The purpose of this article is to comply with the uniform statewide approach to the serious and widespread threat that unprovoked dog attacks pose to the safety and welfare of citizens. This article complies with a comprehensive scheme directed toward ascertaining whether a dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. It will also prescribe various requirements for dogs that are found to be vicious or potentially dangerous, ranging from mandatory licensure of such dogs to humane destruction. Editor's Note: Former § 82-25, Hearing panel, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 5-22-1995 by Ord. No. 14-1995. This ordinance also provided that "all matters will now be heard by and before the Municipal Court of the Town of Hammonton."