(A) If an animal kills or causes serious injury, the animal shall be deemed a dangerous animal, pursuant to § 94.01, and the animal shall be humanely impounded. The owner shall be responsible for the costs of caring for the animal during the period of impoundment including, but not limited to, costs of boarding and veterinary treatment, if necessary. If the owner institutes an appeal pursuant to § 94.33, and the animal is ultimately determined not to be a dangerous animal, the owner shall not be charged the costs of boarding the animal.
(C) If the owner fails to appeal or to show proof of or apply for a license within 48 hours of impoundment, or if the owner waives in writing all ownership interests in the animal, the owner’s right to possession, title, and custody and care of the animal shall be forfeited and the animal may be humanely euthanized.
(D) If the owner’s appeal is denied, the owner shall have 48 hours after the denial to apply for a license pursuant to § 94.33 and 14 days after the denial to actually obtain a dangerous dog permit. The failure to apply within 48 hours of the denial constitutes waiver of ownership rights in the animal.
(E) The owner of animal, which kills or causes serious injury to a person who is found guilty of criminal trespass, as heretofore described, shall not be subject to the violation provisions set forth herein.
(F) Due to the overriding public health and safety concerns related to any dangerous animals, the provisions of this chapter are purposely intended to be reasonable regulations, yet may be more restrictive than regulations found in other sections of this chapter.
(G) If a conflict arises between the provisions of this chapter and other chapters of this code, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail due to the public health and safety concerns.
(Ord. 1154, passed 9-12-2006)