(A) All animal bites shall be reported to the Police Department by the person bitten and by the owner of the animal which has bitten someone. The person owning any animal reported to have bitten any person shall keep such animal quarantined not less than ten days. Any animal showing signs of illness must be taken to a veterinarian or the Humane Society of Hamilton County for quarantine and notification to the City Health Officer must be made by the custodian of the signs of illness.
(B) It is the duty of the person bitten or the person's parent or guardian to make the report in conformance with Indiana law. Law enforcement K-9 dogs are exempted from this section.
(C) An owner or keeper of an animal commits a violation of this chapter if that animal chases or approaches in an aggressive manner and/or attacks a person or another domestic animal resulting in injury who did not provoke the animal prior to the attack.
(1) It shall be a defense to prosecution under this section if:
(a) The violation occurred in an enclosure in which the animal was confined without means of escape, there was posted at the main entrance of the enclosure a notice to beware of the animal, or the person or animal attacked entered the enclosure without invitation; or
(b) The violation occurred during the commission or attempted commission of, or escape from, a criminal act on the property of the owner or keeper of the animal.
(D) A person violating this section may be fined as set forth in § 91.99. If a judgement is entered under this section the Court, in its discretion, may enter a finding that the animal is deemed a dangerous animal for purposes of § 91.07. If the violation results in the animal causing serious injury or death to any person or animal, the Court upon request, may order the animal forfeited or destroyed.
(E) The liability imposed by this section shall not reduce, substitute for or in any manner be deemed to be in derogation of the rights accorded victims of dog bite injury or property damages as provided for at IC 15-20-1-3 et seq. or by common law.
(Ord. 092120C, passed 10-19-20)