A. Bearing Collar And Tag: Every dog shall at all times wear a substantial, durable collar, to which shall be securely attached the required license tag. An owner may alternatively have all the required license tag information permanently inscribed on a metal plate embedded in the dog's collar. Such metal plate must be outward facing and be accessible for review and confirmation by any requesting authorized officer.
B. Leash Requirements: All dogs must be restrained by a leash in public except as provided in this chapter. Any person who has a dog restrained on a leash in a public place must be capable of controlling the dog, and the leash must be appropriately substantial for the size and strength of the dog.
C. Training And Exercise Grounds: The Board of Park Commissioners or the City Council may designate public park areas or other City public grounds for use as training and exercise grounds of dogs, subject to the rules and regulations as may be. Dogs within such designated areas are not required to be controlled by leash, if under the control of a responsible person by voice, whistle, or other effective command.
D. Dog Running At Large Prohibited: Any person who owns, harbors, or has in his or her control a dog which animal is found at large upon the City's streets, alleys, or public places, or upon any other private premises without the consent of the person in possession of such premises, is responsible for such animal being at large and is in violation of this section, except:
1. When such dog is assisting a security guard or law enforcement officer engaged in law enforcement duties.
2. When such dog is a service dog while performing tasks for its owner who is an individual with a disability.
3. When such dog is within City designated and posted areas for the off-leash exercise and training.
4. When such dog is assisting its owner or custodian in legal hunting, or the working, herding, or controlling of livestock in a place that such activity may legally occur.
Any dog found in violation of this subsection D may be impounded. Any violation of this subsection D is subject to escalating penalties for subsequent convictions.
E. Responsibility To Clean Up After Dog:
1. Any person having the care, custody, possession, or control of a dog shall immediately remove the dog's feces deposited on any public property or private property not owned or possessed by the owner or custodian of the dog, before leaving the immediate vicinity of the deposited feces. The dog's feces must be disposed of in a sanitary manner.
2. Exceptions: The requirements of this subsection E shall not apply to:
a. Law enforcement officers and their service dogs during the official performance of their duties and while actively engaged in an emergency situation;
b. Handlers of search and rescue animals during the official performance of their duties and while actively engaged in an emergency situation; or
c. Individuals with disabilities utilizing service dogs as defined in this chapter.
3. A violation of this subsection is an infraction punishable by a fine in an amount established by the City Council and listed on the City's most current Fines and Fees Schedule. (Ord. 20-21, 5-11-2021; amd. Ord. 21-23, 6-6-2023)