6.04.030 – Dogs and canine-wild animal hybrids at large prohibited—Penalty—Exceptions. Dog and canine-wild animal hybrid waste removal required—Exceptions—Penalty.
A. The owner of a dog or canine-wild animal hybrid that is found at large upon the streets, sidewalks, alleys, or public property is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
B. The owner of a dog or canine-wild animal hybrid that is found at large upon the premises of the owner or upon the private premises of any other person is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
C. Dogs or canine-wild animal hybrids may be at large as an exception to subsections A and B of this section as follows:
1. While participating in field trials, obedience classes, or kennel club events where such trials, classes or events have been approved by the county animal care center;
2. While being used or trained for legal hunting or for control of livestock;
3. While assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties; or
4. Guide dogs while assisting blind, deaf or physically handicapped persons, so long as such dogs are under direct and effective voice control of such individuals to assure that they do not violate any other provisions of law.
D. Penalty. A violation of any provision of this section is punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars, four months in jail, two years’ probation, or any combination thereof. No judge may grant probation in lieu of, or otherwise suspend, the imposition of the minimum fine prescribed herein.
E. It shall be unlawful for the owner or person having custody of any dog or canine-wild animal hybrid to fail immediately to remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any solid waste deposited by such dog or canine-wild animal hybrid on public property or deposited on private property without the consent of the person in control of the property. This provision does not give the owner of the dog or canine-wild animal hybrid permission to enter private property without the consent of the person in control of the property.
F. Penalties. A person convicted of the offense prohibited by subsection (E) of this section is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, thirty days in jail, one year probation, or any combination thereof. No judge may grant probation in lieu of, or otherwise suspend, the imposition of the minimum fine prescribed herein.
G. Exceptions. Subsection (E) of this section shall not apply to blind persons, persons with mobility disabilities, or law enforcement officers accompanied by police dogs while on duty.
(Ord. 2011-70 § 1, 2011; Ord. 2004-17 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 2002-80 § 1 (part), 2002; Ord. 1991-66 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1989-159 § 1 (part), 1989; prior code § 15.04.030)