§ 8-20-3. Dog or animal declared dangerous/vicious.

A.

Within 30 days after an animal has been classified as dangerous/vicious, the owner of the animal must obtain a certificate of registration and a tag for the animal from the animal control authority, and the certificate shall be renewed annually. The animal control administrator, or his or her designee, is authorized to issue such certificates of registration, and renewals thereof, only to persons who are at least 18 years of age and who present to the animal control administrator, or his or her designee, sufficient evidence of:

1.

A current certificate of rabies vaccination for the animal;

2.

A proper enclosure to confine a dangerous/vicious animal and the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign at all entry points which informs both children and adults of a dangerous/vicious animal on the property or premises which reads:

Warning

Dangerous/Vicious Dog

(or Animal) on Premises

3.

Permanent identification of the animal such as a tattoo on the inside thigh or electronic implantation;

4.

Proof that the dog has been spayed/neutered;

5.

Proof to the animal control authority that public liability insurance or a bond of at least $50,000.00 is in effect insuring the owner of the animal for any damages, whether arising from personal injury or otherwise, which may be caused by the dangerous/vicious animal. Such policy must provide for 30 days' notice to the City of Memphis Animal Services prior to cancellation or expiration of the policy. In the event such liability insurance or bond is cancelled, lapses, or for any other reason becomes unenforceable, the owner shall be in violation of the provisions of this chapter and title;

6.

Purchase of a dangerous/vicious dog tag from the animal control administrator which must be worn by the animal at all times; and

7.

Payment in the amount of $50.00 for the issuance of certificates of registration and dangerous/vicious dog (animal) tag. For purposes of administering the provisions of this section, the fees provided herein shall be credited to the Memphis Animal Shelter in a specific line item account.

B.

If the owner does not obtain a certificate of registration and a tag within 30 days then the dog becomes the property of the city.

C.

The owner shall immediately notify the appropriate animal control authority when an animal that has been classified as dangerous/vicious:

1.

Is running at large or unconfined;

2.

Has bitten a human being;

3.

Is sold, given away, or dies;

4.

Is moved to another address.

Prior to a dangerous/vicious animal being sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address and telephone number of the new owner to the animal control authority; any new owner residing in the city must comply with all the requirements of this chapter and title.

D.

It is unlawful for the owner of a dangerous/vicious animal to permit the animal to be outside a proper enclosure unless the animal is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under the control of a competent person. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury of the animal or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting any person.

(Code 1985, § 5-66; Ord. No. 4954, § 1, 8-6-2002; Ord. No. 5214, § 17, 9-7-2007)