505.19 VICIOUS DOGS.

   (a)   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.

   (b)   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 or otherwise securely restrained.

   (c)   Definitions.

      (1)   A vicious dog is "unconfined" as the term is used in this section, if such dog is not restrained by a secure fence, other secure enclosure or any other security device which effectively prevents such dog from going beyond the premises of the person described in subsection (a) hereof.

      (2)   "Vicious dog" as used in this section means:

         A.   Any dog with a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury to or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or other domestic animals; and

         B.   Any dog which attacks a human being or another domestic animal without provocation.

   (d)   Subsections (a) and (b) hereof are necessary controls on the unrestrained activity of vicious animals which threaten the safety and pleasantness of streets, parks, sidewalks, yards and all areas of the City and lack of knowledge or lack of intent is not a defense to a violation thereof.

(Ord. 82-196. Passed 6-2-82.)

   (e)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of one of the following:

      (1)   Misdemeanor One: If the dog causes injury to any person;

      (2)   Misdemeanor Four: If the dog does not otherwise cause injury to any persons.

      (3)   When any person is found guilty of a subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

         (Ord. 01-240. Passed 7-25-01.)