(A) Registration. A person wishing to own, harbor, possess or keep a dangerous animal shall be required to register with County Code Enforcement and pay a registration fee of $500. As part of the registration process, the registrant shall provide:
(1) A valid driver’s license or government issued picture identification showing the owner’s name and current address;
(2) Proof that the applicant owns or has possessory rights to the animal and is 18 years of age or older;
(3) One copy of the current immunization and health records for the animal showing that the animal has a current rabies vaccination;
(4) Proof that the registrant has insurance coverage for not less than $300,000 for any injury, damage or loss caused by the animal;
(5) Four photographs of the animal from four different sides taken not more than one month before the date of the registration. The photographs shall consist of a front, back, left and right side view of the animal;
(6) The name, address and phone number of the animal’s previous owner, if applicable;
(7) Proof that the animal is spayed or neutered, or otherwise altered; and
(8) Proof of microchip implanting and the identification information implanted.
(B) Dangerous animal enclosure and confinement.
(1) A dangerous animal shall be confined, at all times, within a habitable locked and secured dwelling and/or a locked and secured kennel. At any time, the secured area may be inspected by the County Code Enforcement or his or her designee and shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(a) If chain-link fencing is used for the kennel, it must be made of at least 11-gauge chain-link wire. Other fencing must be of a material that the animal cannot chew, dig or otherwise free itself from inside the enclosure;
(b) The top must be chain-link or of an engineered roofing from which an animal cannot escape;
(c) The floor must be cement, brick or engineered flooring from which an animal cannot escape;
(d) Sides of the enclosure must be buried at least two feet into the ground or securely fastened to the floor;
(e) An outdoor enclosure must include an adequate structure to protect the animal from the elements, such as a doghouse;
(f) The enclosure must be kept locked at all times to prevent both escape and accidental entry; and
(g) Habitable dwellings, such as a house or garage, must be capable of being locked and secured. The dwellings may be required to be modified on a case-by-case basis to ensure the dangerous animal cannot exit the dwelling of its own volition, such as when a door or window screen are the only obstacles that prevent the animal from exiting.
(2) The enclosure for a non-dog dangerous animal must be adequate to contain the species of animal kept. It may be inspected on a case-by-case basis to ensure that it is indeed escape-proof, as well as a humane method for the type of animal to be kept. This inspection will be made by or with a person competent to evaluate the type of animal involved.
(3) Except for medical treatment or examination, the owner will maintain the dangerous animal exclusively on the owner’s property. When taken off of the owner’s property for medical treatment or examination, a dangerous animal shall at all times be fitted with a securely attached muzzle.
(4) If a dangerous animal is lost or escapes, the owner and owner’s agent shall report the incident immediately to a law enforcement officer or animal control agency.
(5) The owner of a dangerous animal shall post signs on the owner’s property where the animal will be kept, clearly visible from the public roadway or from 50 feet, whichever is less. These signs shall advise the general public about the animal’s presence on the premises.
(6) County Code Enforcement personnel or designees may visually inspect the premises and enclosure where the dangerous animal is kept. The inspection may also include the placement of warning signs, the animal leash, the muzzle and the locks. County Code Enforcement personnel or designees must be satisfied that the owner has met all dangerous animal requirements. The animal may not be on the site while the inspection is being made.
(7) K-9 patrol dogs and police dogs are exempt from the provisions of this section.
(8) The registrant shall have 14 days after registering to meet the dangerous animal requirements. If the requirements are not met within the 14 days, the animal may be impounded and humanely euthanized.
(9) If the owner or owner’s agent of a dangerous animal violates any provisions of this chapter, the dangerous animal may be impounded and held until a hearing is held. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether, in fact, a violation of this section has occurred. If the court determines that a violation of this section has occurred, it shall have the authority to impose a fine and/or order the animal humanely euthanized. A dangerous animal shall not be euthanized until after the court has rendered a final decision.
(10) In the event that a dangerous animal changes owner, the new owner must meet the dangerous animal requirements of this section. The original owner shall notify the County Code Enforcement that ownership of the animal has been transferred and provide the name and address of the new owner.
(11) The owner of a dangerous animal shall notify County Code Enforcement if the address changes where the dangerous animal will be kept. The owner must report the new address so an inspection may be made of the premises.
(12) The owner and owner’s agent of a dangerous animal under this section shall notify law enforcement and the animal control agency immediately if the dangerous animal is running at large, has been stolen or has attacked a person or an animal.
(Ord. 09-396, passed 12-7-2009) Penalty, see § 90.99