(A) Nothing in this subchapter shall apply in any manner whatsoever to the official use of police work dogs trained to aid law enforcement officers if such dogs are being actively used for police work purposes including protection of the public, investigation of crime, or the apprehension of law violators.
(B) Nothing in this subchapter precludes an animal from "protecting his owner" – or any other person for whom he feels loyalty – from physical attack. An animal defending itself against injury or battery shall not be considered a vicious animal under this subchapter. Determination of whether the animal was acting in defense of a human being or itself is within the discretion of the animal control officer.
(C) This subchapter does not apply when an individual trespasses on an animal owner's property. However, each dog owner or other animal owner shall exercise care to make certain that no harm results to an innocent trespasser, such as children, misguided pedestrians, invitees, trades people, servants, business associates, social guests, and friends.
(D) Pursuant to Act 393 of 1987, any person engaged in raising or owning livestock or domesticated animals has the right to protect said animals from dogs, including the killing of such dogs if necessary.
(E) All political subdivisions and municipalities which have already enacted ordinances designed to protect citizens from attack or injury inflicted by vicious or exotic wild animals shall be exempt from the application of this subchapter.
(Ord. 2021-9, passed 5-18-21; Am. Ord. 2023-24, passed 10-17-23)