(A) Finding. The Village Council makes a legislative finding that the owning or harboring of pit bull terriers within the village limits is detrimental to the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the village.
(B) Prohibition. No person shall own, keep or harbor a pit bull terrier as defined herein within the municipal limits of the village.
(C) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
PIT BULL TERRIER. Any Staffordshire bull terrier or American Staffordshire bull terrier or any mixed breed of dog that contains, as an element of its breeding, the breed of Staffordshire bull terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire bull terrier or American bull terrier by a qualified veterinarian duly licensed as such by the State of Ohio.
(D) Lack of knowledge not a defense. The lack of knowledge or intent is not a defense to any violation of this section.
(E) Violation. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to the foregoing penalties any person found guilty of violating this section shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, veterinarian expenses for identification or certification of the breed of the animal, or boarding and veterinarian expenses necessitated by the seizure of any dog or the expenses that may be required for the elimination of any such dog.
(Ord. 00-O-14, passed 6-19-2000) Penalty, see § 90.99