(A) Within 10 days after a dog has been declared by the Court as dangerous/vicious, the owner of the dog must obtain a receipt evidencing registration and a tag for the dog from the Town of Collierville, and the evidence of registration shall be renewed annually. The Town, or its designee, is authorized to issue such evidence of registration, and renewals thereof, only to persons who are at least 18 years of age and who present sufficient evidence of:
(1) A current evidence of rabies vaccination for the dog;
(2) A proper enclosure to confine a dangerous/vicious dog if kept outside and the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign at all entry points which informs both children and adults of a dangerous/vicious dog on the property or premises which reads: "Warning: Dangerous/Vicious Dog on Premises." The Town may inspect such enclosures prior to the issuance of certificate of registration;
(3) A method of permanently identifying the dog, such as a tattoo on the inside thigh, electronic implantation, or such other method acceptable to the Town's Animal Care Services Supervisor;
(4) The owner must purchase a "dangerous/vicious dog" tag for an amount established through resolution by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen from the Town of Collierville which must be worn by the dog at all times;
(5) The owner of said dangerous/vicious dog must provide proof to the Town of Collierville of public liability insurance or a bond, in an amount to be established by resolution by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, insuring the owner of the dog for any damages, whether arising from personal injury or otherwise, which may be caused by the dangerous/vicious dog. In the event said liability insurance or bond is canceled, lapses, or for any other reason becomes unenforceable, said owner must give written notice within five days of receiving first notice of termination of coverage to the Animal Care Services Supervisor, and shall be in violation of the provisions of this subchapter and chapter; and
(6) The annual fee for the issuance of certificate of registration and dangerous/vicious dog tag shall be imposed in the amount established annually through resolution by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and must be paid within 30 days after a dog has been classified by the Court as dangerous/vicious. Failure to pay this fee on the first offense or annually renew this registration shall constitute violation of this subchapter. For purposes of administering the provisions of this section, the fees provided herein shall be paid to the Town of Collierville Public Services Department – Animal Care Division, 603 East South Street, Collierville, Tennessee, 38017.
(B) The owner shall immediately notify the Animal Care Services Supervisor of the Collierville Animal Shelter when a dog that has been declared as dangerous/vicious:
(1) Is running at large or unconfined;
(2) Has bitten a human being;
(3) Is sold, given away, or dies;
(4) Is moved to another address; or
(5) Has attacked another animal.
(C) Prior to a dangerous/vicious dog being sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address and telephone number of the new owner to the Collierville Animal Care Services Supervisor. Any new owner residing in the Town of Collierville must comply with all the requirements of this subchapter and chapter prior to the transfer of custody.
(D) It is unlawful for the owner of a dangerous/vicious dog to permit the dog to be outside a proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash as required by § 94.41, and under the control of a competent person. For the purposes of this subchapter, a competent person is defined as any person 18 years of age or older who is able to comprehend and understand the nature of his or her responsibility, and has sufficient ability, mentally and physically, to handle any particular animal of which he or she may take charge.
(Ord. 2003-17, passed 9-8-03)