(A) The animal control officer shall investigate all complaints of a vicious dog. In the event that the animal control officer has reasonable cause to believe that a dog is vicious, he or she shall institute proceedings in district court requesting the court to conduct a hearing on whether or not the dog should be declared vicious. The issue shall be decided upon the preponderance of the evidence. If the court rules the dog to be vicious, it may order that the dog be killed or confined to the premises of the owner in accordance with this chapter.
(B) The court may establish a time schedule to insure compliance with this chapter, but in no case shall such time exceed 30 days after the date of the court’s determination. Court costs for the action shall be taxed against the owner of the dog. The court may decide all issues for or against the owner of the dog regardless of the fact that the owner fails to appear at the hearing.
(C) The determination of the district court shall be final and conclusive upon all parties thereto.
(Prior Code, § 6-18) (Ord. 91-8, passed 10-7-1991)