The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Any dog with a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack,
assault, cause injury, or otherwise endanger the safety of human beings
or other domestic animals as evidenced by its habitual or repeated
chasing or snapping, or barking and/or snarling in a threatening manner.
Any dog which attacks a human being or another domestic animal
without provocation.
Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose
of dog fighting, or any dog trained for dog fighting.[1]
A.Â
No person shall harbor or keep a vicious dog within the Village.
A dog is deemed to be vicious when it has attacked or bitten any person
or when a propensity to attack or bite persons exists and is known
or reasonably should be known to the owner. Any vicious dog which
is found off the premises of its owner may be seized by any law enforcement
officer, Washington County Sheriff, or humane officer and may be destroyed
upon establishing to the satisfaction of a competent court with jurisdiction
the vicious character of such dog.
[Amended 9-18-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-9-3]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 118-21, Requirements and
prohibitions, as amended, was repealed 9-18-2014 by Ord. 2014-9-3.
[Amended 8-15-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-8-2]
A.Â
The Washington County Sheriff's Deputy, Village law enforcement officer and/or humane officer shall investigate every dog complaint and make a determination as to whether or not such dog is vicious as defined in § 118-19. If the Washington County Sheriff and/or humane officer makes a determination that a dog is vicious, he or she shall so inform the owner, keeper, or harborer of such dog and provide such person with a copy of this article.
[Amended 9-18-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-9-3]
Any vicious dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal
may be ordered destroyed by a law enforcement officer or humane officer
when, in the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, the dog
represents a continuing threat of serious harm to human beings or
domestic animals.