A. Every owner of an animal shall exercise the necessary care and control of their animal to prevent the animal from becoming a public nuisance. Making noise in violation of LMC 10.12.300(B)(8), attacking passersby, chasing vehicles, attacking other domestic animals, depositing excretory material on property other than that of the owner, and damaging property other than that of the owner, shall be deemed a nuisance.

B. No person shall permit a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal, or an animal which has the propensity to bite or attack humans, to run loose on or within the owner’s property in such a manner as to endanger the safety of any person lawfully entering the premises.

C. Any animal making noise in violation of LMC 10.12.300(B)(8) in the presence of an animal control officer or police officer may be immediately impounded; provided, however, that no animal shall be impounded if it is contained within a house or other structure.

D. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction and shall pay a monetary fine as follows: first offense, $25.00; second offense, $50.00. Any owner who fails to respond to a notice of civil infraction as promised or to appear at a requested hearing shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and confinement not to exceed 90 days. Any person who receives infractions from violations of this section within one year and who subsequently violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may, upon conviction, be punished by confinement not to exceed 90 days and a fine not to exceed $1,000. (Ord. 2927 § 9, 2011; Ord. 2884 § 8, 2011; Ord. 2698 § 21, 2007; Ord. 2656 §§ 1, 2, 2006; Ord. 2604 § 1, 2006; Ord. 2091 § 16, 1996; Ord. 1597 § 5, 1987; Ord. 1526, 1986; Ord. 1215, 1981)