(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Kennel" means the housing or keeping of more than three dogs on a lot or in a structure.
(2) "Owner", when applied to the proprietorship of a dog, means every person having a right of property in the dog, and every person who permits the dog to remain in or about the premises occupied by him.
(3) "Reasonable control" means keeping a dog on a suitable leash, which leash shall be securely affixed to the dog and in the possession of the owner or custodian or some other person with the permission of the owner or custodian, in cases other than while upon private property (owned by the owner or custodian or, if the private property is not owned by the owner or custodian, with the express permission of the owner of the property), or unless the dog is confined in a closed automobile or animal crate.
(b) Barking or Dangerous Dogs. No person shall keep or harbor a dog which by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling shall cause a serious annoyance to the neighborhood, or the people passing to and fro upon the street. Yards and/or exercise dog runs shall be kept free of dog droppings and uneaten food, and maintained in a sanitary manner so as not to be a nuisance because of odor or attraction of flies and vermin. No person shall own or harbor a dog that has been bitten by any animal known to be afflicted with rabies. Any person who shall have in his possession a dog which has contracted or is suspected of having contracted rabies or which has been bitten by any animal known to have been afflicted with rabies shall upon demand of the health officer, or any police officer of the City, produce and surrender the dog to the Health Department to be held for observation and/or treatment; provided, that with the approval of the Health Department any such dog may be surrendered to a registered veterinarian, or to any approved corporation organized for the purpose of sheltering dogs. It shall be the duty of any person owning or harboring a dog which has been attacked or bitten by another dog or animal showing symptoms of rabies to immediately notify the Police Department that such person has such dog in his possession.
(c) Impoundment. The City may contract with the Genesee County Animal Control Department and/or any other duly authorized person for the purpose to properly seize, take up and place in the pound dogs running at large or being kept or harbored in any place in the City contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
(d) Cruelty to Animals. No person owning or harboring an animal or any other person shall treat an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner and/or negligently cause or permit an animal to suffer unnecessary pain.
(e) Reasonable Control. Every person who is the owner of a dog, or who has charge or responsibility of a dog, shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that such a dog be under reasonable control at all times.
(Ord. 2011-01. Passed 1-24-11; Ord. 2014-01. Passed 2-10-14.)