505.17 DANGEROUS DOGS.

   (a)   As used in this section, "dangerous dog" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 955.11.

   (b)   No owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous 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 which has a top, locked fenced yard with a top, or other locked enclosure which has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash so that the dog is adequately restrained from leaving the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer of such dog or from biting, annoying or harassing other persons or property.

      (2)   While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep it on a chain-link leash 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 which has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure which has a top;

         B.   Have the leash 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;

         C.   Muzzle that dog.

   (c)   No owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the dangerous dog.

   (d)   Whoever violates subsections (b) or (c) above is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and of a misdemeanor of the third degree on each subsequent offense. Additionally, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dangerous dog that he owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both. The court, in the alternative, may order the dangerous dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County dog warden or the County humane society.

(Ord. 28-1989. Passed 5-11-89.)