5-7-8: DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED:

   A.   Dogs At Large: Notwithstanding the following subsections, it shall be an infraction for any owner to allow a dog(s) to run At Large, as defined above.

   B.   Impoundment: The Animal Control Agency may impound any dog found At Large and there is no owner present, subject to redemption in the manner as provided for in this Chapter. It shall be unlawful to kill, destroy, or cause injury to a dog At Large, except as provided for elsewhere in this Chapter.

   C.   Collar and Tag Required: Every dog shall wear a substantial, durable collar or harness at all times, to which the required license tag shall be securely attached.

   D.   Training and Exercise Grounds: The Board of Ada County Commissioners may designate public grounds for the training or exercise of dogs, subject to certain rules and regulations. Dogs exercising in these areas need not be controlled by leash, provided they are under the control of a responsible person through whistle, voice, or other effective command.

   E.   Enclosure Requirements: Any owner who relies upon a fence, or other enclosure, to contain a dog while it is out of doors must maintain the fence or enclosure in a condition to prevent the dog from escaping and running At Large. In the event a dog escapes and is found At Large, or injures or attacks another animal or person through a defective fence, the Animal Control Agency may investigate and document the condition of the fence or enclosure where the owner regularly keeps the dog. If the fence is found to be defective or damaged, the owner shall repair the identified damage, deficiencies, or defects in the fence. If the owner fails to repair the identified damage, deficiencies, or defects, and the dog is again found running At Large, the owner may be cited under this provision for failure to repair the fence to prevent a dog from running At Large in addition to a citation for the dog running At Large. (Ord. 945, 1-24-2023)