(A) The owner or keeper of a dog shall not allow the animal to be a public nuisance as defined in this chapter. The term PUBLIC NUISANCE DOG shall mean and include, but is not limited to, any dog that:
(1) Is repeatedly found at large;
(2) Damages the property of anyone other than its owner;
(3) Molests or intimidates pedestrians or passersby;
(4) Chases vehicles;
(5) Excessively makes disturbing noises, including, but not limited to continued and repeated howling, barking, whining for more than 15 minutes or intermittent barking for more than 30 minutes in a 60 minute period, causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored. If the barking is caused by the presence of predators such as coyotes, deer or other wildlife, or by a person intentionally taunting the dog, then the dog is not a public nuisance;
(6) Causes fouling of the air by odor and thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the dog is kept or harbored;
(7) Causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the dog is kept or harbored;
(8) Is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by virtue of the number and/or types of dogs maintained;
(9) Attacks livestock or companion animals not belonging to the dog owner;
(10) Scatters garbage; and/or
(11) Is a female in heat and running at large.
(B) Any person who has cause to believe a dog is being maintained as a public nuisance may complain, either orally or in writing, to the Sheriffs Department or County Animal Control Services. The complaint shall be considered sufficient cause for the Sheriff or Deputy to investigate the matter and determine if the owner or keeper of the dog is in violation of this section or other sections of this chapter pertaining to nuisance.
(C) Every reasonable effort will be made to see that every female dog in heat is confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with another dog, except for planned breeding.
(D) Any dog whose owner allows or permits their animal to deposit excreta on public areas, recreation areas or on private property not belonging to the owner is hereby declared to be a nuisance and the owner shall be responsible for the removal of the excreta. In lieu of or in addition to removal of the excreta, the owner or custodian may be cited by an Enforcement Officer or the Sheriff for violation of this chapter.
(E) Each day a nuisance exists may be an additional cause for a citation.
(Ord. 524, passed 9-13-2010)