City of Richmond Heights, MO Article V Vicious Dogs

Section 210.320 Vicious Dog — Confinement — Leash and Muzzle — Insurance — Posting Warning.

[CC 1984 §6-70; Rev. M.C. 1963 Ch. 26; Ord. No. 2953 §1, 4-6-1970; Ord. No. 3140 §6-33; Ord. No. 4435 §2, 3-16-1992]

A. The owner of any vicious dog shall securely confine such dog indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the owner of the dog. The pen or structure shall have secure sides and a top securely attached to the sides. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides shall be embedded into the ground no less than one (1) foot. All such pens or structures shall be adequately lighted and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

B. The owner shall post a notice on the premises conspicuously visible to the public and noting in letters not less than two (2) inches high "VICIOUS DOG HERE" or "BEWARE — VICIOUS DOG" or "BEWARE OF DOG".

C. The owner of a vicious dog shall not suffer or permit the dog to go beyond the premises of the owner unless the dog is securely muzzled and restrained by a chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a person. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from biting any human or animal.

D. Owners of vicious dogs must, within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Chapter, provide proof to the City Manager of general liability or homeowners' liability insurance in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), per occurrence, insuring the owner against all claims for any personal injuries inflicted by his/her vicious dog.

Section 210.330 Seizure of Vicious Dog — Euthanize — Penalties.

[CC 1984 §6-71; Rev. M.C. 1963 Ch. 26; Ord. No. 2953 §1, 4-6-1970; Ord. No. 3140 §6-34; Ord. No. 4224 §10, 8-1-1988]

A. Any dog of vicious propensities found off the premises of its owner may be seized by any person authorized by the Health Commissioner or any other person designated by the City Manager.

B. The dog and owner may be brought to trial, and upon establishment by a preponderance of the evidence of the vicious propensities of such dog and that it was off the premises of its owner by testimony under oath, the court may order the dog to be euthanized.

C. Upon a showing, beyond a reasonable doubt, by testimony under oath of the vicious propensities of such dog and that it was off the premises of its owner, the owner may be subjected by the court to the penalties provided for in Section 210.340 of this Chapter.