Knowledge Base

Sec. 6-11. Public nuisance animal.

(a) A public nuisance animal shall mean and include any animal or animals that:

(1) Is observed to run at large, as defined by section 6-22, two (2) or more times in any six-month period;

(2) Excessively makes disturbing noises including, but not limited to, continued or repeated howling, barking, whining, or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;

(3) Creates unsanitary conditions or offensive and objectionable odors in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept and thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept;

(4) Is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by virtue of the number or types of animals maintained; or

               (5) An animal which is not being kept in conformity with city zoning ordinances.

(b)  No person shall keep, harbor, act as the custodian of or permit to remain in or about any premises occupied by him any public nuisance animal, and violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. In addition, any violation of this section is hereby declared a public nuisance, and any person suffering injury or damage therefrom may seek correction, removal or abatement of such public nuisance through appropriate suit in equity. Any public nuisance animal, as defined by subsection (a) of this section, may be impounded.

(c)  This section shall have no application to dangerous and vicious dogs which are regulated by division 3 of this article.