(A) Purpose. Ownership of an animal is a privilege which carries with it responsibilities to the city and its residents and visitors with regard to the custody of the animal. It has been determined that the owning or harboring of an animal in the city that is not restrained or under the physical control of the owner or allowing animals to deposit wastes outside the owner’s property or on the owner's property which negatively affects adjacent properties is deemed a public nuisance.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in an animal, every person who keeps or harbors such animal or has it in their care, and every person who permits such animal to remain in or about any premises occupied by them.
REASONABLE CONTROL. Keeping an animal on a suitable leash or in a carrier under the physical control of the owner or custodian, in all cases other than while upon private property.
(C) Restraint required. All animals shall be secured by a leash or carrier under physical control of a responsible person when in public.
(D) Animal waste. The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the prompt removal of any defecation/excreta deposited by their animal on public sidewalks, streets, highways, parks, beaches, recreation areas, or other property not under ownership of the animal's owner. Furthermore, animal waste shall be promptly removed from the owner's property before it causes a nuisance to neighboring properties via sight, sound, smell, or interaction with standing ground water.
(E) Enforcement. The city's Police Department and other city staff as designated by the City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to make evidence-based determinations in enforcing this section.
(Ord. 275, passed 11-17-10; Am. Ord. 303, passed 7-17-19)