§ 8-156. Domestic and caged wild animals as a nuisance.

(a)

Every owner of a domesticated animal or caged wild animal shall have a duty to keep their animal safely within their control in order to prevent such animal from being a nuisance to anyone coming into contact with the animal.

(b)

An animal shall be considered a nuisance if it:

(1)

Creates dangerous conditions by exhibiting threatening behavior to people;

(2)

Directly attacks, injures or kills other domesticated animals outside the premises of its owner;

(3)

Chases vehicles or creates unsafe conditions for drivers; or

(4)

Causes substantial property damage to the property of another.

This list is not exhaustive, but is designed to address the primary purpose of this section.

(c)

The sheriff's office, the dog control officer or other designated official shall respond to calls of nuisance animals. If in the officer's professional opinion, the animal constitutes a public nuisance the officer may issue a warning citation to the owner or seize the animal if the totality of the circumstances warrant such action. Failure by the owner to reasonably abate such nuisance shall subject the owner to a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.

(Ord. of 11-15-94)