§ 4-102. Determination of dangerous/vicious dog.

(a)

After an animal control officer has initially determined that a dog should be classified as dangerous/vicious and notification has been sent to the owner or other responsible party as provided in section 4-101, unless a petition has been filed by the county district attorney pursuant to T.C.A. § 44-17-120, a mandatory ordinance summons shall be obtained by the animal control officer against the owner citing the code section violated, setting a date to appear in the general sessions ordinance court for a determination. Any decision of the court shall be final, subject to appeal to a higher court of competent jurisdiction.

(b)

During the running of any appeal time, the animal shelter manager shall have authority to retain the dog for observation of rabies and safekeeping at the animal shelter. The owner is required to pay kennel and other fees if the dog remains at the animal shelter. However, at the owner's request and expense, the animal may be kept at a licensed veterinary clinic upon written statement to the animal shelter manager that the dog will be boarded in a private, licensed veterinary clinic and the posting of a bond with said manager in the amount of $2,000.00 to ensure compliance pending any and all court appearances.

(c)

Failure of an owner to respond to the ordinance summons shall result in the animal being automatically declared a dangerous/vicious dog.

(Code 1992, § 3-62; Ord. No. 261, § 5(B), 5-13-2002)