Chapter II · Animal Control and Regulation

Article 3. Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers

Sections 2-301 to 2-305 · 5 sections

2-301 Definitions.

The words used in this article shall have the following definitions:

Violent Dog:

(1)Pit Bulls:

(a) The bull terrier breed of dog;

(b) Staffordshire bull terrier breed of dog;

(c) The American pit bull terrier breed of dog; and

(d) The American Staffordshire terrier breed of dog.

(2)Doberman Pinschers:

(a) The German pinscher breed of dog; and

(b) The German pinscher terrier breed of dog.

(3)Rottweilers;

(4)And dogs of mixed breed or of other breeds than above listed which breed or mixed breed are known as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers or Rottweilers;

(5)Any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominately of the breeds of Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers or Rottweilers; and any other breed commonly known as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers or Rottweilers; or a combination of any of these breeds; and

(6)Any other breed commonly known as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers or Rottweilers; or a combination of any of these breeds.

(Code 1998; Ord. 1138; Code 2018)

2-302 Unlawful.

It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess a violent dog within the City limits.

(Code 1998; Ord. 1138; Code 2018; Ord. 1351)

2-303 Reserved.

(Code 1998; Ord. 1138; Code 2018; Ord. 1351)

2-304 Violations and penalties.

Any persons violating or permitting the violation of any provisions of this article shall upon conviction in municipal court be fined a sum of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000. In addition to the fine imposed, the court may sentence the defendant to confinement in the county jail for a period not to exceed 30 days. Further, the court shall order the dog removed from the city. Should the defendant refuse to remove the dog from the city, the municipal court judge shall order the immediate confiscation and impoundment of the animal.

Each day that a violation of this section continues may be deemed to constitute a separate offense. In addition to the foregoing penalties, any person who violates this article shall pay all expenses, including sums for shelter, food, handling veterinary care, and expert testimony, which are necessitated by the person’s failure to abide by the provisions of this article.

(Code 1998; Ord. 1138; Code 2018)

2-305 Severability.

If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Article is for any reason to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Article.

(Ord. 1138; Code 2018)