City rules define 'dangerous animals'

ottumwacourier ^

[chance33_98]

City rules define 'dangerous animals'

By CINDY TOOPES, Courier staff writer

OTTUMWA - City authorities issued a press release Tuesday afternoon about the pit-bull attack and attached copies of city regulations about the handling and housing of pit bull terriers.

At a 3:30 p.m. press conference, Ottumwa Police Lt. Jim Clark explained some of the city regulations.

Owners must keep the dog in a kennel with a roof and a floor. If there is no floor, the cage has to go 2 feet into the ground, Clark said.

If an owner is walking a pit bull, the animal must have a muzzle and be on a 4-foot leash (or shorter).

Failure to comply with city ordinances could result in a $100 fine or 30 days in jail.

The sections of the city code which apply are from Article 4: Dangerous Animals. Section 7-61 of that article defines "dangerous animal" as: "Any animal which is not naturally tame or gentle and which is of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury upon, or causing disease among, human beings or domestic animals and having known tendencies as a species to do so."

A dangerous animal could also be "any animals declared to be dangerous by the city council."

The following animals are deemed to be dangerous animals: lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, lynxes, cheetahs and bobcats; wolves, coyotes and foxes; badgers, wolverines, weasels and skunks; raccoons; bears; monkeys, chimpanzees and other primates; alligators and crocodiles; scorpions; snakes that are venomous or constrictors; gila monsters; any crossbreed of such animals which have similar characteristics to the animals specified above; piranha and sharks; and pit bull terrier.

Section 7-63 lists exceptions to 7-62, which states no person shall keep a dangerous animal. Section 7-64 explains the regulation of keeping dangerous animals; 7-65, escape, general prohibition and duty; and 7-66, seizure, impoundment and disposition of dangerous animals.

[chance33_98]

I move we add liberals to the list.

[chance33_98]

WOOF!

[chance33_98]

The sections of the city code which apply are from Article 4: Dangerous Animals. Section 7-61 of that article defines "dangerous animal" as: "Any animal which is not naturally tame or gentle and which is of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury upon, or causing disease among, human beings or domestic animals and having known tendencies as a species to do so."

I am thinking San Francisco here...

[Snowy]

Click on the link for the Ottumwa Courier. Another mauling....

[cricket]

"I move we add liberals to the list."

. . .agree unequivacally. . .

[Snowy]

I move we add liberals to the list.

Liberals aren't dangerous, though they may carry diseases. A strong insect spray should take care of them.

[Larry Lucido]

Thank heavens, my collection of West Nile mosquitos isn't covered by that ordinance. Imagine trying to put muzzles on those things!

[Grit]

You should try to walk a shark or piranha on a four-foot leash!

[Larry Lucido]

You should try to walk a shark or piranha on a four-foot leash!

My half-Dalmatian chewed through her leash. I'm beginning to think the other half is alligator.