City of Merriam Woods, MO Article III Vicious Animals

Section 205.170 Vicious Animal Defined.

[Bill No. 111, 11-11-2003]

A. Any animal with the following characteristics shall be defined as having a vicious nature or disposition and may be deemed dangerous if any of the following has occurred:

1. Has inflicted severe or fatal injury upon a human being.

2. Has killed a domestic animal without provocation.

3. Has bitten a human being without provocation.

4. Chases or approaches persons on the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property, other than the property of the owner, in a menacing fashion.

5. Has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack human beings or other animals and possessing the ability to cause serious injury.

Section 205.180 Procedures For Impoundment.

[Bill No. 111, 11-11-2003]

A. Following the filing of charges for violation under Section 205.170, and pending final disposition of said charges, upon affidavit of the Taney County Animal Control Officer or the Merriam Woods Police Department that the animal is a vicious animal and upon motion of the City Attorney, the judge of the Municipal Court may order any of the following:

1. The animal be seized and impounded at the owner's expense.

2. The animal be impounded past the ten-day rabies observation period.

3. The animal be impounded during the pendency of the charges and not be released while charges are pending without order of the Municipal Judge.

B. If the owner requests in writing a hearing regarding the impoundment of the animal, such hearing shall be granted and held in accordance with due process procedures established for the Municipal Court of Merriam Woods, Missouri, upon due notice.

Section 205.190 Disposition Of Dangerous Animals.

[Bill No. 111, 11-11-2003]

A. If upon violation and conviction of the provisions of this Article relating to vicious animals, it shall appear to the Municipal Judge that it is necessary for the public safety and welfare that the animal concerned be euthanized, the Judge shall so order and the Taney County Animal Control Officer or the Merriam Woods Police Chief shall execute the order of the Municipal Court.

B. If upon violation and conviction of the provisions of this Article relating to vicious animals, it shall not appear to the Municipal Judge that it is necessary for the public safety and welfare that the animal concerned be euthanized and the Court shall find that the animal shall be of a vicious nature or disposition, the Court may order that the animal be declared dangerous.

Section 205.200 The Keeping Of Dangerous Animals.

[Bill No. 111, 11-11-2003]

A. If any animal shall be determined to be dangerous as above-described, the owner of said animal shall have the following responsibilities related to said animal.

1. Any dangerous animal shall wear at all times a bright orange collar with a large, brightly colored metal tag attached to the collar so the animal can be readily identified as a dangerous animal.

2. The owner or keeper of said animal shall notify the Taney County Animal Control Officer and the Merriam Woods Police Chief immediately if a dangerous animal is loose, unconfined, or missing, has attacked another animal, or has attacked a human being.

3. The owner or keeper of said animal shall notify the Taney County Animal Control Officer and the Merriam Woods Police Chief within twenty-four (24) hours if a dangerous animal has died or has been sold or given away. If the animal has been sold or given away, the owner shall provide the Animal Control Officer or Police Chief with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner, and the new owner, if the animal is kept within the confines of the City limits of Merriam Woods, Missouri, must comply with the requirements of this Article.

4. While on the owner or keeper's property, a dangerous animal must be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping.

5. No dangerous animal may be kept on the porch, patio, or in any part of the house or structure that would allow the animal to exit such building on its own volition.

6. The owner or keeper shall display a sign on his/her premises that there is a dangerous animal on the property. This sign shall be visible and capable of being read a distance of not less than twenty-five (25) feet.

7. A dangerous animal may be off of the owner or keeper's premises if it is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length and under the control of a responsible person.

8. The owner or keeper of a dangerous animal shall present to the Taney County Animal Control Officer and the Merriam Woods Police Chief proof that the owner or keeper has procured liability insurance in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), covering the twelve-month period during which the animal shall be licensed.

9. Any animal deemed dangerous shall be subject to the license and rabies vaccination requirements under Article I of this Chapter.

Section 205.210 Failure To Comply.

[Bill No. 111, 11-11-2003]

It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of a dangerous animal within the City of Merriam Woods, Missouri, to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this Article. Any animal found to be the subject of a violation of this Article may be, in addition to the other penalties provided herein, subject to immediate seizure and impoundment for a minimum of ten (10) days or the time necessary for the owner or keeper to show compliance with this Article, whichever is shorter.

Section 205.220 Violations And Penalties.

[Bill No. 111, 11-11-2003]

Any person who fails to comply with any of the above requirements will, upon conviction in the Municipal Court of Merriam Woods, Missouri, be fined and/or imprisoned as set forth in Section 100.220 of this Code. In addition, the dangerous animal, if so ordered by the Court, shall be euthanized.