HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/18/2014 17 Exceptions to the Prohibition of Pit Bull Ownership In City Limits; YMC Amendment 6.18.020 (B); Adding New Section (C)BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of: 3/18/2014
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ITEM TITLE: Ordinance amending the City of Yakima pit bull dog
prohibition to provide certain specific exceptions to the
prohibition and permit possession of pit bull dogs within the
City under certain conditions; amending YMC 6.18.020 (B)
and adding new Section (C).
SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Cutter, City Attorney/575-6030
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The City has had a prohibition on pit bull dogs within the City limits since 1987. Recently certain
circumstances have arisen, locally and nationally, that appear to justify specific exceptions to
the prohibition on possession of pit bull dogs within the City. One of the primary recent changes
motivating this proposed revision concerns the federal American Disabilities Act (ADA)
recognizing and authorizing the personal use of animals for certain therapeutic purposes.
Under ADA, it is unlfawful to require proof of disability or certification for service animals. In
response to these circumstances and to provide the framework by which, under limited and
controlled conditions, pit bull dogs may be permitted within the City despite the general
prohibition the City proposes certain revisions to the pit bull prohibition ordinance.
The amendments proposed in the attached ordinance will continue the general prohibition on
the possession of pit bull dogs within the City but will provide the terms and conditions
necessary to allow exceptions to the general prohibition to address the recent changes in the
law, particularly with regard to service animals. These proposed regulations include muzzle
requirements, secure temporary enclosures, secure pens, and DNA testing. This ordinance is
consistent with actions taken by many other municipalities across the country and provides the
oversight and control necessary to permit the presence of pit bull service animals within the City
in as safe a condition as is reasonably possible for both the dog owners and the general public
health, safety, and welfare.
Resolution: Ordinance: X
Other (Specify):
Contract: Contract Term:
Start Date: End Date:
Item Budgeted: No Amount:
Funding Source/Fiscal
Impact:
Strategic Priority:
Insurance Required? No
Mail to:
Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the amendments.
Public Safety
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
ordinance pit bull amendment clean 3/11/2014 Cover Memo
ordinance pit bull amendment redline 3/11/2014 Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE
follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2014 -
amending the City of Yakima pit bull dog ordinance to provide certain
specific exceptions to the prohibition on possessing pit bull dogs within
the City; amending YMC 6.18.020 (B) and adding new Section (C).
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Section 6.18.020 of the Yakima Municipal Code is amended to read as
6.18.020 Keeping of pit bull dogs prohibited.
A. It is unlawful to keep, or harbor, own or in any way possess a pit bull dog within the city of
Yakima. Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. The minimum fine for a violation of
this section shall be two hundred fifty dollars for the first offense and five hundred dollars for a
second or subsequent offense, which fine shall not be suspended or deferred. For purposes of
this section, proof of a prior violation shall not require proof that the same pit bull dog is
involved. Each day of violation shall be a separate offense.
B. This chapter shall not apply to pit bull dogs which: (1) do not reside in the city of Yakima,
(2) are brought into the city for the purposes of participating in a dog show or canine sporting
event for which the owner is able to show proof of entry, (3) do not remain in the city of Yakima
for a period exceeding ninety-six consecutive hours, or (4) otherwise meet the specific
conditions of an exception to this prohibition in accord with Subsection C., below.
C. The prohibition on possessing pit bull dogs within the City shall not apply to the extent
applicable in the specific exceptions set forth below. The definitions in Subsections I shall apply
for purposes of Subsections II through V.
Definitions.
(a) "Immediate family" for purposes of this chapter, includes the owner's
spouse, child, parent or sibling.
(b) "Handler" for purposes of this chapter, means an individual with a
disability who is utilizing a service dog, as that term is defined in this chapter, to do work
or perform tasks directly related to the individual's disability. If over the age of 18, the
handler must also be the owner of the service dog. If under the age of 18, the handler's
legal guardian must be the owner of the service dog.
(c) "Muzzle" for purposes of this chapter, shall mean a restraining device
made of metal, plastic, leather, cloth or a combination of these materials that, when fitted
and fastened over a snout/mouth/head, prevents the dog from biting but allows room for
1
the dog to breath and pant. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause
injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but must prevent it from biting
any person or animal.
