§ 6-116. Keeping a dangerous dog; conditions; failure to comply.

(a)

It is unlawful for any person to own or keep a dangerous dog without properly restraining or confining the dog.

(b)

A dangerous dog, while on the owner's property, must be securely confined indoors with no access to screened windows or doors, or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent it from coming into contact with a person other than the owner, or any other animal, and designed to prevent the dangerous dog from escaping. Such pen shall have secure sides, a secure top, and be securely embedded or bound to a concrete floor to prevent the dog from escaping over, under, or through the structure. The enclosure shall provide a humane existence for the dangerous dog and meet all requirements, "Proper care of animals." The owner of a dangerous dog shall post signs which read "Beware of Dog" or "Dangerous Dog" in letters at least three inches high on all sides of the structure where they are readily visible to any person approaching the said structure.

(c)

A dangerous dog may be off the owner's property only if it is muzzled and restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding four feet and under the control of a person able to maintain control of the dog. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury or interfere with the dog's vision or respiration but must prevent it from biting any person and/or animal.

(d)

The owner of a dangerous dog shall, at the owner's expense, cause the dangerous dog to be spayed/neutered and micro-chipped prior to its release from the animal shelter.

(e)

The owner of a newly deemed dangerous dog shall, at the owner's expense, cause the dangerous dog to be vaccinated and licensed as a dangerous dog.

(f)

The animal control authority is empowered to inspect the home and surrounding premises where any dangerous dog is kept to ensure continued compliance with this article.

(g)

The owner of a dangerous dog shall, if the dangerous dog dies, notify the animal control authority of the dog's death within two days. If any dangerous dog escapes confinement or restraint or bites or attacks a person or another animal, the dog's owner shall notify the animal control authority immediately. The owner of a dangerous dog, prior to selling, transferring, or giving the dog to another person, shall provide the animal control authority with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner for purposes of inspection to ensure compliance with this section.

(h)

Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be fined $300.00 for each violation.

(Ord. No. 15-12-1125-OR, 12-15-2015)

State law reference

Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog, R.S. 14:102.14.