§ 4-57. Dangerous dog requirements.

(a)

Exempt as otherwise provided in section (b) below, the owner of a dog classified as a dangerous dog shall:

(1)

Within fourteen (14) days after issuance of the final order classifying the dog as dangerous or the conclusion of any appeal that affirms such order, the owner of the dog shall obtain a certificate of registration for the dog from Animal Services, and renew the certificate annually. Animal Services is authorized to issue the certificate of registration, and renewals thereof, only to persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and who present sufficient evidence of:

(i)

A current rabies vaccination certificate and county tag for the dog;

(ii)

A proper enclosure to confine a dangerous dog and the posting of the premises at all entry points with a clearly visible warning sign which informs both children and adults of the presence of a dangerous dog on the property;

(iii)

Permanent identification of the dog, such as a tattoo on the inside thigh or electronic implantation;

(iv)

Sterilization within thirty (30) days of being declared dangerous; and

(v)

Payment of the appropriate fee for the issuance of required certificates of registration, which fee shall be set by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners.

(2)

Immediately notify the county when the dog:

(i)

Is loose or unconfined;

(ii)

Has bitten a human being or attacked another animal;

(iii)

Is sold or given away, or dies; or

(iv)

Is moved to another address.

Before a dangerous dog is sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner to Animal Services. The new owner shall comply with all of the requirements of this chapter.

(3)

Not permit a dangerous dog to be outside a proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under control of a competent person. The muzzle shall be made in a manner which will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting person or animal. The owner may exercise the dog in a securely fenced or enclosed area that does not have a top, without a muzzle or leash, if the dog remains within his or her sight and only members of the immediate household or person eighteen (18) years of age or older are allowed in the enclosure when the dog is present. When being transported, the dog must be safely and securely restrained and muzzled within a vehicle.

(4)

Not remove, destroy or deface a dangerous dog tag. If the dangerous dog tag is lost, the owner shall immediately replace it at the owner's expense.

(b)

If a dog is classified as a dangerous dog due to an incident that causes Severe Injury to a human being, based upon the nature and circumstances of the injury and likelihood of a future threat to the public safety, health, and welfare, the dog may be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner.

(c)

An owner who brings into the county a dog declared dangerous in any other jurisdiction, with the intent to reside permanently or temporarily for more than six (6) months in the county, shall comply with the requirements of this section no later than fourteen (14) days after arrival.

(d)

The recommended penalty for a violation of this section is a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(Ord. No. 2009-47, § 2, 9-1-09; Ord. No. 2017-16, § 2, 4-4-17; Ord. No. 2018-22, § 2, 5-8-18)