(A) It is unlawful for any owner to maintain or harbor unconfined or unrestrained any dangerous dog.
(B) The owner will be notified in writing to confine the dangerous dog in a humane secure enclosure. The owner shall post a plainly visible sign upon the secure enclosure warning that a dangerous dog is on the premises. Said sign shall not exceed one foot by two feet or two square feet in area; and shall be deemed an incidental sign for the purposes of the Davidson County Zoning Ordinance.
(C) The owner shall have a total of ten days from the date of notification to provide a humane, secure enclosure. The animal deemed “dangerous” shall be under constant restraint on the owner’s property during this period. An animal control officer is empowered to confiscate the dangerous dog and harbor it at the owner’s expense pending the owner’s construction of a humane secure enclosure (as defined). If any dangerous dog is confiscated under this provision and the owner of the dangerous dog fails to provide a secure enclosure within the ten days from the date of notification, Davidson County Animal Control is authorized to dispose of the animal. If the owner constructs a secure enclosure (as defined), and the animal is not being destroyed pursuant to § 90.99(B) and (C), the dog may be redeemed within ten days from confiscation provided: (1) all fees owing to Animal Control for harboring, caring and maintaining the animal are paid; and, (2) confirmation by the Animal Control Officer of the construction of the secure enclosure.
(D) When a dangerous dog escapes, the owner is required to inform the Animal Control Program, as soon as practicable, but not later than 24 hours, after the escape.
(Ord. passed 12-12-17) Penalty, see § 90.99