The owner or caretaker of any dog determined to be dangerous pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall comply with the following regulations:
1. All dangerous dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen, kennel or structure on the premises of the owner or caretaker, except when Properly Leashed and muzzled. The pen, kennel or structure must be of adequate size to effectively contain the animal to include a roof if necessary. When constructed in an open yard, the pen, kennel or structure must be childproof from the outside and dog-proof from the inside. A pen, kennel or structure used to confine a dangerous dog shall be locked with a key or combination lock when the dog is within the enclosure. The pen, kennel or structure shall have a secure bottom or floor that does not allow the dog to escape under the fence or through the sides of the enclosure. All pens, kennels or structures erected to a house dangerous dog shall comply with all zoning and building regulations of the City and must be inspected and approved by the North Liberty Police Department. All enclosures shall be adequately ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
2. A dangerous dog outside the dog's pen, kennel or structure shall be properly leashed and muzzled in a humane way by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent the dog from biting persons or other animals.
3. No person may permit a dangerous dog to be kept on a chain, rope, leash or similar restraining device outside its kennel, pen or structure. The dog may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts and buildings.
4. No dangerous dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure on the premises of the owner or caretaker that would allow the dog to exit the building on its own volition, except through a door leading directly to a pen, kennel or structure meeting all the requirements of this chapter. No dangerous dog may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
5. The owner or caretaker of a dangerous dog shall display, in prominent places on his or her premises near all entrances to the premises, signs in letters of no less than 2 inches high warning that there is a dangerous dog on the property. A similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel, pen or structure confining the dog.
6. The City will provide notification to the neighborhood alerting neighbors of the presence of a dangerous dog. Notifications may include the City website and various social media platforms.
7. The owner or caretaker of a dangerous dog shall immediately notify the Police Department if the dog is on the loose, is unconfined, has attacked a Domestic Animal, has attacked a human being, has died, has been sold or has been given away.
8. A dog declared dangerous by the Police Chief or City Administrator shall not be allowed to be removed from the City without contacting the Police Department. If the dangerous dog has been sold or given away, the owner or caretaker shall provide the Police Department with the name, address and telephone number of the new owner. If the dangerous dog is sold or given away to a person residing outside the City, the owner or caretaker shall present evidence to the Police Department showing that he or she has notified the corresponding new law enforcement agency of the dog's new residence and the City of North Liberty's prior declaration of being a dangerous dog.
9. If an owner or caretaker of any dog declared dangerous pursuant to Section 57.03 or classified as dangerous pursuant to Section 57.05 is found to be in violation of this chapter, the owner or caretaker shall be ordered in writing to safely remove the dog from the City, or to humanely destroy the animal within 10 days. If after ten days the owner or caretaker has not complied, the City is authorized to seize and impound the dog. Dogs so impounded may be redeemed only if they are removed from the City. Such dogs not redeemed shall be humanely euthanized.
(Ord. 2023-04 – Sep. 23 Supp.)
10. The owner of a dangerous dog must successfully complete a Behavior Consultation at the owner's expense within 60 days after receiving notification declaring the dog dangerous. The owner shall be required to provide written confirmation of successful completion of the Behavior Consultation to the Police Chief including a certification or receipt bearing the name of the consultant and the dates of the consultation.
11. The owner of a dangerous dog shall be denied a membership for the dog to enter any park designated as a public dog park or off-leash area in the City of North Liberty.
(Ord. 2021-04 - Apr. 21 Supp.)