(A) It shall be unlawful for any owner to keep, possess, harbor, or have under their control an inherently dangerous animal or a wild animal within the town.
(B) Exceptions. Persons with a valid and current government-issued license shall be exempt. Person must currently hold the license.
(C) Recapturing. The owner of any inherently dangerous animal or wild animal shall reimburse the town and/or Henderson County for all costs incurred while attempting to recapture any escaped inherently dangerous mammal. If the animal is sheltered or euthanized the owner shall also pay these costs.
(1) Law enforcement officers may take and impound an animal under these provisions at any time for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
(2) If an animal cannot be taken safely by law enforcement or if proper and safe housing cannot be found for the animal, law enforcement may immediately destroy the animal.
(D) Testing. In the event genetic testing is performed on the animal and if the test provides positive returns, the owner may be held civilly liable for the cost of testing.
(Ord. O-17-16, passed 11-13-2017)