§ 8-73. Attacking animals.

(a)

The owner of any animal shall be in violation of this chapter if the animal poses a physical threat to human beings or other animals by virtue of an attack that caused property damage and/or physical injury.

(b)

Animal attack. For the purposes of this section, an animal attack shall mean any physical contact of the teeth, nails, or claws with human flesh, including, but not limited to, a scrape, puncture, pierce, scratch or tear that results in bleeding.

(c)

Exceptions. An owner shall not be in violation of this chapter if:

(1)

The animal inflicts an injury upon a person when the animal is being used by a law enforcement officer to carry out the law enforcement officer's official duties.

(2)

The injury inflicted by the animal was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort; was tormenting, abusing or assaulting the animal; had in the past been reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the animal; or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

(d)

Notice to the county. Any person having information an animal has bitten or attacked a person shall immediately report such information to county animal control.

(e)

Classification of dogs. The dog control officer shall investigate all dog bites and attacks for the possible classification of such dogs as dangerous or violent pursuant to section 8-123 of this chapter.

(f)

Quarantine of biting animals. Any animal determined to have attacked a person shall be immediately strictly confined and isolated for observation pursuant to section 8-142 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 16-008 , 12-19-2016)