A. The office of animal services investigates reported incidents involving animals that may be dangerous. Upon such investigation and utilizing the office of animal services' written standards, if the office of animal services finds the animal's behavior to constitute a dangerous animal, such animal shall be so classified. The owner shall receive written notification of the office of animal services' classification of the animal.
B. Within thirty (30) days of notification of the animal's classification as a dangerous animal, the owner will be required to purchase a dangerous animal permit to be renewed annually.
C. A dangerous animal must be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the animal from coming into contact with a human being other than the owner, or any other animal, and designed to prevent the animal from escaping. Such pen shall have secure sides and a secure top to prevent the animal from escaping over, under, or through the structure. The enclosure shall provide a humane existence for the animal and protection from the elements. The area where the animal is held must have a sufficient secondary system of confinement so as to prevent unauthorized access to the animal and to prevent the animal's escape. The animal shall be fitted with an identification microchip.
1. The owner of a dangerous animal shall immediately notify the office of animal services when a dangerous animal:
a. Is loose or unconfined;
b. Has bitten a human being or attacked another animal;
c. Was sold, given away, or died; or
d. Has been moved to another address.
2. Prior to a dangerous animal being sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address, and phone number of the new owner to the office of animal services. Each new owner is to be given notice of the animal's classification as dangerous and, if the new owner resides within the city, shall be required to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
D. The owner shall prominently display a sign on his/her property at all entry points warning that there is a dangerous animal on the property.
E. A dangerous animal may be off the owner's property or out of its enclosure if it is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet (6') in length and under the control of a competent adult over the age of eighteen (18) years. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the animal or interfere with its vision or respiration, but must prevent it from biting any person or animal.
F. An owner will be required to provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00). Such insurance coverage must be maintained and proof provided to the city upon request.
G. The office of animal services shall have the authority to make whatever inspections are deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions recited herein.
H. An owner of a dangerous animal shall have the option to have the animal humanely euthanized at his/her sole expense if the owner is unable to comply with the requirements of this section.
I. The office of animal services is responsible for investigating violations of this section after an animal is classified as dangerous. A citation may be issued to the owner of any dangerous animal found in violation of this section. (Ord. 21-14, 2014)