The keeping of a dangerous dog as defined in § 92.106 shall be subject to the following requirements:
(A) Leash. No person having charge, custody, control or possession of a dangerous dog shall allow the dog to exit its kennel, pen or other property enclosure unless such dog is securely attached to a leash not more than four feet in length. No such person shall permit a dangerous dog to be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person capable of controlling the dog is in physical control of the leash.
(B) Muzzle. It shall be unlawful for any owner or keeper of a dangerous dog to allow the dog to be outside of its proper enclosure unless it is necessary for the dog to receive veterinary care or exercise. In such cases, the dog shall wear a properly fitted muzzle to prevent it from biting humans or other animals. Such muzzle shall not interfere with the dog’s breathing or vision.
(C) Confinement. Except when leashed and muzzled as provided in this section, a dangerous dog shall be securely confined indoors or confined in a locked pen or other secure enclosure that is suitable to prevent the entry of children and is designed to prevent the entry of children and is designed to prevent the dog from escaping. The enclosure shall include adequate shelter and protection from the elements, adequate light and ventilation, and room for adequate exercise. The enclosed structure shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and shall meet the following requirements:
(1) The structure must have secure sides and a secure top, or all sides must be at least eight feet high provided such height is permitted by other sections of the Polo Code of Ordinances;
(2) The structure must have a bottom permanently attached to the sides or the sides must be embedded not less than one foot into the ground; and
(3) The structure must be of such material and closed in such a manner that the dog cannot exit the enclosure on its own.
(D) Indoor confinement. No dangerous dog shall be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such dog shall be kept in a house or structure when the windows or screen doors are the only obstacles preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
(E) Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of a dangerous dog shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words “BEWARE OF DOG.”
(F) Liability insurance, surety bond. The owner of a dangerous dog shall present to the Chief of Police proof that he or she has procured liability insurance in the amount of not less than $100,000 covering any damage or injury that may be caused by such dangerous dog. The policy shall contain a provision requiring that the city be notified immediately by the agent issuing the policy in the event that the insurance policy is canceled, will terminate or will expire. The liability insurance shall be obtained prior to the issuing of a permit to keep a dangerous dog. The dog owner shall sign a statement attesting that he or she shall maintain and not voluntarily cancel the liability insurance policy during the 12-month period for which a permit is sought, unless he or she ceases to own or keep the dog prior to the expiration date of the permit period.
(G) Animals born of registered dogs. All offspring born of dangerous dogs registered with the City Police Department also must be registered with the City Police Department within six weeks of birth.
(H) Notification of escape. The owner or keeper of a dangerous dog shall notify the City Police Department immediately if such dog escapes from its enclosure or restraint and is at large. Such immediate notification shall also be required if the dog bites or attacks a person or domestic animal.
(I) Failure to comply. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dangerous dog registered with the City Police Department to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this section. Any dog found to be in violation of this section shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment. In addition, failure to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this chapter shall result in the revocation of the dog’s license and the permit providing for the keeping of such animal.
(Ord. 20-06, passed 7-6-20)