§ 8-1903 — Consequences of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination.

District of Columbia § 8-1903

• Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
• Title 8: Environmental and Animal Control and Protection.
• Ch. 19: Dangerous Dogs.

Text

(a) If the Mayor determines that a dog is a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, the owner shall comply with the requirements of §§ 8-1904 and 8-1905 and any other special security or care requirements the Mayor may establish.

(b) If a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog has been impounded and determined to pose a threat to public safety, the Mayor may only return the dog to its owner if the owner has:

(1) Met the registration requirements of § 8-1904 ;

(2) Agreed to comply with the requirements of § 8-1905 , where necessary; and

(3) Met or agreed to comply with any additional security or care requirements established by the Mayor.

(c) The Mayor may humanely destroy a dog if:

(1) The dog has been determined to be a threat to public safety if it is returned to the owner;

(2) The owner fails to comply with the registration requirements of § 8-1904 , the requirements of § 8-1905 , or any special security or care requirements established by the Mayor;

(3) The owner fails to reimburse the animal control agency for the costs and expenses of the dog’s impoundment as required by § 8-1902(d)(2) ; or

(4) The owner forfeits the dog for humane destruction.

Legislative History

Oct. 18, 1988, D.C. Law 7-176, § 4, 35 DCR 4787; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 105(c), 55 DCR 9186