(a) Level 2 potential nuisance dogs shall be declassified when, for a period of one year following the classification, there have been no further Level 2 behaviors demonstrated or violations of Section 618.22.
(b) Level 1 potential nuisance dogs and nuisance dogs shall be declassified when, for a period of one year following the classification, there have been no Level 1 or Level 2 behaviors demonstrated or violations of Section 618.22 or Ohio R.C. 955.22, and the owner or keeper has satisfactorily completed obedience training for the dog classified.
(c) Dangerous dogs shall be declassified when, for a period of four years following the classification, there have been no Level 1, Level 2, nuisance dog, or dangerous dog behaviors demonstrated or violations of Section 618.20 or Ohio R.C. 955.22, and the owner or keeper has satisfactorily completed obedience training for the dog classified and has passed the American Kennel Club “Canine Good Citizen" test.
(d) The owner or keeper of the dog seeking declassification shall file a written application with the Police Department that demonstrates satisfaction of all required declassification conditions.
(e) Upon declassification, the restrictions for dogs classified as a Level 1 or 2 potential nuisance dog or nuisance dog shall be removed and restrictions on dogs classified as a dangerous dog shall be removed, with the exception of the insurance requirements.
(f) Upon reasonable determination by the Police Chief that a dog meets the requirements for declassification, the Police Chief shall give the dog's owner or keeper written notice by certified mail or personal service.
(g) If the Police Chief denies the declassification application, the Police Chief shall give the dog's owner or keeper written notice by certified mail or personal service notifying the owner or keeper of the right to object to that determination pursuant to Section 618.25. At hearing, the dog's owner or keeper must show, by clear and convincing evidence, that all condition of declassification have been satisfied.
(h) If a declassification application is denied, the owner or keeper may reapply for declassification after a period of six months has elapsed.
(Ord. 132-2015. Passed 10-13-15.)