Animal Control

General (Dogs & Cats):

In an effort to ensure the safety and general welfare of the residents of the Town of Wise, the governing body has adopted animal control regulations. It is unlawful for any dog to run at large off the property of its owner or custodian. Dogs must be leashed or otherwise under the immediate control of their owner/custodian at any time that they are off the premises of the owner or custodian. Property for which the owner has obtained permission for the dog to occupy shall be deemed the property of its owner or custodian for the purposes of local animal control regulation.

Animal control problems such as dogs running at large, dangerous or vicious animals, and unlicensed dogs or cats should be reported to the Wise County Animal Control Office at 328-2321. This office also responds to complaints of animal cruelty.  The county animal warden has the authority to catch these animals and confine them at the county animal shelter. The owner of an impounded animal will be charged for expenses incurred for the animal’s confinement.

Animals & Fowl

No person living in the Town of Wise may keep any animal or fowl  other than a dog, cat, rabbit, or horse outside the walls of his personal residence except as follows:

The keeping of chickens for non-commercial purposes and in conjunction
 with the residential use of a lot is allowed so long as

1. said lot consists of at least one acre, and
2. no more than ten chickens are kept for each acre of land on the premise, and
3. the chickens are properly confined to the property, and
4. structures in which the chickens are kept shall not be located within fifty feet of any lot line, and
5. storage of manure, excreta, other waste or odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall not be permitted within 50 feet of any lot line.

The keeping of cows for non-commercial purposes and in conjunction with the residential use of a lot is allowed so long as

1. said lot consists of at least one acre, and
2. no more than two cows are kept for each acre of land on the premise, and
3. the cows are properly confined to the property, and
4. structures in which the cows are kept shall not be located within one hundred feet of any lot line, and
5. storage of manure, excreta, other waste or odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any lot line.

For the purpose of this regulation, the term “animal” shall include but not be limited to foxes, minks, skunks, swine, goats, sheep, cattle, mules, bulls, or other similar livestock or fur-bearing animals.

For the purpose of this regulation, the term “fowl” shall include but not be limited to chickens, turkeys, roosters, pigeons, peacocks, doves, and quail.

Animal Nuisances

No owner or custodian shall allow any animal to bark, howl, or squall in such a manner as to disturb the public rest.  No owner of custodian of any animal shall permit an animal to create a disturbance by running after people, vehicles, bicycles, etc.  No owner of custodian of any animal shall permit an animal to go upon the property of another person and damage, disturb, or destroy any garden, shrub, grass, garbage, or other property of the landowner. For the purposes of local animal control regulation, “animal” is defined as any nonhuman vertebrate species susceptible to rabies.

Citizens affected by an animal nuisance are requested to contact the animal’s owner prior to contacting the Town in an effort to attempt to resolve the matter. Failing that, animal nuisances should be reported to the Wise Police Department which can be reached by calling 328-9046.