(a) Any person desiring to bring a dog to live in the City which has been previously declared to be a nuisance dog, dangerous dog, vicious dog, or similar designation in another jurisdiction, under the provisions of section 955.22 of the Revised Code or comparable local ordinance, must notify the Division of Police prior to moving the dog to the City.
(b) The chief shall have authority to determine whether a previously classified dog has engaged in the behaviors specified in Section 506.01. This determination may be based upon an investigation that includes observation of and testimony 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 chief. The owner or keeper of the dog shall provide the chief with all information requested related to that dog.
(c) Upon reasonable determination by the chief that a previously classified dog has engaged in the behaviors specified in Section 506.01, the chief shall give the dog's owner or keeper written notice by certified mail, residence service 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;
(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.
(e) If a dog is classified pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the owner or keeper of the dog shall have the right to an administrative hearing to object to the designation pursuant to Section 506.08. At hearing, the dog's owner or keeper must show, by clear and convincing evidence, that the classification as determined by the chief does not match the dog's previous behavior or classification.
(f) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a second degree misdemeanor.
(Ord. 1-18. Passed 4-2-2018.)