(A) Generally. After registration of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, or after a determination that such dog is potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious, no person shall own, keep or harbor such dog thereafter within the territorial jurisdiction of this subchapter without applying for and obtaining a permit from the Sheriff’s Office.
(B) Issuance of permit. The Sheriff’s Office shall immediately issue a permit for a potentially dangerous or dangerous only upon submission of a complete, verified application, payment of the permit fee, and a finding by the Animal Control Officer assigned to the case that required arrangements for housing of the dog and other public health and safety provisions are in effect, and that each dog for which a permit is issued does not pose an unreasonable threat to the public health, safety and general welfare if the permittee shall comply with the provisions of this subchapter and the conditions of the permit. Each permit shall be conditioned on continued compliance with the provisions of this subchapter and other provisions of law, on continued compliance with and maintenance of the arrangements for housing and safety set forth in the permit application, and any special conditions the Sheriff’s Office may deem reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare in view of the particular circumstances and history of the dog concerned.
(C) Cost of permit. A permit fee as determined by the county shall be imposed on all owners who register a dog that is deemed as potentially dangerous or dangerous. That fee will be paid to the county for use exclusively by the Sheriff’s Office for the Animal Control Program.
(D) Temporary permits. Following the registration of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog or the impoundment of such a dog, upon application therefore and for good cause, the Sheriff’s Office may issue a temporary permit allowing the owner, keeper or harborer of a registered potentially dangerous or dangerous dog to retain possession of such dog or to confine such dog at a veterinary facility or kennel approved by the Sheriff’s Office. A temporary permit also may be issued to allow the transport of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog from the territorial jurisdiction of this subchapter. A temporary permit shall be issued subject to the same conditions to which a regular permit is subject and to any other conditions the Sheriff’s Office may deem necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare consistent with the provisions of this subchapter and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 30 days after issuance. A temporary permit shall be valid only until the earlier of its expiration, revocation or the issuance or denial of a permit under the provisions of division (B) above.
(E) Term of permits and renewal thereof. No permit shall be issued under division (B) above for a term of more than three years, but may in the Sheriff’s Office’s discretion be issued for a shorter period. Permits may be renewed, subject to the same terms and conditions required for initial permits.
(F) Revocation of permits. The Sheriff’s Office may, upon notice and hearing and for good cause shown, revoke any permit or modify any terms, conditions or provisions thereof. If the Sheriff’s Office deems it necessary to protect the public health or safety from any imminent threat or danger thereto, he or she may, without hearing, suspend any permit or any portion thereof for not more than 30 days. Good cause for revocation or modification of a permit shall include, without limitation, violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this subchapter or with any term, condition or provision of a permit.
(G) Inspections. The Sheriff’s Office shall cause periodic inspections (usually quarterly unless there is reasonable cause for more frequent inspections) to be made of the premises of a permittee to assure compliance with the provisions of this subchapter and the applicable permit. Notice to permittee or occupant of premises must be given before completing any periodic inspection of the premises.
(H) Inspection fee. The owner of a potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious registered dog shall be imposed a $25 inspection fee per inspection. That fee will be paid to the county for use exclusively by the Sheriff’s Office for the Animal Control Program.
(I) Insurance. Every person owning, keeping or harboring a dog that has been declared dangerous, potentially dangerous or vicious shall purchase and maintain a policy of liability insurance covering any injury or property damage caused by the dog. Minimum policy limits shall be $100,000 personal injury or property damage, per occurrence. Such person shall cause a certificate or declaration of insurance to be furnished to the Sheriff’s Office annually. Every calendar day that the required insurance is not in full force and effect shall constitute a violation of this subchapter.
(Ord. 2013-24, passed 9-15-2013) Penalty, see § 90.99