A. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a vicious animal to keep the same unless confined in an enclosure or tethered on private property so as not to interfere with any member of the public or any other animal not belonging to the owner. Any person who violates this section commits a Class A municipal offense.

B. It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police or any member of the Police Department to impound any such vicious animal that is in violation of this section. In the event any animal is found to have bitten or attacked any person, or another animal not belonging to the owner, said animal may be destroyed under the direction of the Chief of Police, or his designee.

C. The Chief of Police, any police officer, or animal control officer may, in conjunction with a citation of violation under subsection (A) of this section, command such person’s attendance at a Court hearing concerning the disposal or destruction of the animal, to be held simultaneous with a trial scheduled to determine a violation under subsection (A) of this section.

D. Upon issuance of a Court order requiring disposal or destruction of the vicious animal, the Chief of Police, any police officer, or animal control officer shall require such violator to dispose of or destroy such vicious animal within twenty-four (24) hours of such order. The failure or refusal of such person to comply with the order shall constitute a separate violation of subsection (A) of this section, and each subsequent failure or refusal to comply with such order shall be deemed a separate offense. Further, upon such failure or refusal, the Chief of Police, any police officer, or animal control officer, shall impound and cause such a vicious animal to be humanely destroyed. The owner of such animal shall be responsible for and shall pay all costs of impoundment and destruction of the animal. (Ord. 529 §1, 2005)