(a) No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to do either of the following, except when the dog is being obedience trained by a certified trainer:
(1) While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a locked pen which has a top, or other locked enclosure which has a top, or a locked fenced yard where the dog is secured by a leash with a minimum tensile strength of three hundred (300) pounds and post a sign conspicuously upon the premises giving notice of a vicious dog.
(2) While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep it on a leash having a minimum tensile strength of three hundred (300) pounds that is not more than four (4) feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following:
A. Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure which has a top and have the dog muzzled; or
B. Have the leash controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion to adequately restrain the dog, and muzzle the dog at all times except when being examined or treated by a veterinarian.
(b) No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in the State of Ohio providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interests and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog.
(c) Upon the request of a law enforcement agent, every owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall produce the evidence of insurance required pursuant to this section.
(d) Whoever violates this subsection is guilty of at least one of the following:
(1) A felony of the fourth degree on a first or subsequent offense if the dog kills or seriously injures a person. Additionally, the Court shall order the vicious dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County Dog Warden or the County Humane Society.
(2) A misdemeanor of the first degree if the dog causes injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person.
(3) A misdemeanor of the first degree and a felony of the fourth degree on each subsequent violation within a period of three (3) years from the first violation. Additionally, the Court may order the vicious dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County Dog Warden or the County Humane Society.
(e) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(Ord. 3136. Passed 6-19-02.)
(Ord. 3136. Passed 6-19-02.)