(d) "Pit bull service animal", for purposes of this chapter, is defined as any
dog that meets the definition of "pit bull dog" provided in YMC 6.18.010, and which also
qualifies as a service animal in accord with the Animals of America Service and Therapy
Animals requirements.
(e) "Secure temporary enclosure" for purposes of this chapter, is a secure
enclosure used for purposes of transporting a pit bull and which includes a top and
bottom permanently attached to the sides except for a "door" for removal of the pit bull.
Such enclosure must be of such material and secured with a keyed or combination lock
so that the pit bull cannot exit the enclosure on its own.
(f) "Secure pen or enclosure" for the purposes of this chapter, shall mean a
six-sided structure designed to prevent entry of a child or escape of a pit bull. Such pen
or structure must have minimum dimensions of five-feet by ten-feet per animal housed
within and must have secure chain-link sides, a secured top and a secure bottom. The
enclosure must provide protection from the elements for the dog. All structures erected
to house a pit bull must comply with all zoning and building ordinances and regulations
of the city and shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The gate of the pen or
enclosure shall be secured with a keyed or combination lock.
(g) "DNA testing" DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic blueprint that
contain most of the genetic instructions for every canine's body make up (height, weight,
size etc.). DNA testing means a genetic analysis to identify key single-nucleotide
polymorphisms marker locations (genetic markers) that may detect the breed, type and
variety of a dog and may show the ancestral breed composition of a particular dog.
(h) "DNA test evidence" an owner may, at the owner's expense, submit a
DNA sample of a dog to a veterinarian or other professional to test for the genetic history
of a dog. Such test should look for the genetic markers for the following breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In order to be considered a pit bull the DNA testing must demonstrate a genetic blueprint
of excess of 50 percent of pit bull. The DNA test results shall constitute evidence which
the court may consider in establishing that a dog is other than a breed banned by this
section. DNA testing results shall override any subjective evidence including
observational findings to the contrary. If an owner indicates to a judge that a DNA test
will be performed, the court may issue appropriate orders as to the release of the dog
2
with any additional conditions that the court believes will minimize any danger to the
community during the pendency of the testing and obtaining the results.
II. Exceptions. The pit bull prohibition stated in subsection (A.) shall not apply to pit
bull service animals and pit bull dogs within the City under the following circumstances. The
failure of a person in possession of a pit bull dog within the City under the following exceptions
to comply and remain in compliance with all of the following terms and conditions of this
exception may subject the pit bull to immediate impoundment and disposition.
(a) An owner of any pit bull used as service animal within the City of Yakima
shall apply for a pit bull service animal license from the City Licensing Department. Pit
bull service animal licenses shall be subject to approval by the City Code Administration
Manager and to all provisions of this exception. The owner of a qualifying pit bull who
has applied for and received a pit bull service animal license in accord with the terms of
this Section and who maintains the pit bull service animal at all times in compliance with
the pit bull service animal license requirements of subsection (III) of this Section may
keep a pit bull service animal within the city.
(b) The animal control division may temporarily transport and harbor any pit
bull for purposes of enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Any veterinarian while treating or grooming a pit bull, or holding such pit
bull after treatment until claimed by the owner or released to an animal care officer.
(d) The owner/handler of a pit bull service animal who has applied for and
received a pit bull service animal license in accordance with subsection (III) of this
section, and who maintains the pit bull at all times in compliance with the pit bull service
animal license requirements of subsection (III) of this section, together with and all other
applicable requirements of this chapter, may keep a pit bull service animal within the
city. If a city animal control officer or other authorized city code enforcement or law
enforcement officer makes contact with an owner/handler of a pit bull not licensed
pursuant to this section and the owner/handler asserts that his or her dog is a service
animal, the owner/handler shall be informed of this section and instructed to obtain a pit
bull license pursuant to subsection (III), below, within 72 hours of the initial contact.
Failure to obtain a pit bull license within the permitted period of time after receiving said
advisement shall result in impoundment of the dog pursuant to subsection (IV) of this
section.
