As used in this chapter, the following terms mean:
ACCOMPANIED
The owner or custodian must be able to see and hear the dog,
or have reasonable knowledge of where the dog is, and be able to recall
the dog on command.
AT LARGE
Off the premises of the owner or keeper, unless accompanied
by the owner. At no time shall any dog be permitted on the private
property of another person without permission of said person.
DOG
Male and female dogs not exempted by state statute.
OWNER
Any person keeping, harboring or having charge or control
of a dog or permitting any dog to habitually be or remain in or on,
or be lodged or fed within, such person's house, yard or premises
within the City of Dover. This term shall not apply to veterinarians
or kennel operators temporarily maintaining on their premises dogs
owned by others.
[Amended 2-12-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.01.08-001]
Every owner or keeper of a dog four months old or over shall
annually, on or before April 30, license his/her dog in the office
of the City Clerk. The City Clerk's office shall furnish the owner
or keeper with a dog tag that contains the name of the City, year
of issue and registration number. Said dog tag shall be attached and
worn around the animal collar.
Should the pendant giving the registered number of any dog licensed
as by law required become lost or stolen, the City Clerk shall issue
a new pendant (metal tag) for such dog, keeping a record of the change
of number, and notify the Chief of Police of such change in a timely
manner.
[Amended 4-10-2019 by Ord. No. 2019.03.27-006]
A. Any authorized police officer may seize any dog not properly licensed
after a written warning and cause it to be transported to the approved
boarding facility authorized to accept such dogs by the City in accordance
with the City bidding process. The approved boarding facility shall
keep said dog at the expense of the City for a period of time not
to exceed seven consecutive days. Full title to the dog shall transfer
to the approved boarding facility after seven consecutive days.
B. Any owner of a dog so seized may reclaim said dog during the seven-day
period provided for herein by furnishing proof of a proper license
and payment of the forfeiture and service fee, a daily facility fee,
all necessary veterinary fees, and a pickup and transportation service
fee (see Fee Schedule) paid to the Police Department.
[Amended 2-12-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.01.08-001]