(a) Definitions.
(1) A "vicious" dog as the term is used in this section means:
A. Any dog with a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or
B. Any dog which attacks a human being or a domestic animal on two or more occasions without provocation; or
C. Any pit bull terrier which is defined as any Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dog or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier by a qualified veterinarian duly licensed as such by the State of Ohio.
(2) A vicious dog is "unconfined" as the term is used in this section if such dog is not securely confined indoors or confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the person described in subsection (b) hereof. Such pen or structure shall have secured sides and a secured top. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be imbedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet.
(b) No person owning or harboring or having the care of a vicious dog shall suffer or permit such animal to go unconfined on the premises of such person.
(c) No person owning or harboring or having the care of a vicious dog shall suffer or permit such dog to go beyond the premises of such person unless such dog is securely leashed and muzzled, except that a vicious dog shall not be required to be muzzled when shown either in a sanctioned American Kennel Club show or upon prior written approval of the Mayor.
(d) Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days, or both. In addition, any vicious dog which attacks a human being or another domestic animal may be ordered destroyed when in the Court's judgment, such vicious dog represents a continuing threat of serious harm to human beings or domestic animals. In addition, any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this section shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, veterinary expenses necessitated by the seizure of any dog for the protection of the public, and such other expenses as may be required for the destruction of any such dog.
(Ord. 1984-10. Passed 8-13-84.)