(e) A non-resident owner/handler may temporarily transport into and hold in
the city a pit bull that is the owner/handler's service animal for a period not exceeding
two weeks. During such temporary transport or holding, the owner/handler shall keep the
3
pit bull muzzled and securely leashed with a leash sufficient to control the dog, no longer
than four feet in length and held by the owner/handler who requires the use of the
service animal. In the event the handler, because of a disability, is not able to use a
muzzle or leash no longer than four feet in length, or in the event the use of a muzzle or
a leash no longer than four feet in length would interfere with the service animal's safe,
effective performance of its service work or tasks, the service animal must be otherwise
under the handler's absolute control at all times.
III. License. The owner/handler of a pit bull service animal who has applied for and
received a pit bull service animal license shall be allowed to keep said pit bull within the city. As
a condition of issuance of a pit bull service animal license the owner shall, at the time of
application, comply with or otherwise provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate to the City
Code Administration Manager that the owner is in compliance with all of the following
regulations:
(a) The owner of the pit bull service animal shall provide proof of a current
rabies vaccination.
(b) The owner of the pit bull service animal shall renew the license annually
to maintain its currency. The pit bull service animal license is not transferable or
renewable except by the licensee or by a member of the immediate family of the
licensee. A pit bull service animal license tag shall be issued to the owner at the time the
license is issued. The license tag shall be attached to the pit bull service animal by
means of a collar or harness which must be worn by the animal at all times. The license
tag shall remain clearly visible and shall not be attached to any pit bull other than the pit
bull service animal for which the license was issued.
(c) The owner must be at least 18 years of age.
(d) The owner shall, at the owner's expense, have the pit bull service animal
spayed or neutered and shall present to the City Code Administration Manager or his
designee documentary proof from a licensed veterinarian that this sterilization has been
performed.
(e) The owner shall, at the owner's expense, have a microchip containing an
identification number, as defined in YMC 6.20.010(13), implanted into the pit bull and
shall provide proof of such registration to the animal control division and the Licensing
Department. The Licensing Department shall maintain a file containing the registration
numbers and names of the pit bull service animals and the names and addresses of the
owners. The owner shall immediately notify the Licensing Department of any change of
address.
4
(f) Except as stated below and at all times when a pit bull service animal is
at the owner's property, the owner shall keep the pit bull confined. When outdoors, all pit
bull service animals shall be confined in a locked secure enclosure, as defined in this
Section, or kept within the rear yard of the owner's property, said rear yard enclosed by
a six foot fence maintained in a manner to prevent the pit bull service animal from
leaving the back yard without the owner's accompaniment. When away from the
owner's property the pit bull service animal shall be accompanied by its owner/handler or
an adult at least 18 years of age at all times.
(g) At all times when a pit bull service animal is away from the property of the
owner, the owner shall keep the pit bull service animal muzzled and either in a secure
temporary enclosure or securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length
held by someone 18 years of age or older who is capable of effectively controlling the
dog. Extension -style leashes may not be used. Leashes may not be attached to
inanimate objects. In the event the handler, because of a disability, is not able to use a
leash equal to or less than four feet in length, or in the event the use of a muzzle or a
leash no longer than four feet in length would interfere with the service animal's safe,
effective performance of work or tasks, the service animal must remain under the
handler's complete control at all times when away from the owner's property, the manner
of control to be fully described to the code enforcement and Animal Control officer at the
time of licensing. This regulation and the means for controlling the pit bull may be
modified for service animals by the Code Administration Manager or designee as
determined necessary and reasonable. Any such modification of the means of control
set forth herein shall be memorialized in the licensing documentation upon issuance of
said license.
(h) The owner shall not sell or otherwise transfer the pit bull service animal to
any person residing within the city.
(i) The owner shall immediately notify the animal control division in the event
that the pit bull is loose, stolen, at -large, unconfined, has mauled, bitten, attacked,
threatened, or in any way menaced another animal or human, or has died.
(j) No person applying for a pit bull service animal license shall be granted a
breeders permit for such pit bull service animal.
