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:
VICIOUS DOG
A.
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.
B.
Any dog which attacks a human being or another domestic animal
without provocation.
C.
Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose
of dog fighting, or any dog trained for dog fighting.
[Amended 8-15-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-8-2]
A. 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.
B. Any person aggrieved by the determination of the Washington County Sheriff, as provided in Subsection
A of this section, may appeal such determination as provided in Chapter
11, Administrative Appeals.
[Amended 9-18-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-9-3]
Within 10 days of the determination that a dog is vicious, as outlined in §
118-22A, or 10 days after an unsuccessful appeal under §
118-22B, the owner of said vicious dog shall relocate the offending dog out of the community or have it destroyed.
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.