(A) Confinement.
(1) No domestic or vicious animal may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the animal to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such domestic or vicious animal may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the animal from exiting the structure.
(2) The owner of a domestic or vicious animal shall not suffer or permit the animal to go unconfined.
(B) Leash and muzzle.
(1) The owner of a domestic or vicious animal shall not suffer or permit the animal to go beyond the premises of the owner unless the animal is securely muzzled, restrained by a secure cage, chained or leashed and under the physical restraint of a person.
(2) The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the animal or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting any human or other animal.
(C) Signs. The owner of a vicious animal shall display in a prominent place on his or her premises a clearly visible warning sign (“dangerous animal”) indicating that there is a vicious animal on the premises. A similar sign is required to be posted on the pen or kennel of the animal. The lettering on the sign shall be in all capital letters, a minimum of six inches tall and red on a white background.
(D) Animal fighting. No person, firm, corporation, organization or department shall possess, harbor or maintain the care or custody of any animal for the purpose of animal fighting, nor train, torment, badger, bait or use any animal for the purpose of causing or encouraging the animal to attack human beings or domestic animals in the city.
(E) Insurance. Owners of vicious animals must within 30 days of the effective date of this chapter provide proof to the Clerk-Treasurer of liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000, insuring the owner, keeper or harborer for any personal injuries inflicted by his or her vicious animal.
(Ord. 2005-OR-20, passed 11-7-2005) Penalty, see § 90.99