§ 7.14.090. Animal welfare organization permit.

A.

Application for a permit to operate an animal welfare organization shall be made as provided in Section 7.04.090, and shall contain the information required herein and in Sections 7.04.090 and 7.14.010 of this Code.

B.

In addition to the information required under Sections 7.04.090 and 7.14.010, an applicant for a permit under this section shall submit the following information:

1.

The organizational structure of the organization, including the names and address(es) of the members of the governing board;

2.

If the organization is a tax-exempt non-profit corporation, information evidencing the non-profit status, along with evidence that the organization is in good standing with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts;

3.

If the organization is not a tax exempt non-profit corporation, a description of the organizational structure and the length of time it has existed, and if the organization has never been permitted by the city under this section or approved as a rescue partner with the department, a letter of recommendation from a permitted animal welfare organization or a veterinarian;

4.

Complete or update as necessary a previously completed rescue partner application as developed by the department and provide information as to how the organization will operate, how it will hold its animals, its plans for dealing with animals with behavior problems and medical/health problems; how it will acquire veterinary care for animals when necessary, how it will train any employees or volunteers, and how it will find new homes for animals;

5.

Provide information as to the types of animals that the organization will work with and the anticipated maximum number of animals the organization will hold at any one time;

6.

Provide information regarding the anticipated percentage of work that will be undertaken by the organization regarding dogs and cats that have been abandoned, recovered or found within El Paso County, Texas or a bordering county;

7.

Explain the organization's policies and procedures for accepting the return of any dog or cat that had been less than one year of age when the organization transferred it to a new owner; and

8.

Provide a copy of the most recent annual shelter inspection report required under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 823.003(d), or if the organization is foster-based, a letter from a veterinarian indicating that he has inspected some or all of the foster homes for the health and welfare of the animals and the findings thereof.

C.

All permits under this section shall be issued in accordance with Section 7.04.090 at no cost and shall be valid for twelve months, and may be renewed as provided in Section 7.14.010.

D.

Prior to issuing the permit, or at any time when the director has a reasonable basis to believe that an inspection is necessary to analyze or determine the appropriate status of the permit, he or his designees may inspect any premises identified under subsection B.8. during normal business hours or other agreed-upon hours upon giving the applicant a minimum of twenty-four hours notice. The applicant shall have an opportunity to be present at the time of inspection or to designate a representative to be present.

(Ord. No. 17428, § 16, 10-5-2010/eff. 1-1-2011; Ord. No. 17635, § 11, 8-30-2011)