Let’s talk a little bit about Cameron’s City Ordinance as it pertains to “at large” and “nuisance.” If you want to read the entire ordinance, you can do so here: https://z2.franklinlegal.net/franklin/Z2Browser2.html?showset=cameronset
Under Section 2.01.006, it is unlawful for the owner of any cat, dog, fowl, or other domesticated animal to suffer, permit, or allow such animal to run at large within the city limits. At large means an animal is off the premises of the owner, and not on a leash or otherwise under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal. A cat is at large when straying onto the property of anyone except the owner. All animals at large are subject to impoundment by the city.
Section 2.01.007 defines nuisances. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal on any property located within the city limits when the keeping of such animal constitutes a public nuisance or menace to public health or safety. What is a public nuisance?
Public nuisance means any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life or health of persons or other animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other than the animal’s owner, to enjoyment of life or property. Here are a few examples. There are more listed in the ordinance:
– Any animal repeatedly found running at large;
– Any animal that damages, soils, defiles, or defecates on any property other than that of its owner. In such cases, the owner shall make sanitary disposal of any excreta (waste) deposited by his animal on any property other than that of its owner;
– Any animal that makes disturbing noises, including but not limited to continued and repeated howling, barking, whining, or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored.
– Any animal in estrus (in heat) that is not confined so as to prevent attraction or contact with other animals;
– Any animal that attacks domestic animals;
– Any animal that is being kept in unsanitary conditions
If you have pets or are annoyed by someone who has pets, please review the entire ordinance.