(k) Failure to comply with any of these conditions shall result in a revocation
of the license, impoundment and disposition pursuant to subsection (IV) of this section.
IV. Impoundment. The animal control division is authorized to immediately impound
any pit bull service animal found within the city limits which does not qualify for the exception
5
stated within this Section, subject to all of the procedures and processes set forth in YMC
6.18.025-.026 and YMC 6.20.300-.330. If the dog is found not to be a pit bull as a result of DNA
testing, evidence obtained at the owner's option and sole expense, or if the dog is determined to
be a service animal, the dog shall be released to the owner, subject to full compliance with
every requirement of this Chapter. Notwithstanding a finding that the dog is not a pit bull or a
finding that the dog is a service animal, a dog may be impounded and the owner/handler may
be held responsible for violations of this section or any other applicable state or local law.
V. Penalty. Any person found guilty of violating this Section relating to exceptions to
pit bull prohibitions within the City, upon conviction, shall be subject to all of the penalty
provisions of this Section.
Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its
passage, approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 18th day of March, 2014.
ATTEST: Micah Cawley, Mayor
City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
6
AN ORDINANCE
follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2014 -
amending the City of Yakima pit bull dog ordinance to provide certain
specific exceptions to the prohibition on possessing pit bull dogs within
the City; amending YMC 6.18.020 (B) and adding new Section (C).
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Section 6.18.020 of the Yakima Municipal Code is amended to read as
6.18.020 Keeping of pit bull dogs prohibited.
A. It is unlawful to keep, or harbor, own or in any way possess a pit bull dog within the city of
Yakima. Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. The minimum fine for a violation of
this section shall be two hundred fifty dollars for the first offense and five hundred dollars for a
second or subsequent offense, which fine shall not be suspended or deferred. For purposes of
this section, proof of a prior violation shall not require proof that the same pit bull dog is
involved. Each day of violation shall be a separate offense.
B. This chapter shall not apply to pit bull dogs which: (1) do not reside in the city of Yakima,
(2) are brought into the city for the purposes of participating in a dog show or canine sporting
event for which the owner is able to show proof of entry, a(3) do not remain in the city of
Yakima for a period exceeding ninety-six consecutive hours, or (4) otherwise meet the specific
conditions of an exception to this prohibition in accord with Subsection C., below.
C. The prohibition on possessing pit bull dogs within the City shall not apply to the extent
applicable in the specific exceptions set forth below. The definitions in Subsections I shall apply
for purposes of Subsections II through V.
Definitions.
(a) "Immediate family" for purposes of this chapter, includes the owner's
spouse, child, parent or sibling.
(b) "Handler" for purposes of this chapter, means an individual with a
disability who is utilizing a service dog, as that term is defined in this chapter, to do work
or perform tasks directly related to the individual's disability. If over the age of 18, the
handler must also be the owner of the service dog. If under the age of 18, the handler's
legal guardian must be the owner of the service dog.
(c) "Muzzle" for purposes of this chapter, shall mean a restraining device
made of metal, plastic, leather, cloth or a combination of these materials that, when fitted
and fastened over a snout/mouth/head, prevents the dog from biting but allows room for
1
the doq to breath and pant. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause
iniury to the doq or interfere with its vision or respiration, but must prevent it from biting
any person or animal.
(d) "Pit bull" service animal", for purposes of this chapter, is defined as any
dog that meets the definition of "pit bull dog" provided in YMC 6.18.010, and which also
qualifies as a service animal in accord with the Animals of America Service and Therapy
Animals requirements.
(e) "Secure temporary enclosure" for purposes of this chapter, is a secure
enclosure used for purposes of transporting a pit bull and which includes a top and
bottom permanently attached to the sides except for a "door" for removal of the pit bull.
Such enclosure must be of such material and secured with a keyed or combination lock
so that the pit bull cannot exit the enclosure on its own.
(f) "Secure pen or enclosure" for the purposes of this chapter, shall mean a
six -sided structure designed to prevent entry of a child or escape of a pit bull. Such pen
or structure must have minimum dimensions of five -feet by ten -feet per animal housed
within and must have secure chain-link sides, a secured top and a secure bottom. The
enclosure must provide protection from the elements for the dog. All structures erected
to house a pit bull must comply with all zoning and building ordinances and regulations
of the city and shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The gate of the pen or
enclosure shall be secured with a keyed or combination lock.
