(a) The Police Chief shall have authority to determine whether a dog is a nuisance dog, dangerous dog, or vicious dog. This determination may be based upon an investigation that includes observation of and evidence about the dog's behavior, including the dog's upbringing and the owner's or keeper's control of the dog, and other relevant evidence as determined by the Police Chief. These observations and other relevant evidence can be provided by any witness who personally observed the behavior. Such witness shall sign a written statement attesting to the observed behavior and agree to provide testimony regarding the dog's behavior. Forms for providing witness testimony shall be made available at the Police Department.
(b) Upon reasonable determination by the Police Chief that a dog is a nuisance dog, dangerous dog, or vicious dog, the Police Chief shall give the dog's owner or keeper written notice by certified mail or personal service. The notice shall state:
(1) The description of the dog;
(2) The level of classification;
(3) The facts upon which the classification is based;
(4) The availability of a hearing to object to the classification and instructions to request that hearing;
(5) The restrictions placed on the dog as a result of the classification;
(6) The penalties for violation of the restrictions; and
(7) The availability of declassification procedures.
(d) If the owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog disagrees with the designation of the dog as a nuisance dog, dangerous dog, or vicious dog, as applicable, the owner, keeper, or harborer may request a hearing regarding the determination pursuant to R.C. § 955.222.
(Ord. 16-O-60, passed 5-3-2017)