ARTICLE VIII. - CARE OF DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Hopkinton, RI.
The text
Sec. 4-101. - Purpose and scope.#
The purpose of this article is to establish standards for the care of domestic livestock as defined in this chapter. This article shall not apply to dogs, cats, and other household pets.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-102. - General standards.#
The following standards apply to any parcel on which domestic livestock are kept: (a)
Areas where domestic livestock are kept shall be managed in a manner that minimizes dust, odor, and vermin.
(b)
Storm water runoff from all areas where domestic livestock are kept and where manure is stored or composted shall be directed away from wetlands and wells on the parcel where the domestic livestock are kept and away from wetlands and wells on neighboring parcels.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-103. - Manure management.#
Manure shall be stored or composted in the following manner: (a)
Manure shall be stored or composted at least fifty (50) feet from a lot line, one hundred (100) feet from a well, and two hundred (200) feet from a wetland or storm water drainage feature.
(b)
Manure storage or composting areas shall be visually screened from residential uses on neighboring lots.
(c)
Manure shall be stored on an impermeable surface and shall be protected from precipitation by a cover to prevent surface runoff over and around manure piles to avoid contamination of surface and ground water.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-104. - Care of chicken and rabbits.#
The following standards apply to any parcel on which chickens or rabbits are kept as domestic livestock: (a)
The animals shall have a coop or shelter that:
(1)
Provides adequate protection from the elements and inclement weather.
(2)
Is resistant to predators,
(3)
Is well-ventilated,
(4)
Provides a minimum of two (2) square feet for each chicken or rabbit,
(5)
Is located on an impermeable surface and covered to prevent runoff,
(6)
Is kept clean, dry, and sanitary at all times,
(7)
Is located at least twenty (20) feet from any dwelling, and
(8)
Is located at least one hundred (100) feet from any well.
(b)
Chickens shall have a fenced outdoor enclosure that adequately contains them. The fenced outdoor enclosure shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times.
(c)
Chickens shall be confined between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(d)
Animal feed shall be securely stored.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-105. - Violations.#
The animal control officer shall serve a written warning on any person that is found to be in violation of this article. The warning shall be delivered in person or sent by regular mail. If the violation is not corrected within thirty (30) days of the day the warning was issued, the person shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00). If a second violation takes place within one (1) year of the day the warning was received the owner shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100.00). If a third or further subsequent violation takes place within one (1) year of the day the warning was received, the owner shall be fined one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23; Ch. 294, 3-4-24)