[Ord. No. 2153, 5-8-2024]
A. The
following breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds, are hereby deemed
presumptively dangerous:
1. Pit Bulls. The term "pit bull" means any dog that
is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire
Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits
of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting
those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to
the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel
Club for any of the above breeds. The A.K.C. and U.K.C. standards
for the above breeds are on file in the office of the City Clerk.
B. The
owner of any presumptively dangerous dog shall be allowed to keep
such dog within the City only if the owner annually registers the
dog with the City of Marshfield, January 1st of each year and receives
a valid registration. Further, any person owning a presumptively dangerous
dog who relocates his or her residence to the City shall, within thirty
(30) days of relocation, register their presumptively dangerous dog
and comply with all provisions of this Chapter regarding ownership
of such animal. As a condition of registration of a presumptively
dangerous dog, the owner shall at the time of application be at least
eighteen (18) years of age and comply with or otherwise provide sufficient
evidence that the owner is in compliance with all of the following
regulations:
1. The owner of the presumptively dangerous dog shall provide proof
of rabies vaccination and shall pay the annual presumptively dangerous
dog fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).
2. The owner of the presumptively dangerous dog shall keep current the
registration for such dog through annual renewal due January 1st regardless
of the date of the initial registration. Such registration is not
transferable and shall be renewable only by the holder of the registration
or by a member of the holder's immediate family. A dangerous dog registration
tag will be issued to the owner at the time of issuance of the registration.
Such registration tag shall be attached to the presumptively dangerous
dog at all times by means of a collar or harness and shall not be
attached to any other dog other than the presumptively dangerous dog
for which the registration was issued. If the dangerous dog tag is
lost or destroyed, a duplicate tag may be issued upon the payment
of a five dollar ($5.00) fee.
3. The owner shall, at the owner's expense, have the presumptively dangerous
dog spayed or neutered and shall present to the City Code Enforcement
Officer, designated City employee, or contractor of the City of Marshfield,
authorized representative documentary proof from a licensed veterinarian
that this sterilization has been performed.
4. The owner of a presumptively dangerous dog shall always keep the
dog securely leashed when the dog is outside the owner's home, unless
the dog is confined by a no-climb fence which is permanent in nature,
six (6) feet in height, and otherwise sufficient to prevent its escape.
5. An owner of a presumptively dangerous dog shall notify the City Code
Enforcement Officer, designated City employee, or contractor of the
City of Marshfield, within five (5) days in the event that the dog
is lost, stolen, sold, given away or dies.
6. An owner of a presumptively dangerous dog shall have posted at each
possible entrance to the owner's property where the dog is kept a
conspicuous and clearly legible dangerous dog sign provided by the
City of Marshfield.
C. The
Court having competent jurisdiction may order the forfeiture of a
presumptively dangerous dog who bites, inflicts injury, assaults,
or otherwise attacks any person when unprovoked.
D. If
a presumptively dangerous dog is found to be aggressive and to be
off the premises of the owner and not under the responsible control
of the owner or a member of his or her immediate family, then the
owner of the dog and/or the owner or tenant of the home where the
dog resides shall be guilty of an offense and shall, upon conviction
therefore, be fined a sum in accordance with the Adopting Ordinance,
Section 5, Violations and Penalties, of the City of Marshfield Code.
E. No
more than one (1) presumptively dangerous dog shall be allowed per
residence.