Fort Jones Municipal Code Ch. 6.12 Wild and Vicious Animals

(a) No person owning or possessing an animal or reptile known by such person to be vicious or dangerous, or commonly so known, or any animal referred to as "wild animal," or any poisonous reptile, shall permit the animal or reptile to be at large upon highway, street, road, or other public place or upon any private property other than the enclosed premises of such owner.

(b) Any dog having a disposition or propensity to attack or bite people or animals without provocation is considered a wild or vicious animal. The animal control officer shall direct the owner of such dogs in person and in writing to keep the dog within a substantial enclosure or securely attached to a chain or other type of reasonably adequate control. If, upon receiving notice, the owner fails to provide adequate restraint or control of the animal as ordered by the animal control officer, the animal shall be subject to summary seizure and impoundment.

(Ord. No. 2021-1, exh. A(6.08.030), 3-8-2021)

Any animal that has bitten a person without provocation is considered a vicious animal and must be quarantined in a manner approved by the local health officer, code enforcement officer, or police chief and be observed for at least 14 days for animals other than dogs and cats and at least ten days for dogs and cats after the day of infliction of the bite. Quarantine location will be determined case by case by the local health officer, code enforcement officer or police chief.

(Ord. No. 2021-1, exh. A(6.08.040), 3-8-2021)

(a) Animals deemed vicious pursuant to this chapter shall be euthanized in the following circumstances:

(1) An animal that has bitten persons on two separate occasions within a one-year period; provided, however, that biting a person that was trespassing when bitten shall not be counted for purposes of this subsection.

(2) An animal that, without provocation, while off the owner's premises, attacks a person resulting in considerable injury to the person.

(b) Prior to euthanization of an animal pursuant to this section, the town council shall conduct a hearing regarding the animal and may affirm or modify the determination of the animal control officer. The owner of the animal shall be given a sufficient written notice of the hearing to allow the owner to attend. Hearings under this subsection shall be held as soon as practical after the incident that resulted in the euthanization order.

(c) Humane euthanasia shall be done by a state-licensed veterinarian and documentation shall be presented to the animal control officer by the veterinarian within 48 hours after the procedure.

(Ord. No. 2021-1, exh. A(6.08.050), 3-8-2021)