State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Vermont > Title-13 > Chapter-8 > 365
§ 365. Shelter of animals
(a) All livestock and animals which are to be predominantly maintained out-of-doors must be provided with adequate shelter to prevent direct exposure to the elements.
(b) Adequate natural shelter, or a three-sided, roofed building with exposure out of the prevailing wind and of sufficient size to adequately accommodate all livestock maintained out-of-doors shall be provided. The building opening size and height must, at a minimum, extend one foot above the withers of the largest animal housed and must be maintained at that level even with manure and litter build-up. Nothing in this section shall control dairy herd housing facilities, either loose housing, comfort stall or stanchion ties, or other housing under control of the department of agriculture, food and markets. This section shall not apply to any accepted housing or grazing practices for any livestock industry.
(c)(1) A dog, whether chained or penned, shall be provided living space no less than three feet by four feet for 25 pound and smaller dogs, four feet by four feet for 26-35 pound dogs, four feet by five feet for 36-50 pound dogs, five feet by five feet for 51-99 pound dogs, and six feet by five feet for 100 pound and larger dogs.
(2) The specifications required by subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall apply to each dog, regardless of whether the dog is housed individually or with other animals.
(d) A dog or cat confined in a living space shall be permitted outside the cage, crate, or structure for an opportunity of at least one hour of daily exercise, unless otherwise modified or restricted by a licensed veterinarian. Separate space for exercise is not required if an animal's living space is at least three times larger than the minimum requirements set forth in subdivision (c)(1) of this section.
(e) A dog maintained out-of-doors must be provided with suitable housing that assures that the dog is protected from wind and draft, and from excessive sun, rain and other environmental hazards throughout the year.
(f) A dog chained to a shelter must be on a tether chain at least four times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, and shall allow the dog access to the shelter.
(g) A cat, over the age of two months, shall be provided minimum living space of nine square feet, provided the primary structure shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow the cat to turn about freely, stand, sit, and lie down. Each primary enclosure housing cats must be at least 24 inches high. These specifications shall apply to each cat regardless of whether the cat is housed individually or with other animals.
(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, animals may be temporarily confined in a space sufficient for them to stand and turn about freely, provided that they are exercised in accordance with accepted agricultural or veterinarian practices, and are provided sufficient food, water, shelter, and proper ventilation.
(i) Failure to comply with this section shall be a violation of subdivision 352(3) or (4) of this title.
(j) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, an animal may be sheltered, chained, confined, or maintained out-of-doors if doing so is directed by a licensed veterinarian or is in accordance with accepted agricultural or veterinarian practices. (Added 1989, No. 270 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 1989, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, 1991; 1997, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2003, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 8.)
