Chapter 6.28
DANGEROUS ANIMALS
Sections:
6.28.020 Impoundment authorized.
6.28.030 Licensing of potentially dangerous nondomesticated and domesticated animals.
6.28.010 Investigation.
Whenever an animal suspected of being potentially dangerous or vicious is reported, the animal services executive director shall investigate the circumstances; and if he or she finds that the animal shows a propensity to attack, bite, scratch, or harass people or other animals without provocation, he or she shall notify the owner, stating all the facts and circumstances. He or she may under state law refer the matter to animal court, HMC 6.12.030(D). Animal court may order that the animal be immediately seized or kept within a substantial enclosure, securely leashed or otherwise controlled. If the owner cannot provide restraint, the animal shall be temporarily impounded at the expense of the owner. At any time after seven days’ impoundment for such purpose, the animal services executive director may, in his or her discretion, apply the provisions of Chapter 6.32 HMC. (Ord. 13-04(A) § 1, 2013; Ord. 89-04 § 2, 1989)
6.28.020 Impoundment authorized.
If upon receiving written notification the owner fails to restrain or control a potentially dangerous or vicious animal, as ordered, the owner is in violation of this title. The animal services executive director is empowered to seize and impound or destroy the animal. (Ord. 13-04(A) § 1, 2013; Ord. 89-04 § 2, 1989)
6.28.030 Licensing of potentially dangerous nondomesticated and domesticated animals.
A. No person shall possess any animal not commonly kept or raised in the city as a domesticated animal and which is or may be, in the opinion of the animal services executive director, dangerous to the health and safety of any person, without first obtaining a license for the possession of the animal.
B. If the possession of the animal does not violate any federal or state law or zoning ordinance, a dangerous animal license may be issued.
C. Each application for a dangerous animal license shall be upon a form furnished by the licensing authority.
D. All licenses issued under this chapter shall be kept posted in a conspicuous place on the premises where the animal resides.
E. Upon filing an application for an original or a renewal of a dangerous animal license, the licensing authority shall issue such license only after certification by the animal services executive director that:
1. The keeping of a dangerous animal for which the license is requested, and at the place set forth in the application, will not violate any law or regulation;
2. The keeping of the dangerous animal will not endanger the health, peace, or safety of the community;
3. The premises where the dangerous animal or animals are to be kept are clean and sanitary and that the animals will not be subjected to suffering, cruelty, or abuse; and
4. The applicant has not had a similar license revoked within one year prior to the application.
F. Any license issued for a dangerous animal may be subject to such additional conditions as may be required by the animal services executive director.
G. A license shall not be issued, or if issued, shall be revoked, where, in the opinion of the animal services executive director, the possession of the dangerous animal will endanger the health and safety of one or more persons.
H. In the event that a license is denied or revoked, the owner shall, within the time designated and under the conditions required by the animal services executive director, dispose of the unlicensed animal. (Ord. 13-04(A) § 1, 2013; Ord. 89-04 § 2, 1989)