No person shall possess any vicious dog unless the vicious dog is confined in accordance with this section. Any owner who has appealed a determination that a dog is vicious shall temporarily confine such dog in accordance with this section until a final determination regarding such appeal is issued.
A. Confinement Indoors: No vicious dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the vicious dog to exit the structure on its own volition. No vicious dog shall be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacles preventing the vicious dog from exiting the structure.
B. Confinement In Exterior Area: No person shall confine a vicious dog in an exterior area unless such vicious dog is confined in a confinement structure constructed and maintained in accordance with this section; except, that a vicious dog may be confined outside of a confinement structure in a manner set forth in this section. Such a confinement structure must be located in an area enclosed and screened by an opaque privacy fence of six feet (6') in height and composed of wood, metal, vinyl, or some other material designed to completely block the view from both within and without the fenced area to the other side of the fenced area.
C. Confinement On Leash And/Or Run Line: No person shall permit a vicious dog to go outside a confinement structure, house or other structure unless the vicious dog is securely restrained with a leash no longer than three feet (3') and fitted with a muzzle or securely restrained on a run line no longer than ten feet (10') and fitted with a muzzle. No person shall permit a vicious dog to be kept on a leash unless a person is in actual physical contact and control of the leash. Any such leash or run line must be enclosed and screened by an opaque privacy fence of six feet (6') in height and composed of wood, metal, vinyl, or some other material designed to completely block the view from both within and without the fenced area to the other side of the fenced area.
D. Conditions To Be Out Of Enclosure Or Off Run Line: The only time that a vicious dog may be allowed out of the enclosure or off the run line is when the dog is in a carrier, crate or other enclosure designed to and capable of safely confining the dog for transportation: 1) if it is necessary for the owner or keeper to obtain veterinary care for the vicious dog; or 2) to sell or give away the vicious dog; or 3) to comply with the order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The owner or keeper may also allow the dog out of the enclosure or off the run line to walk the vicious dog; provided, that said vicious dog is securely muzzled and restrained with a leash having a minimum tensile strength of at least three hundred (300) pounds and not exceeding three feet (3') in length, and shall be at all times under the direct physical control and supervision of the owner or keeper of the vicious dog. (Ord. 708, 9-13-2012)