If the vicious dog causes injury to another but that injury is not serious, then the crime is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, the maximum penalty for which is set fourth above. If the vicious dog causes serious injury or death, the crime is classified as a fourth-degree felony and the court must require that the dog be destroyed. If you are having problems with a stray or abandon dog running loose, please contact us during our normal working hours and we will be happy to pick it up. If the dog belongs to a neighbor, please have the dog owner's address, and if known, their name available when you call us. If, after we have contacted them, the problem with their dog should continue, please call us back and notify us that you are still having a problem.
State law requires notification by registered letter.
The charge begins on the first day the dog is impounded. You may also be receiving citations for your dog running at large and if you failed to license it as required by law. These fines are paid separately to the courts at a later date. All animals are deserving of humane treatment. By law, our companion animals are required to have good wholesome food, water, and shelter from the elements.