505.21 DETERMINATION OF DANGEROUS, AGGRESSIVE OR VICIOUS DOGS.

   (a)   Whenever a complaint is made to the Police Department of the presence of a dangerous, aggressive or vicious dog within the City, the Chief of Police, his designee or the investigating officer shall promptly inspect or cause an inspection to be made of the premises on which it is alleged that such animal is being kept.

   (b)   The Chief of Police, his designee or the investigating officer shall determine that a dog is dangerous, aggressive or vicious pursuant to this chapter upon proof by clear and convincing evidence.

   (c)   If the Chief, his designee or the investigating officer has reason to believe that a dangerous, aggressive or vicious dog is being kept within the City, the Chief, his designee or the investigating officer shall notify the owner of that dog by certified mail with a return receipt requested, or in person of both of the following.

      (1)   That the investigating officer, chief of police or his designee has designated the dog as a dangerous, aggressive or vicious dog, as applicable.

      (2)   That the owner, keeper or harborer of the dog may request a hearing regarding the designation in accordance with this section. The notice shall include instructions for filing a request for a hearing.

   (d)   The notice required by subsection (c) hereof shall state, in brief, the findings with respect to the dangerous, aggressive or vicious nature of the dog. The notice shall further state that the owner, keeper or harborer must comply with the requirements of this chapter within thirty days after service of the notice as well as comply with the requirements of Ohio R.C. 955.22(I).

   (e)   Police dogs are exempt from these provisions for all actions occurring in the course of their duties. (Ord. 36-2019. Passed 6-10-19.)