(a) Definitions. As used in this section, "dog park" shall refer to any City owned or operated park or other recreational facility designated for the specific purpose allowing dogs to run free without the use of a leash or other restraining device and designated as such by the Director of Public Service.
(b) Operation and regulation. The Director of Public Service, by and through the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation or other designee, shall designate the hours of operation for the dog park and shall be responsible for the general administration of the same as set forth at Section 1068.07 of this Code of Ordinances and shall promulgate such other rules as are necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the dog park.
(c) Use of dog park; reasonable control. Any person who is the owner, keeper or harborer of a dog may permit such dog to run at large within the confines of the designated dog park without a leash as otherwise required by law but shall nonetheless be required to maintain reasonable control of such dog at all times while within the confines of the dog park.
(d) License tag, animal welfare. Any person who is the owner, keeper or harborer of a dog running at large within the confines of a dog park shall ensure that such dog is licensed and is wearing a current, valid dog license at all such times and will act in such a manner as to ensure the welfare of all dogs under their care and control and adhere to all ordinances and regulations regarding animal cruelty and/or abuse.
(e) Dangerous or vicious dogs. No dog deemed "vicious" or "dangerous" pursuant to the Codified Ordinances of the City of Newark, any other municipality, the State of Ohio, or any other governmental entity shall be permitted to enter upon or utilize any dog park designated hereunder by the Director of Public Service.
(f) Enforcement. Responsibility for enforcing these regulations shall be vested in the Animal Control Officer in addition to those duties set forth at Section 618.12.
(g) Penalties. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense; for a second offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(Ord. 18-10. Passed 5-21-18.)