Chapter 57 – Dangerous And Vicious Animals

2. The Mayor, in lieu of impoundment, may permit a "vicious animal" to be held in a custodian's residence. In any case, the owner may not remove the accused animal from the confinement without written approval of the confining authority and the Mayor. The owner must agree to make the animal available for observation and inspection by authorized representatives for the City without the prior written approval of the Mayor and the confining authority. Section 12. Public Hearing on Disposition of Seizure, Impoundment, and Disposition of Dangerous Animals and High Risk Animals. In the event, that either a dangerous animal or a high risk animal is apprehended and impounded, or if a written report of a dangerous or vicious animal is filed with the City Council, the City Clerk must set a public hearing date that is no later than 10 days from the receipt of the report. The City must provide written notice to the animal's owner, the complainant, and any witnesses. The public hearing will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to appear. Failure of the owner to appear at the public hearing will not prevent the hearing being held nor will it prevent the Council from issuing a ruling. If the City Council determines that the allegations are true, they may require reasonable terms and conditions or restrictions for the training, handling, or maintenance of the animal to abate the condition that instigated the hearing, including but not limited to: A. Selection of locations within the owner's property or premises where the animal must not be kept. B. Requirement as to size, construction, or design of an enclosure where the animal may be kept. C. Specialized training from a trainer or training program, approved by the City, to correct any of the animal's behavioral problems. D. Surgical spay or neuter of the animal. E. Removal of one or more animals to another location outside the City. F. Types and methods of restraint or muzzling or both.