(A) No owner shall fail to keep any of his or her animals under restraint at all times.
(B) Any animal with sufficient size, capable of causing severe bodily injury to another person(s) or animal(s) shall adhere to the following:
(1) Be securely confined indoors, or confined in a securely and totally enclosed and locked pen, with either a top and with all four sides at least six feet high.
(a) A fenced in yard may be suitable for confinement if fence is at least six foot high with a minimum of ten gauge wires. All gates or access to fenced area must be securely locked at all times and all areas of fencing must be secure to maintain the animal inside the fenced area.
(b) An electric fence may be a suitable form of containment.
(2) At any time that the animal is not confined as required above, the animal shall be muzzled in such a manner as to prevent it from biting or injuring any person or animal, and kept on a leash, no longer than six feet, with the owner or custodian in attendance.
(3) Every animal shall be registered with Marion Animal Care and Control annually.
(a) The registration shall include owner's name, address where animal is to be housed and telephone number.
(b) Two color photos and a complete description of the animal must be provided annually.
(c) 1. Provide Marion Animal Care and Control with proof of liability insurance or other evidence of financial responsibility annually.
2. In order to protect the public and to afford relief from the severe harm and injury which could occur, every owner of an animal with sufficient size, shall maintain and be able to provide evidence of the owner's financial ability to respond in damages up to and including the amount of $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of any person or animal or damage to property which may result from the ownership, keeping or maintenance of such animal.
(C) Any person or persons found to be in violation of this section shall be fined no more than $150 per animal and $25 per day for every day of said violation. Upon second violation, owners shall be fined no more than $200 per animal and $50 per day for every day of said violation. Upon third violation, all animals will be removed by Marion Animal Care and Control and a recommendation will be given to the Judge requesting owners not be allowed to own or harbor animals of this nature for a period of one year. At this time owners shall be fined no less than $300 per animal.
(Ord. 7-2014, passed 4-1-2014)