(A) It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any dangerous animal without a special permit therefor from the city.
(B) No permit shall be issued for a period exceeding 1 year and the permit shall specify the conditions under which the animal shall be kept.
(C) The Chief of Police or the Chief of Police's designated agent shall issue a special permit for the purpose of keeping or maintaining a dangerous animal if it is found that:
(1) The animal is at all times kept or maintained in a safe manner and confined securely so that the keeping of the animal will not constitute a danger to human life or property of others;
(2) Adequate safeguards are made to prevent unauthorized access to animals by members of the public;
(3) The health or well being of the animal is not in any way endangered by the manner of keeping or confinement;
(4) The keeping of the animal does not constitute a nuisance and will not harm the surrounding neighborhood or disturb the peace and quiet of the surrounding neighborhood;
(5) The keeping of the animal will not create or cause offensive odors or constitute a danger to public health;
(6) The quarters in which the animal is kept or confined are adequately lighted, ventilated and are so constructed that they may be kept in a clean and sanitary condition; or
(7) (a) The applicant for a special permit proves his or her ability to respond in damages up to and including the amount of $100,000 for bodily injury to or death of any person or persons or for the damage to property owned by any other persons which may result from the ownership, keeping or maintenance of the animal.
(b) Proof of ability to respond in damages may be given by filing with the Chief of Police of the Chief of Police's designated agent a certificate of insurance stating that the applicant is, at the time of his or her application, and will be during the period of a special permit, insured against liability and able to respond to damages, or by posting with the city a surety bond, approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of $100,000.
(c) The certificate of insurance or bond shall provide that no cancellation of the insurance or bond will be made unless 10 days written notice is first given to the city.
(D) The city may impose a voluntary administrative penalty under § 10.90 rather than issuing a criminal violation.
(1987 Code, § 606.03) (Am. Ord. 515, passed 5-13-2008
) Penalty, see § 10.99