(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
PIT BULL.
(a) Bull Terrier breed of dogs;
(b) Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dogs; or
(c) American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dogs.
UNCONFINED. Such dog is not securely confined indoors or confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the person owning, harboring or having the care of such vicious dog. Such pen or structure must have secure sides and a secure top. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, then the sides must be imbedded in the ground no less than two feet.
VICIOUS DOG.
(a) Any dog of a dangerous or ferocious disposition that habitually snaps or manifests a disposition to bite;
(b) Any dog with a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of humans or domestic animals; or
(c) Any dog which attacks a human or a domestic animal on two or more occasions without provocation.
(B) No person owning or harboring or having the care of a vicious dog shall permit such dog to go unconfined on his or her premises.
(C) No person owning, harboring or having the care of a vicious dog shall suffer or permit such dog to go beyond his or her premises unless such dog is secured with a leash no longer than four feet in length. No person shall permit a vicious dog to be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash. Such dogs may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings and the like. In addition, all vicious dogs on a leash outside the animal’s kennel must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.
(D) No vicious dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such dog may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screened windows or screen doors are the only obstacles preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
(E) Every owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog within the city shall display in a prominent place on his or her premises a sign easily readable by the public, bearing the words “vicious dog.” In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such animal.
(F) (1) Every owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog must provide to the City Clerk proof of public liability insurance in a single incident amount of $50,000 per bodily injury to or death of any person or persons or for damage to property owned by any person which may result from the owning, keeping or maintaining of such animal. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation of the policy will be made unless ten days’ written notice is first given to the City Clerk.
(2) If any vicious dog is allowed to run at large, the city police shall have the authority to put the dog to death.
(Prior Code, § 2-308) (Ord. 212, passed 7-12-1988; Ord. 431, passed 7-10-2001) Penalty, see § 92.99