§ 12-3-108. MENACING ANIMALS.

(a)

Authority. As an alternative to declaring an animal a dangerous animal, the Health Officer may declare an animal a menacing animal if the animal:

(1)

Attacks or injures a domestic animal; or

(2)

Exhibits aggressive or dangerous behavior and is not adequately confined or restrained.

(b)

Basis for declaration. The declaration shall be based on:

(1)

Personal observation;

(2)

Observations of animal control officers;

(3)

Citizen affidavits concerning the citizen's personal experience with the animal;

(4)

Animal control records; or

(5)

Other documented information.

(c)

Citation.

(1)

If an animal is declared a menacing animal, the Health Officer shall issue a civil citation to the owner declaring the animal a menacing animal.

(2)

The civil citation shall impose a civil monetary penalty of up to $500.

(d)

Payment or appeal. In accordance with the provisions of § 12-1-110 of this article, the owner of the menacing animal shall pay the civil monetary penalty or request a hearing before the Animal Hearing Board.

(1988 Code, § 6-9.1) (Bill No. 32-01, § 1, 5-25-2001; Bill No. 72-03, § 30, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 68-13, § 1, 12-29-2013)