An animal control or law enforcement officer may seize and impound
a dog at large when probable cause exists that the dog poses an immediate
threat to public safety. The guardian of the dog is liable for the
impound fee and costs if the dog is determined to be potentially dangerous
or vicious. The fees and costs must be paid before the release of
the dog, but no later than 14 days after the dog is available to be
released.
(Ord. 6075, 2022)
If grounds exist, the Animal Control Supervisor may impose conditions on the keeping of a potentially dangerous dog in lieu of serving a petition to determine if the dog is potentially dangerous. The Animal Control Supervisor will give written notice to the dog guardian of their intention to impose conditions on the keeping of the dog. Within no more than 14 calendar days after the written notice, the guardian may agree to the designation of potentially dangerous dog and to the conditions or may submit a written request for a hearing as provided in Section
6.22.040. Upon agreement, the guardian must comply with the imposed conditions. Failure to do so is enforceable as provided in Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapters
1.25 and
1.28 as well as any other applicable provision of the Code.
(Ord. 6075, 2022)
A dangerous or vicious dog determination and designation may
be removed after two years if the dog is three years of age or older
and the guardian demonstrates to the Animal Control Supervisor that
the dog poses no threat to people or animals.
(Ord. 6075, 2022)