(q) "DNA testing" DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic blueprint that
contain most of the genetic instructions for every canine's body make up (height, weight,
size etc.). DNA testing means a genetic analysis to identify key single -nucleotide
polymorphisms marker locations (genetic markers) that may detect the breed, type and
variety of a dog and may show the ancestral breed composition of a particular dog.
(h) "DNA test evidence" an owner may, at the owner's expense, submit a
DNA sample of a dog to a veterinarian or other professional to test for the genetic history
of a dog. Such test should look for the genetic markers for the following breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In order to be considered a pit bull the DNA testing must demonstrate a genetic blueprint
of excess of 50 percent of pit bull. The DNA test results shall constitute evidence which
the court may consider in establishing that a dog is other than a breed banned by this
section. DNA testing results shall override any subjective evidence including
observational findings to the contrary. If an owner indicates to a iudge that a DNA test
will be performed, the court may issue appropriate orders as to the release of the dog
2
with any additional conditions that the court believes will minimize any danger to the
community during the pendency of the testing and obtaining the results.
II. Exceptions. The pit bull prohibition stated in subsection (A.) shall not apply to pit
bull service animals and pit bull dogs within the City under the following circumstances. The
failure of a person in possession of a pit bull dog within the City under the following exceptions
to comply and remain in compliance with all of the following terms and conditions of this
exception may subiect the pit bull to immediate impoundment and disposition.
(a) An owner of any pit bull used as service animal within the City of Yakima
shall apply for a pit bull service animal license from the City Licensing Department. Pit
bull service animal licenses shall be subiect to approval by the City Code Administration
Manager and to all provisions of this exception. The owner of a qualifying pit bull who
has applied for and received a pit bull service animal license in accord with the terms of
this Section and who maintains the pit bull service animal at all times in compliance with
the pit bull service animal license requirements of subsection (III) of this Section may
keep a pit bull service animal within the city.
(b) The animal control division may temporarily transport and harbor any pit
bull for purposes of enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Any veterinarian while treating or grooming a pit bull, or holding such pit
bull after treatment until claimed by the owner or released to an animal care officer.
(d) The owner/handler of a pit bull service animal who has applied for and
received a pit bull service animal license in accordance with subsection (III) of this
section, and who maintains the pit bull at all times in compliance with the pit bull service
animal license requirements of subsection (III) of this section, together with and all other
applicable requirements of this chapter, may keep a pit bull service animal within the
city. If a city animal control officer or other authorized city code enforcement or law
enforcement officer makes contact with an owner/handler of a pit bull not licensed
pursuant to this section and the owner/handler asserts that his or her dog is a service
animal, the owner/handler shall be informed of this section and instructed to obtain a pit
bull license pursuant to subsection (III), below, within 72 hours of the initial contact.
Failure to obtain a pit bull license within the permitted period of time after receiving said
advisement shall result in impoundment of the dog pursuant to subsection (IV) of this
section.
(e) A non-resident owner/handler may temporarily transport into and hold in
the city a pit bull that is the owner/handler's service animal for a period not exceeding
two weeks. During such temporary transport or holding, the owner/handler shall keep the
3
pit bull muzzled and securely leashed with a leash sufficient to control the dog, no longer
than four feet in length and held by the owner/handler who requires the use of the
service animal. In the event the handler, because of a disability, is not able to use a
muzzle or leash no longer than four feet in length, or in the event the use of a muzzle or
a leash no longer than four feet in length would interfere with the service animal's safe,
effective performance of its service work or tasks, the service animal must be otherwise
under the handler's absolute control at all times.
III. License. The owner/handler of a pit bull service animal who has applied for and
received a pit bull service animal license shall be allowed to keep said pit bull within the city. As
a condition of issuance of a pit bull service animal license the owner shall, at the time of
application, comply with or otherwise provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate to the City
Code Administration Manager that the owner is in compliance with all of the following
regulations:
(a) The owner of the pit bull service animal shall provide proof of a current
rabies vaccination.
