Animal Control

Laws Regarding the Keeping of Animals Within the City

In order to serve you better, the Animal Control Officer would like to make you aware of some of the laws regarding the keeping of animals within the City of Martinsville. Listed below are some of the codes pertaining to the care and keeping of animals:

  • 5-37 - Each dwelling shall have no more than 4 dogs you may have up to 6 dogs if the dogs are kept in an enclosed building between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am.
  • 5-39 - It shall be unlawful for any person to tether any animal to a fixed point less than 4 months of age within the city of Martinsville. Animals over 4 months of age are prohibited from being tethered to a fixed point between the hours 10 pm through 7 am. Local time. It is also prohibited to tether an animal to a fixed point for more than 4 consecutive hours, between the hours of 7 am through 10 pm
  • 5-40 - All dogs and cats 4 months or older must have a current rabies vaccination
  • 5-41 - You may not allow your dogs to run at large in the city. If your dog is picked up, there is an automatic $30 impoundment fee for the first day and $5 for each additional day.
  • 5-54 - All dogs 4 months or older must have a current city dog tag. These go on sale from January 1 through January 31. The cost is $10 or $3 if the dog is spayed or neutered.
  • 13-11 - To permit or allow any dog or other animal or any fowl to bark, scream or create noise in any residential district in the city between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am.

Companion Animals

All companion animals shall be provided the following:

  • Adequate shelter that is properly cleaned and will provide shelter for the animal from the elements, including alternate shade from the heat, and bedding for the cold weather - the shelter must not allow air to pass through it
  • Water must be made available at least once daily
  • Proper food must be provided at least once daily
  • Adequate space and if a dog is on a tether it must be at least 3 times the length from the tip of the nose to the base of its tail or 15 feet; whichever is longer