(A) It is hereby determined that pit bull dogs are potentially hazardous and unreasonably dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare to the citizens, residents and inhabitants of the city. In response to this determination the following restrictions on pit bull ownership will apply to all pit bull dogs within the city.
(B) No person living within the city will be permitted to own more than three (3) pit bull dogs licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Paris Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) approved pit bull dog foster homes registered with the Bourbon County Animal Control Officer shall be exempt from this regulation.
(C) When a pit bull dog is indoors the owner must secure all means of egress so that the dog may not exit.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause a pit bull dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The tethering shall not be for more time than is necessary for the dog owner or custodian to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained and shall not exceed one (1) hour in any twenty-four (24) hour period.
(2) The dog must be tethered by a non-choke type collar or a body harness to a tether that is at least ten (10) feet in length and which tether is free from entanglement.
(3) The dog must have access to food, water and shelter as described below.
(4) The dog shall be monitored periodically.
(E) When the dog is outside and on the premises of the owner, a pit bull dog must be caged at all times secured in a barricaded containment area approved by the Bourbon County Animal Control Officer. The structure must have minimum dimensions of ten (10') feet by fifteen (15') feet, one hundred fifty (150 sq') square feet, must have secure sides and a secure top, or if without a top, six (6') foot tall with an angled top sides of fencing. If the structure does not have a concrete, cement, or asphalt bottom, the sides must be embedded in to the ground no less than two (2') feet. The enclosure must also provide the dog protection from the elements. The structure must also be constructed so that a child cannot penetrate the barricade with his or her hand.
(F) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit owners or others walking dogs off the premises of the owner with a hand held leash not longer than four (4') feet, in the control of an adult with physical ability to control the dog.
(G) It shall be unlawful to breed pit bull dogs within the city limits of the city.
(H) There is hereby imposed on the owners of pit bull dogs a city license fee equal to sixteen ($16.00) dollars, which shall be obtained when the dog reaches six (6) months of age, and annually thereafter.
(I) The owner, or any person in possession, of every pit bull dog born or brought into the city shall, on or before the pit bull dog reaches six (6) months of age, or has been present in the city of thirty (30) days if over six (6) months old when brought into the city, shall be responsible for the spaying or neutering of such dog. Proof of such condition shall be in the form of a certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
(Ord. 2008-2, passed 5-13-08)