(a) Restraint regulations. 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 building, in a locked pen which has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure which 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 it 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 which has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure which 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 stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person;
C. Muzzle the dog.
(b) Insurance requirements. No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in the state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than $50,000 because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog.
(R.C. § 955.22)
(c) Dangerous dog violations. If a violation of division (b) hereof involves a dangerous dog, whoever violates that division is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and 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 or she owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both, and the court may order the offender to obtain liability insurance pursuant to division (c) hereof. The court, in the alternative, may order the dangerous dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the Dog Warden or the humane society.
(d) Vicious dog violations. If a violation of division (b) hereof involves a vicious dog, whoever violates that division is guilty of one of the following:
(1) A misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense. Additionally, the court may order the vicious dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the Dog Warden or the humane society.
(2) A misdemeanor of the first degree if the dog causes injury other than killing or serious injury to any person.
(e) Violation a misdemeanor. Whoever violates division (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(R.C. § 955.99) (Ord. 87-100, passed 10-26-1987)