A. No person having the custody or control of any dog or cat shall permit the same to be off the property limits of its owner or caretaker, or on any street, public park, public golf course, school grounds or public place in the City without being effectively restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet (6') in length or within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets. Dogs, which are at a City designated "dog park" in accordance with subsection 6-1-4E of this Code, are exempt from this section.
B. The owner of every fierce, potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious dog shall confine such animal within a building or proper enclosure and such dog shall not be taken out of such building or enclosure unless the dog is securely muzzled.
C. Every female dog or cat in heat shall be kept confined in a building or secure enclosure or in a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel, in such manner that such animal cannot come in contact with another animal, except for breeding purposes.
D. Any dog or cat found running at large, whose ownership is known to the City need not be impounded but the City at its discretion may order the owner to keep the animal in strict restraint as herein defined or the City may cite the owner of such animal to appear in court to answer charges of violation of this chapter.
E. If such dog or cat is found running at large or otherwise in violation of this section, it may be taken up and impounded and shall not be released except after payment of the fees or due hearing before a court of law as to why the owner should not be required to pay the fees; provided, however, that if any dangerous, potentially dangerous, fierce or vicious dog so found at large cannot be safely taken up and impounded, such dog may be slain by any police officer or other authorized person.
F. Any dog or cat found running at large or otherwise in violation of this section two (2) or more times during a twelve (12) month period shall be impounded and shall not be released except after payment of a minimum fine as established by the city's fee schedule in addition to any hereinbefore prescribed fees or due hearing before a court of law as to why the owner should not be required to pay the fine and fees. (Ord. 2008-23, 11-24-2008)