(A) No potentially dangerous dog shall be chained, tethered or otherwise tied to an inanimate object, such as a tree or post of a building outside its proper enclosure, while unattended by the owner or competent custodian.
(B) The owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall consent to periodic inspections by the enforcement authority or an animal care and control facility.
(C) The owner of any potentially dangerous dog shall have such dog permanently identified by means of a microchip at the owner’s expense, and the owner of any potentially dangerous dog shall provide the enforcement authority with a color photograph of the dog taken within the last 12 months suitable for use in identifying the dog.
(D) Any potentially dangerous dog, which has escaped from its enclosure may be impounded, whether or not it has been returned to its enclosure at the time of impoundment.
(E) The owner of a potentially dangerous dog must have posted on the premises clearly visible warning signs reading, “Beware of Dog” in letters not less than two inches tall. The signs will be posted at each entry point to inform people of the presence of a potentially dangerous dog.
(F) A potentially dangerous dog must not be outside a proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and securely restrained by a leash of not more than six feet in length and under the control of the owner or competent custodian age 18 or older. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but will prevent it from biting any human or animal. The owner may exercise the dog outside of its primary enclosure without a muzzle or leash if the dog remains on the owner’s property with a secured perimeter fence and remains within the owner’s sight and control at all times. Only members of the owner’s immediate household or persons age 18 or older are allowed within the perimeter fence while the dog is present.
(G) When being transported, any potentially dangerous dog must be safely and securely restrained within the vehicle.
(H) A potentially dangerous dog must be spayed or neutered within thirty days of determination that the dog is potentially dangerous.
(I) Any potentially dangerous dog found at large or not confined as required by this section may be captured and impounded. The dog shall be returned to its owner only if the enforcement authority, in its discretion, determines that such return will not result in further or ongoing violations of this section. If such determination cannot be made or if the dog’s actions have caused severe injury, the enforcement authority shall apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order to dispose of the dog.
(Ord. 2021-4, passed 11-16-2021) Penalty, see § 91.99