal, including, without limitation, the degree or type of care provided to the animal; 3. Expert testimony as to community standards for the reasonable care of a similar animal; 4. Testimony of witnesses concerning the history of treatment of the animal or any other animal owned or possessed by the person; 5. Prior arrests or convictions related to subjecting an animal to an act of cruelty in violation of NRS 574.070 or 574.100; and 6. Any other evidence the court determines is relevant. G. Any charges, fees or costs incurred by the contracted animal shelter related to any animal being impounded shall be the responsibility of the animal's owner. The City shall not be liable for any such charges, fees or costs. Should the contracted animal shelter wish to challenge or refuse holding the animal, or request posting of a bond by the animal's owner, it may do so in the legal case against the animal's owner and will be considered a real party in interest for this limited purpose. If the animal's owner does not post bond in the amount and within the time required by the court, the animal shall be deemed abandoned and shall become property of the contracted animal shelter. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.110 Right to Request a Hearing when Person Lawfully Arrested for Violation of NRS 574.070 or 574.100; Timing of Hearing.

6.12.110 - Right to Request a Hearing when Person Lawfully Arrested for Violation of NRS 574.070 or 574.100; Timing of Hearing. A. If a person is lawfully arrested for a violation of NRS 574.070 or 574.100 and if an animal owned or possessed by the person is impounded by an animal protection officer or police officer in connection with the arrest, the person must be notified in accordance with the provisions of subsection 2 of NRS 574.055 and be notified of his or her right to request a hearing within five days after receipt of the notice to determine whether the person is the owner of the animal and whether the person is able to provide adequate care and shelter to the animal. The person must request a hearing pursuant to this subsection within five days after receipt of the notice pursuant to this subsection. B. If a person who is lawfully arrested and detained for a violation of NRS 574.070 or 574.100 does not request a hearing pursuant to subsection A., or an owner of the animal has not been identified within five days of arrest, the City shall transfer ownership of the animal to an animal rescue organization, animal shelter, or another person who is able to provide adequate care and shelter to the animal. C. If the court receives a timely request pursuant to subsection A., the court shall hold a hearing within fifteen (15) judicial days after receipt of the request to determine whether the person is the owner of an animal and whether the person is able and fit to provide adequate care and shelter to the animal. D. For the purpose of conducting a hearing pursuant to this section, the court may consider: 1. Testimony of the peace officer or animal protection officer who took possession of or impounded the animal or other witnesses concerning the conditions under which the animal was owned or kept; 2. Testimony and evidence related to veterinary care provided to the animal, including, without limitation, the degree or type of care provided to the animal; 3. Expert testimony as to community standards for the reasonable care of a similar animal; 4. Testimony of witnesses concerning the history of treatment of the animal or any other animal owned or possessed by the person; 5. Prior arrests or convictions related to subjecting an animal to an act of cruelty in violation of NRS 574.070 or 574.100; and 6. Any other evidence the court determines is relevant. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

North Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.12.200 Determinations of Court—Impounded Animal.

6.12.200 - Determinations of Court—Impounded Animal. A. If the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the person who filed the timely request for a hearing is the owner of the animal and that person is able and fit to provide adequate care and shelter for the animal, the court shall order the person to take possession of the animal not later than three days after the court's ruling. B. If the court determines that there is not clear and convincing evidence that the person who filed the timely request for a hearing is the owner of the animal or that the person is not able and fit to provide adequate care and shelter for the animal, the court shall order: 1. The person not to own or possess the animal; and 2. The City to transfer the animal to the contracted animal shelter or another person who is able to provide adequate care and shelter to the animal. C. If the court makes a determination pursuant to subsection B., the court may: 1. Order the impoundment of any other animals owned or possessed by the person; or 2. Enjoin the person from owning or possessing any animal. (Ord. No. 3053, § 1, 12-16-2020)

Source: City of North Las Vegas, Nevada, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/north_las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6AN_CH6.12CRANFetched: 11/1/2026