(A) Animals in Heat. Every female animal in heat shall be confined in a ventilated building or secure ventilated enclosure in such a manner that the animal cannot come into contact with a male animal of the same species except for planned breeding.
(B) Vicious Animals.
(1) (a) Every animal which is determined to be vicious as defined in § 91.001 shall be confined in an enclosure which is a covered fence or structure of sufficient height to allow the animal to stand erect without touching the top of the cover; forming or causing an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and suitable to confine a dangerous animal. This structure shall be constructed in such a way as to prevent escape of dangerous animals by digging, climbing, or going through, and shall be kept in condition which will prevent same. The enclosure shall be securely locked with combination or key lock which has been designed to prevent accidental or malicious opening of the enclosure entrance/exit while on its owner’s property.
(b) When not on the private property of its owner, a vicious animal must be accompanied by the owner or other responsible person capable of handling the animal, and the animal must be securely muzzled and must be on a leash having a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds or greater, if this strength is necessary to restrain the vicious animal, and is not to exceed a length of three feet.
(2) Enforcement. In the event that a public law enforcement officer, or the Animal Warden, has probable cause to believe that a dangerous animal is being harbored in the city in violation of this chapter, the official may:
(a) Order the violation immediately corrected by having a law enforcement officer cite the owner or keeper to appear in court for the violation, and/or
(b) If the violation cannot be immediately corrected and the animal poses imminent serious threat to human beings or other domestic animals, the animal may be seized and impounded, in which case the owner or keeper will be cited to appear in court for the violation. At the owner’s request and expense, the impoundment may be at a veterinarian or licensed kennel of the owner’s choosing. If the court rules that the dog is not dangerous as defined, it will be released to the owner upon payment to the Animal Warden of the expense of keeping the dog, pursuant to a schedule of those costs. If the court rules that the animal is vicious as defined, the animal will be released to the owner after payment of any fees and penalties, and upon presentation of proof by the owner to the court, and inspection of the enclosure and restraining equipment by the Animal Warden, that the animal will be kept restrained and confined in accordance with the specifications provided in this chapter.
(c) If, within seven days after impoundment, the owner or keeper of the alleged vicious animal fails to either provide proof that the animal will henceforth be kept restrained and confined in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or fails to reclaim it from the Animal Shelter after impoundment, it will be humanely euthanized by the Animal Warden, at the expense of the owner pursuant to a schedule of those costs.
(Ord. 2304, passed 1-19-81; Am. Ord. 3589, passed 6-16-97) Penalty, see § 91.999