(b) The owner of the pit bull service animal shall renew the license annually
to maintain its currency. The pit bull service animal license is not transferable or
renewable except by the licensee or by a member of the immediate family of the
licensee. A pit bull service animal license tag shall be issued to the owner at the time the
license is issued. The license tag shall be attached to the pit bull service animal by
means of a collar or harness which must be worn by the animal at all times. The license
tag shall remain clearly visible and shall not be attached to any pit bull other than the pit
bull service animal for which the license was issued.
(c) The owner must be at least 18 years of age.
(d) The owner shall, at the owner's expense, have the pit bull service animal
spayed or neutered and shall present to the City Code Administration Manager or his
designee documentary proof from a licensed veterinarian that this sterilization has been
performed.
(e) The owner shall, at the owner's expense, have a microchip containing an
identification number, as defined in YMC 6.20.010(13), implanted into the pit bull and
shall provide proof of such registration to the animal control division and the Licensing
Department. The Licensing Department shall maintain a file containing the registration
numbers and names of the pit bull service animals and the names and addresses of the
owners. The owner shall immediately notify the Licensing Department of any change of
address.
4
(f) Except as stated below and at all times when a pit bull service animal is
at the owner's property, the owner shall keep the pit bull confined. When outdoors, all pit
bull service animals shall be confined in a locked secure enclosure, as defined in this
Section, or kept within the rear yard of the owner's property, said rear yard enclosed by
a six foot fence maintained in a manner to prevent the pit bull service animal from
leaving the back yard without the owner's accompaniment. When away from the
owner's property the pit bull service animal shall be accompanied by its owner/handler or
an adult at least 18 years of age at all times.
(g) At all times when a pit bull service animal is away from the property of the
owner, the owner shall keep the pit bull service animal muzzled and either in a secure
temporary enclosure or securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length
held by someone 18 years of age or older who is capable of effectively controlling the
dog. Extension-style leashes may not be used. Leashes may not be attached to
inanimate objects. In the event the handler, because of a disability, is not able to use a
leash equal to or less than four feet in length, or in the event the use of a muzzle or a
leash no longer than four feet in length would interfere with the service animal's safe,
effective performance of work or tasks, the service animal must remain under the
handler's complete control at all times when away from the owner's property, the manner
of control to be fully described to the code enforcement and Animal Control officer at the
time of licensing. This regulation and the means for controlling the pit bull may be
modified for service animals by the Code Administration Manager or designee as
determined necessary and reasonable. Any such modification of the means of control
set forth herein shall be memorialized in the licensing documentation upon issuance of
said license.
(h) The owner shall not sell or otherwise transfer the pit bull service animal to
any person residing within the city.
(i) The owner shall immediately notify the animal control division in the event
that the pit bull is loose, stolen, at-large, unconfined, has mauled, bitten, attacked,
threatened, or in any way menaced another animal or human, or has died.
(1) No person applying for a pit bull service animal license shall be granted a
breeders permit for such pit bull service animal.
(k) Failure to comply with any of these conditions shall result in a revocation
of the license, impoundment and disposition pursuant to subsection (IV) of this section.
5
IV. Impoundment. The animal control division is authorized to immediately impound
any pit bull service animal found within the city limits which does not qualify for the exception
stated within this Section, subiect to all of the procedures and processes set forth in YMC
6.18.025-.026 and YMC 6.20.300-.330. If the doq is found not to be a pit bull as a result of DNA
testing, evidence obtained at the owner's option and sole expense, or if the doq is determined to
be a service animal, the dog shall be released to the owner, subiect to full compliance with
every requirement of this Chapter. Notwithstanding a finding that the dog is not a pit bull or a
finding that the dog is a service animal, a dog may be impounded and the owner/handler may
be held responsible for violations of this section or any other applicable state or local law.
V. Penalty. Any person found guilty of violating this Section relating to exceptions to
pit bull prohibitions within the City, upon conviction, shall be subiect to all of the penalty
provisions of this Section.
Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 18th day of March, 2014.
ATTEST: Micah Cawley, Mayor
City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
6