A proposal aimed at regulating pet breeding and animal ownership in Boulder City has stalled in limbo, following its tabling earlier this year. The proposal, which seeks to align city regulations with NRS 574.353, a state law enacted in 2011, mandates breeders to obtain both city permits and state licenses.
A recent court case shed light on the city’s ongoing struggle with enforcing animal control laws. The defendant, Khristi Ann Hutto, faced charges related to the failure to vaccinate animals for rabies, reducing the initial nine citations to five as recorded in the court docket of May 2, 2024. However, discussions surrounding the case referenced a total of nine infractions.
Sources indicate that Hutto has been under scrutiny by animal control for over a year, suspected of operating unauthorized breeding and sales of dogs and cats from two Boulder City properties. Social media posts by Hutto and her husband further corroborate these suspicions, with offers for the sale of animals documented as recently as January.
Seeking clarification on existing laws, inquiries were made to the city attorney, Brittany Walker. However, no comment was provided due to the ongoing nature of the case. Despite attempts to obtain clarity from city officials, responses were evasive, directing inquiries to Title 7 of the Boulder City Code of Ordinances.
Title 7, Chapter 3 outlines animal control regulations, limiting residents to three adult animals plus offspring under six months. It mandates breeders to hold both state and city licenses, yet lacks specific provisions for animal breeding within business licensing. Additionally, all pets must be vaccinated for rabies and spayed or neutered, unless exempted by possessing both state breeder’s permits and city business licenses.
Further scrutiny reveals potential conflicts within the city code, though attempts to reconcile these discrepancies were unsuccessful. The case against Hutto concluded with a negotiated settlement, wherein she pleaded no contest to one count of rabies vaccination violation and paid a fine of $250. Pending no further citations within six months, the remaining charges will be dismissed; however, subsequent violations would incur similar fines.
A status hearing for Hutto has been scheduled for November 7 at 8 a.m., indicating ongoing legal scrutiny within Boulder City’s animal control landscape.
