(a) No owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog shall fail to do either of the following, except when the dog is lawfully engaged in hunting or training for the purposes of hunting, accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer or a handler:
(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, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure which has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash or tether so that the dog is adequately restrained;
(2) While that dog is on or off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep in on a chain link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following:
A. Keep that dog in a locked pen which has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure which has a top;
B. Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or a stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person; and/or
C. Muzzle that dog.
(b) No owner, keeper or harborer, of a vicious or dangerous dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog.
(c) Penalty.
(1) Any person who is the owner, keeper, possessor, harborer, or who maintains or who has the care, custody or control of a dangerous or vicious dog, and who violates Section 505.15(a), shall be guilty of a first degree misdemeanor. On each subsequent offense, said person shall be guilty of a felony and prosecuted under State law.
(2) Any person who is the owner, keeper, possessor, harborer or who maintains, or who has the care, custody or control of a dangerous or vicious dog, and who violates Section 505.15(b) shall be guilty of a first degree misdemeanor.
(Ord. 88-01. Passed 9-24-01.)