(a) Whenever a complaint is made to the Animal Control Officer, employed by or under contract with the City for animal control services, of the presence of a dangerous or vicious dog within the City, the Animal Control Officer or designee shall promptly inspect or cause an inspection to be made of the premises on which it is alleged that such animal is being kept.
(b) The Animal Control Officer or designee shall determine that a dog is dangerous pursuant to the chapter upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence that such dog meets the definition of a dangerous dog as provided for in Section 505.21 of this chapter.
(c) The Animal Control Officer or designee shall determine that a dog is vicious pursuant to this chapter upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence that such dog meets the definition of a vicious dog as provided for in Section 505.21 of this chapter.
(d) If the Animal Control Officer or designee determines that a dangerous or vicious dog is being kept within the City, the Animal Control Officer or designee shall then determine the individual, firm or corporation who from the records in the Auditor’s Office of Cuyahoga County, appears to be the owner of the dog, or if such information is not available, the titled owner of the property upon which the dog is kept, and shall, within five days, cause a written notice to be served on such owner. Notice shall be served by certified mail with a return receipt requested or by personal service. If service of such written notice is unable to be perfected, then the Animal Control Officer shall cause a copy of the aforesaid notice to be served by ordinary mail which shall be deemed complete upon mailing, and also left with the individual, if any, in possession of the premises on which the dog is kept, or if there is not individual in possession of the premises, he or she shall cause a copy of the notice to be posted on the premises.
(e) The notice required by subsection (d) hereof shall state, in brief, the findings with respect to the dangerous or vicious nature of the dog. The notice shall further state that the owner must comply with the requirements of this chapter within thirty (30) days after service of the notice.
(f) Police dogs are exempt from these provisions for all actions occurring in the course of their duties.
(Ord. 7647-04. Passed 10-18-04.)
(Ord. 7647-04. Passed 10-18-04.)