§ 6-6. Regulation and control of dangerous and vicious dogs.

(a)

Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog.

(1)

It is unlawful for any person to own a dangerous dog without properly restraining or confining the dog.

(2)

A dangerous dog, while on the owner's property, shall, at all times, be kept indoors or in a secure enclosure.

(3)

A dangerous dog may be off the owner's property only if it is restrained by leash which prevents its escape or access to other persons.

(4)

Whoever violates this subsection shall be fined not more than $300.00.

(5)

This subsection shall not apply to:

a.

Any dog which is owned, or the service of which is employed, by any state or local law enforcement agency for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, or apprehension of offenders.

b.

Any dog trained in accordance with the standards of a national or regional search and rescue association to respond to instructions from its handler in the search and rescue of lost or missing individuals and which dog, together with its handler, is prepared to render search and rescue services at the request of law enforcement.

(6)

The owner of a dangerous dog shall post signs around the secure enclosure no more than 30 feet apart and at each normal point of ingress and egress. The signs shall bear the words "Beware of Dog," or "Dangerous Dog" in letters at least 3½ inches high and shall be so placed as to be readily visible to any person approaching the secure enclosure.

(7)

If any dangerous dog is found running at large in the village after being previously impounded, the dog shall be destroyed in a humane manner promptly after its second impoundment.

(8)

If a dog is maintained as a watchdog and is kept effectively yarded at all times, the dog shall not be deemed a dangerous dog if it bites a trespasser upon the property where the dog is kept. Any owner who maintains a watchdog shall post a sign bearing the words "Bad Dog" at the entrance to such property.

(b)

Unlawful ownership of a vicious dog.

(1)

It is unlawful for any person to own a vicious dog.

(2)

Whoever violates this section shall be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned for not more than 60 days, or both.

(3)

This subsection shall not apply to:

a.

Any dog which is owned, or the service of which is employed, by any state or local law enforcement agency for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, or apprehension of offenders.

b.

Any dog trained in accordance with the standards of a national or regional search and rescue association to respond to instructions from its handler in the search and rescue of lost or missing individuals and which dog, together with its handler, is prepared to render search and rescue services at the request of law enforcement.

(Code 2004, § 4.4)