Legal Documents of Dandridge

Once a dog has been cited by law enforcement into the town municipal court and adjudicated to be a dangerous dog pursuant to § 10-101(3), the owner shall be subjected to a civil penalty not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) and must comply with the following regulations in order to keep the dog:

1. Register the dog adjudicated dangerous with the town recorder providing the owner's name, address and telephone number and the dog's name, date of birth (if known), breed, and two (2) colored photographs at least four by six inches (4" x 6") in size within five (5) days of the adjudication.
2. Notify the town recorder of the change of address of the owner, while the dog is in his possession.
3. All dogs adjudicated to be classified as dangerous shall not be allowed to go outside its place of confinement unless it is secured by a leash of sufficient strength no longer than four feet (4') in length, is under the physical control of person of suitable age, size and discretion and wearing a muzzle device sufficient to prevent the dog from biting persons or other animals.
4. All dogs adjudicated a dangerous dog shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed pen, kennel or structure unless the dog is properly leashed as provided in § 10-101(3). Securely confined indoors means the dog shall not be confined to any portion of a house or structure which would allow him to exit such building with windows or door opened, or when screened doors or windows are the only obstacles preventing their exit. Securely enclosed pen, kennel, or structure means that the confining structure must be at least eight feet (8') above ground on all four (4) sides; have a secured floor attached to the four (4) sides or the sides must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet (2'); have a secure top attached to the side to prevent escape and protect the dog from the elements; kept clean and sanitary; be of sufficient size to provide adequate exercise, space, light, and ventilation; and located in the rear yard of the residence.
5. If the dangerous dog is to be securely enclosed in a pen, kennel or structure, the owner shall keep the dog confined indoors until the securely enclosed pen is constructed and inspected by the town's building inspector.
6. The owner shall display a "Beware of Dangerous Dog" sign in a prominent place on the owner's premises, readable and visible from the driveway entrance or street and on the pen, kennel or structure. The size of the signs shall be twelve inches by twelve inches (12" x 12") in size.
7. The dangerous dog must be spayed or neutered, or if previously spayed or neutered, proof must be shown evidencing the procedure has been performed.
8. The owner of a dangerous dog shall obtain and provide the town recorder of a property damage or personal injury insurance policy insuring the owner of damage or injury caused by the dog in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) within twenty (20) days of being adjudicated dangerous. The policy shall contain a provision stating the issuing insurance agent will notify the town in the event the policy is canceled, terminated or expired. If the owner allows the insurance policy to lapse, it shall be a violation of this title.
9. The owner shall notify the town immediately if the dangerous dog is unconfined and on the loose; has attacked a human being or domestic animal or foul without provocation; has changed ownership, or died.
10. The owner shall attend the responsible dog ownership class on the date directed at a cost of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per person.
11. Any violation of any of the regulations hereinabove enumerated after the dog has been adjudicated dangerous (subsections (1) through (10)) will be deemed a separate violation and may result in another citation being issued to the owner. If the owner is found to be in violation of one (1) or more of this title's subsections, the dog will be impounded at the Jefferson County Humane Society in addition to a civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00). (Ord. #09/10-11, Jan. 2010, modified)