Sec. 14-133Animal owner responsibilities

(a) The owner of any dog which has been classified as "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" must register said dog with the city on an annual basis. Failure to register a "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" dog on an annual basis shall be grounds for confiscation of the dog or dogs by the dog control officer. In order to obtain registration or re-registration of such an animal, owners must present or provide evidence to the dog control officer of the following requirements:

(1) Proof of proper enclosure adequate to confine the dog, i.e., a pen, fence, or structure that prevents the dog from escaping and children from coming into contact with the dog. The enclosure must also protect the dog from the elements;

(2) Proof that uniform warning sign is present on the owner's premises. The warning sign may be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources and shall be available through the city. Dog owner signs must conform to the department of Natural Resources Uniform Design;

(3) For dangerous dogs only, liability insurance of at least $15,000.00;

(4) For dangerous dogs only, a surety bond in the amount of $15,000.00.

(b) A person applying for registration or re-registration of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog shall pay an annual registration fee of $100.00.

(c) Owners of classified dogs must notify the dog control officer within 24 hours if the dog is on the loose, unconfined, has attacked a person, has died, or been sold or donated. If the dog has been sold or donated, the owner shall also provide the dog control officer with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner of the dog. Failure to so notify the dog control officer shall be grounds for confiscation of said dog.

(d) An owner of a classified dog shall keep the dog in a proper enclosure unless restrained by a strong leash and accompanied by a responsible person. Dangerous dogs when not adequately enclosed must also be muzzled when outside the enclosure. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but will prevent it from biting any person. Violation of this provision, in addition to constituting a misdemeanor, shall be grounds for confiscation of the dog.

(e) An owner of a classified dog shall notify the dog control officer when moving from the jurisdiction of the city. Failure of the owner to comply with this provision, in addition to being a misdemeanor hereunder shall be grounds for confiscation of the dog.

(f) Any owner of a dog which has been classified as a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog, or similarly classified, in another jurisdiction within this state must notify the Dog Control Officer of Turner County within ten days of residency. Violation of this provision, in addition to being a misdemeanor, shall be grounds for confiscation of the dog.

(g) Any owner of a dog meeting the classification requirements hereunder moving into the city from outside the State of Georgia must notify the dog control officer within 30 days of residency. Violation of this provision, in addition to being a misdemeanor, shall be grounds for confiscation of the dog.

(h) The dog control officer is authorized to make whatever inquiry is deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this article.

(i) Issuance of a certificate of registration or the renewal of a certificate of registration by Turner County does not warrant or guarantee that the requirements specified in this article are maintained by the owner of a dangerous dog or a potentially dangerous dog on a continuous basis following the date of the issuance of the initial certificate of registration or following the date of any annual renewal of such certificate.