(A) The provisions of M.S. §§ 347.50 to 347.565 are adopted by reference and govern dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs in the city. The Chief of Police, or his or her designee, shall be responsible for enforcing those statutes, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(B) Upon concluding that a dog is a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog, the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, shall proceed as follows:
(1) Notify the owner by personal delivery or registered mail that the dog has been declared to be dangerous or potentially dangerous as defined in state statutes, and the factual basis for that determination. Notices of a dangerous dog declaration shall advise the owner of the dog of any applicable registration requirements or other restrictions or requirements imposed by statute, and shall additionally advise the owner of the dog of the owner’s right to request a hearing before the City Council to contest the declaration by requesting such a hearing, in writing, submitted to the City Administrator within 14 days after the owner’s receipt of the notice.
(2) If the owner does not request a hearing to contest a dangerous dog declaration, or any prior potentially dangerous dog declaration for the dog, as applicable, within 14 days after receipt of the notice, and does not otherwise comply with the registration and other requirements of M.S. §§ 347.50 to 347.565, as amended, then the Chief of Police, or his/her designee, shall immediately seize the dangerous dog and dispose of the same as authorized by law.
(3) If the owner does request a hearing to contest a dangerous dog declaration pursuant to division (A) herein, or any prior potentially dangerous dog declaration for the dog, as applicable, then the City Clerk shall place the matter before the City Council within 14 days after the city’s receipt of such request, unless a later hearing date is agreed to by the owner. The owner may present evidence in opposition to the designation of his or her dog as dangerous or potentially dangerous. The Chief of Police, or his or her designee, shall present evidence to the City Council that supports his or her determination that the dog is dangerous. Following the hearing, the City Council shall make a determination of facts and issue an order as to whether such dog is properly characterized as dangerous. If the City Council affirms the dangerous dog declaration, the owner shall comply with the registration and other requirements of M.S. §§ 347.50 to 347.565, as amended, within 14 days of the order.
(C) Registration fee. An annual registration fee for each dangerous dog to be registered, in an amount to be established by Council resolution, shall be due and payable to the city at the time of registration and annually thereafter. This fee shall be in addition to the regular license fee established by the City Council pursuant to § 92.002.
(Ord. 424, passed 3-11-1997, § 609.01; Am. Ord. 577, passed 2-10-15)