505.02 CONFINEMENT OF DOGS; DANGEROUS DOGS AND VICIOUS DOGS.

   (a)    As used in this section, "dangerous dog" and "vicious dog" have the same meanings as in Section 505.01 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances.

   (b)    No owner, keeper or harborer of any female dog shall permit it to go beyond the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer at any time the dog is in heat unless the dog is properly in leash.

   (c)    Except when a dog is lawfully engaged in hunting and accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer or handler of the dog, no owner, keeper or harborer of any dog shall fail at any time to do either of the following:

      (1)    Keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision or secure enclosure to prevent escape;

      (2)    Keep the dogs on a leash and under the reasonable control of some person when off the premises of the owner and remove any feces originating from the dog from the property;

      (3)    The running at large of a dog off the premises of the owner is prima facie evidence that it is unconfined in violation of this section.

   (d)    No owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog shall fail to do either of the following:

      (1)    While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure that has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash or tether so that the dog is adequately restrained;

      (2)    While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following:

         A.    Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top;

         B.    Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or a stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person and muzzle that dog.
(Ord. 65-16. Passed 7-5-16.)

505.03 ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE.

   (a)    No person being the owner of or having charge of any cat or other animal, whether wearing a registration tag or not, shall permit it to run at large upon any public place or upon the premises of another.

   (b)    The running at large of any such animal in or upon any of the places mentioned in this section is prima facie evidence that it is running at large in violation of this section.

   (c)    Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 176-02. Passed 10-21-02.)

505.04 LEASHES; ANIMAL FECES.

   (a)    No person being the owner of or having charge of any cat, shall allow such cat to be off their premises without a leash which keeps such cat under control.

   (b)    Any person having charge of any dog or cat while away from their premises shall have on their person the appropriate container to hold dog or cat feces.

   (c)    No person shall dispose of dog or cat feces on any property other than the property of the owner or person in charge of the animal.

   (d)    Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 176-02. Passed 10-21-02.)

505.05 IMPOUNDING AND DISPOSITION; RECORDS.

   (a)    A police officer or animal warden may impound every animal or dog found in violation of Section 505.02 and 505.03. If the impounded dog is not wearing a valid registration tag, the dog shall forth with be turned over to an officer charged by law with the custody and disposal of such dogs. If the dog is wearing a valid registration tag or the identity of the owner or harborer is otherwise established, notice shall immediately be given to such owner or harborer that the dog has been impounded. Notice may be by telephone or by ordinary mail to the last known address of such owner or harborer. The dog shall not be released except upon the payment of reasonable expenses for its taking and keeping. Any dog not redeemed within three days of the time it is seized or impounded may be sold or otherwise disposed of as provided by Ohio R.C. 955.16.

   (b)   The dog shall not be released to the owner or harborer until proof of rabies vaccination is furnished.

   (c)    A record of all dogs impounded, the disposition of the same, the owner's name and address, if known, and a statement of any costs or receipts involving such dog shall be kept.

(Ord. 176-02. Passed 10-21-02.)

505.06 ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF DOGS; TAGS REQUIRED.

   (a)    Except for guide dogs registered under Ohio R.C. 955.011 and dogs kept by an institution or organization for teaching and research purposes under Ohio R.C. 955.16, no person shall own, keep or harbor a dog more than three months of age without annually registering such dog with the County Auditor or his designated agent. Failure of any dog at any time to wear a valid registration tag shall be prima-facie evidence of lack of registration and subject such dog to impounding and disposition as provided by Ohio R.C. 955.16.

   (b)    Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 176-02. Passed 10-21-02.)

505.07 ABANDONING ANIMALS.

   (a)   No owner or keeper of a dog, cat or other domestic animal shall abandon such animal. (ORC 959.01)

   (b)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree on each subsequent offense.

(ORC 959.99)