It is the intent of the city to adopt a dog leash law, to enable the city to restrict dogs at large.
(Ord. 944 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1717 § 4, 2009; Ord. 1773 § 8, 2010)
In construing the provisions of this chapter, except where otherwise plainly declared or clearly apparent from the context, words used in this chapter shall be given their common and ordinary meaning; in addition, the following definitions shall apply:
A. "Animal control authority"
shall include police officers and other designated officers, employees or agents of the city, or parties contracting with the city to perform animal control services.
B. "At large"
means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner by leash; provided, that an animal within an automobile or other vehicle of its owner shall be deemed to be upon the owner's premises.
C. "Lawful training"
means to be engaged in training on the premises of the owner or on the land of another person by permission, or on public land that is set aside for training or is open for hunting or trapping; provided, that the dog is accompanied afield by the owner or trainer. A "no-shooting" area shall not be interpreted to mean a "no-training" area.
D. "Leash"
includes a cord, thong or chain not more than eight feet in length or a retractable leash up to 26 feet in length by which an animal is physically controlled by the person accompanying it.
E. "Off-leash dog park"
is a facility set aside for dogs to exercise and play off leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners.
F. Restraint.
An animal is considered to be under restraint if it is maintained and remains within the property limits of its owner or keeper.
(Ord. 944 § 2, 1984; Ord. 965 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1773 § 8, 2010)
It is unlawful for owners residing within the city limits to allow their dogs to be at large or without restraint, except that this section shall not apply where the dogs are engaged in lawful hunting activity, lawful competition sanctioned by a nationally recognized body or a local chapter thereof, or lawful training in preparation for such hunting or competition, or within a city-recognized off-leash dog park.
(Ord. 944 § 3, 1984; Ord. 1773 § 8, 2010)
In addition to, or as an alternate to, any other penalty, any person whose animal is maintained in violation of this chapter shall incur a civil penalty plus billable costs of the animal control authority. Penalties for violations in any 12-month period shall be:
1st violation – $15.00
2nd violation – $30.00
3rd violation – $45.00
4th violation – $90.00
5th violation – $180.00
(Ord. 944 § 5, 1984; Ord. 946 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1773 § 8, 2010)