(a) Restrictions.
(1) The following categories of dogs or cats must not
be kept in outdoor facilities, unless that practice is specifically
approved by a veterinarian and documented by a veterinarian in the
medical records related to each dog or cat to which the exemption
applies:
(A) dogs or cats that are not acclimated to the temperatures
prevalent in the area or region where they are maintained;
(B) breeds of dogs or cats that cannot tolerate the
prevalent temperatures of the area without stress or discomfort (such
as short-haired breeds in cold climates); and
(C) sick, infirm, aged or young dogs or cats.
(2) When their acclimation status is unknown, dogs
and cats must not be kept in outdoor facilities when the temperature
is less than 50° F (10° C).
(b) Shelter from the elements. Outdoor facilities for
dogs or cats must include one or more shelter structures that are
accessible to each animal in each outdoor facility, and that are large
enough to allow each animal in the shelter structure to sit, stand,
and lie in a normal manner without its body being in contact with
at least one side of the shelter walls and to turn about freely. In
addition to the shelter structures, one or more separate outside areas
of shade must be provided, large enough to contain all the animals
at one time and protect them from the direct rays of the sun. Shelters
in outdoor facilities for dogs or cats must contain a roof, four sides,
and a floor, and must:
(1) provide the dogs and cats with adequate protection
and shelter from the cold and heat;
(2) provide the dogs and cats with protection from
the direct rays of the sun and the direct effect of wind, rain, or
snow;
(3) be provided with a wind break and rain break at
the entrance; and
(4) contain clean, dry, bedding material if the ambient
temperature is below 50° F (10° C). Additional clean, dry
bedding is required when the temperature is 35° F (1.7° C)
or lower.
(c) Construction. Building surfaces in contact with
animals in outdoor housing facilities must be impervious to moisture.
Metal barrels, cars, refrigerators or freezers, and the like must
not be used as shelter structures. The floors of outdoor housing facilities
may be of compacted earth, absorbent bedding, sand, concrete, gravel,
or grass, and must be replaced if there are any prevalent odors, diseases,
insects, pests, or vermin. All surfaces must be maintained on a regular
basis. Surfaces of outdoor housing facilities--including houses, dens,
etc.--that cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized, must be replaced
when worn or soiled.
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