Laguna Woods Municipal Code Ch. 5.16 Vicious Animals

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State Law reference— Potentially dangerous and vicious dogs, Food and Agricultural Code § 31601 seq.

It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, custody, charge or control of animals known by such person to be dangerous to cause or permit such animals to run loose about said person's premises in a manner endangering any person lawfully entering such premises, or to cause or permit the animals to be unrestrained upon or about any public street, sidewalk, park, schoolyard or property of other persons.

(Ord. No. 00-07, § 2(6.18.010), 10-18-2000)

(a) Whenever an animal suspected of being vicious is reported, the Animal Services Manager shall investigate the circumstances and, if he finds that such animal has done any of the acts, he shall notify the owner or harborer in writing, stating all of the facts and circumstances.

(b) If the Animal Services Manager determines the animal to be vicious, he may order the owner or harborer to keep such animal within a substantial enclosure or securely attached to a chain or any other type of control which the Animal Services Manager may deem adequate under the circumstances. If such restrain is impossible or impracticable, the animal may be impounded until the owner or harborer is able to comply with the Animal Services Manager's order.

(c) If, upon receiving written notification as provided for in this section, the owner or harborer fails to provide adequate restraint or control of said animal, as ordered by the Animal Services Manager, within a reasonable time, such owner or harborer shall be liable to prosecution for violation of this section.

(Ord. No. 00-07, § 2(6.18.020), 10-18-2000)

Whenever the Animal Services Manager receives a report of a dog with a disposition or propensity to attack or bite any person or animal without provocation, and he determines such animal to be dangerous, he may order the owner to post and keep posted upon the premises where such dog is kept under restraint, as provided in this chapter, a notice containing the words "BEWARE OF DOG." Each letter of said notice shall be not less than two inches in height and the notice will be displayed in plain and conspicuous view. Failure to obey such order in any respect as provided in this section shall render such owner liable to prosecution for violation of this section.

(Ord. No. 00-07, § 2(6.18.030), 10-18-2000)