§ 4-13. Remedial requirements.

(a)

Where the municipal court or ASO finds against the person who is found to have harbored or owned an animal in violation of the provisions of this chapter cited in section 4-10, the court or ASO may place certain remedial requirements upon such person. The remedial requirements may include one (1) or more of the following items:

(1)

Leash and muzzle. The owner shall not permit the animal to go outside the kennel or pen unless such animal is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four (4) feet in length which is in the physical control of at least one (1) person. Such animal may not be leashed to inanimate objects, such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. Additionally, such animal must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent the animal from biting persons or other animals.

(2)

Confinement outdoors. The animal shall be securely confined in an enclosed and locked pen or kennel except when on a leash and muzzled or when confined indoors. Such pen or kennel must have secure sides and a secure top attached or have sides that measure eight (8) feet from the ground. The structure must be locked with a key or combination lock if an animal held to be dangerous is within the structure. The structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the structure, or the sides of the structure must be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet. All structures erected to house the animal must comply with all zoning and building regulations. Such structures must also be adequately lighted and ventilated and be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

(3)

Relocation of confinement area. The owner may be required to relocate on his property the confinement area in which the animal is kept so that the animal does not annoy, disturb or in some other manner offend neighbors.

(4)

Confinement indoors. The animal may not be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or other structure that will allow the animal to exit such building or structure on its own volition. In addition, no such animal, except a cat, may be kept in a house or structure when the windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the animal from exiting the structure.

(5)

Signs. The owner of an animal held to be dangerous shall display in prominent places on the premises where the animal is kept a sign easily readable by the public, which states "Beware of Dangerous Animal". A similar sign shall also be posted on the kennel or pen of the animal.

(6)

Insurance. The court, but not the ASO, may require that the owner acquire insurance in an amount deemed reasonable to insure against bodily injury or property damage caused by the animal.

(7)

Restitution. The court, but not the ASO, may require the payment of restitution for damages or injury caused by the animal.

(8)

Training. The court, but not the ASO, may require that the person and animal engage in training necessary to eliminate the problem. The court may designate a specific training program to be followed or utilized.

(9)

Removal from city. The court, but not the ASO, may require that the animal be removed from the city.

(10)

Prohibit animal ownership. The court, but not the ASO, may prohibit the person from acquiring and keeping within the city any other animal for a period of time of up to five (5) years. It may also require the person to sell, give away or otherwise humanely dispose of the animal at issue in the hearing.

(11)

Spay or neuter. The court, but not the ASO, may require that an animal which is being returned to an owner or which an owner shall be allowed to keep within the city be spayed or neutered.

(12)

Destruction. The court, but not the ASO, may order that an animal shall be humanely destroyed.

(13)

Identification. Prior to removal from the city, the ASO may order that the dangerous animal be micro-chipped for identification purposes.

(b)

In requiring that remedial requirements be followed, the court or ASO shall also state a time frame within which the owner must comply with the required action. For good cause, the time period to comply may be extended by the court or ASO.

(Ord. No. 2026, § 1(Exh. A), 8-14-07)