Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/dc-dog-consolidated-dog-laws-and-dangerous-dog-provision
Timestamp: 2019-02-18 12:08:37
Document Index: 114086196

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 104', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 10', '§ 104', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 7', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 10', '§ 104', '§ 8', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 12', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 13', '§ 13', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 201', '§ 8', '§ 3', '§ 202', '§ 8', '§ 401', '§ 402', '§ 403', '§ 404', '§ 405', '§ 406', '§ 407', '§ 408', '§ 8', '§ 409', '§ 65', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8']

DC - Dog - Consolidated Dog Laws and Dangerous Dog Provision | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Full Statute Name: District of Columbia Official Code 2001 Edition. Division I. Government of District. Title 8. Environmental and Animal Control and Protection. Subtitle E. Animal Control and Protection. Chapter 18. Animal Control.
Primary Citation: DC CODE § 8-1801 - 1814; § 8-1821.01- .02; § 8-1831.01; 8-1841.01 - .09; 8-1901 - 1908 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: October, 2018 Alternate Citation: DC ST § 8-1801 - 1814; § 8-1821.01- .02; § 8-1831.01; 8-1841.01 - .09; 8-1901 - 1908
§ 8-1801 . Definitions.
§ 8-1802 . Animal and Control Control Agency.
§ 8-1803 . Vaccinations.
§ 8-1804 . Licenses and fees.
§ 8-1804.01. Animal hobby permit.
§ 8-1805 . Impoundment.
§ 8-1806 . Release to owner.
§ 8-1807 . Adoption.
§ 8-1808 . Prohibited conduct.
§ 8-1808.01 . Dog parks. - Recodified as § 8-1810.02.
§ 8-1808.02. Animals Left in Vehicles.
§ 8-1809 . Animal hobby permit. - Recodified as § 8-1804.01.
§ 8-1810 . Education and incentive program.
§ 8-1810.01. Animal Education and Outreach Fund.
§ 8-1810.02. Dog parks.
§ 8-1811 . Penalty.
§ 8-1812 . Civil liability. - § 8-1812. Civil liability. [Repealed]
§ 8-1813 . Notice of violation.
§ 8-1814. Rules.
Subchapter II. Commercial Licensing Requirement.
§ 8–1821.01. Commercial Animal Breeder License.
§ 8–1821.02 . Commercial Pet Care Facilities; Rulemaking.
Subchapter III. Release of Animals.
Subchapter IV. Commercial Guard Dogs.
§ 8-1841.01. Definitions.
§ 8-1841.02. License; immunizations.
§ 8-1841.03. Health.
§ 8-1841.04. Insurance requirements.
§ 8-1841.05. Notification requirements.
§ 8-1841.06. Signage.
§ 8-1841.07. Care of animal.
§ 8-1841.08. Violation and penalty.
§ 8-1841.09. Rules.
§ 8-1901 . Definitions.
§ 8-1902 . Determination of a dangerous dog.
§ 8-1903 . Consequences of a dangerous dog determination.
§ 8-1904 . Dangerous dog registration requirements.
§ 8-1905 . Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog owner responsibilities.
§ 8-1906 . Penalties.
§ 8-1907 . Annual dangerous dog licensing drive; educational program.
§ 8-1908 . Rules.
§ 8-1801. Definitions.
(1) “Abandon” means to desert, forsake, or give up an animal without having secured another owner or custodian for the animal or having transferred the animal to the Animal Care and Control Agency.
(2) “Adequate care” means the responsible practice of animal husbandry, handling, confinement, protection, transportation, treatment, and, when necessary, euthanasia, appropriate for the age, species, condition, size, and type of the animal, and the provision of veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, impairment of health, or the treatment of illness or injury.
(3) “Adequate feed” means the provision of and access to food that is sufficient in quantity, prepared and provided in a manner so that the animal can consume it, and provided in a manner sanitary for the animal.
(4)(A) “Adequate shelter” means the provision of and access to shelter that is safe and protects each animal from injury, rain, sleet, snow, hail, the adverse effects of heat or cold, and physical suffering, and that is of a size sufficient for the animal to stand up and turn around.
(B) For a dog confined outside, the term “adequate shelter” shall additionally mean that:
(i) When the temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the dog has access to a shelter that has an entrance covered by a flexible wind-proofing material or self-closing door, that contains a platform for the dog at least 4 inches off the ground, and that contains dry bedding, which shall consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture, such as straw, and is of a sufficient depth for the dog to burrow; and
(ii) When the temperature is at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the dog has access to a shelter shaded by trees, a roof, a tarp, or a tarp-like device.
(5)(A) “Adequate space” means sufficient space to allow each animal to easily stand, sit, lie, turn, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal, while allowing the animal to interact safely with other animals.
(B) Where freedom of movement would endanger or harm the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to veterinary standards for the species is considered the provision of adequate space.
(6) “Adequate water” means the provision of and access to clean, fresh, potable water, provided in a suitable manner for proper hydration for the age, species, condition, size, and type of each animal.
(7) “Animal Care and Control Agency” means the District of Columbia humane organization the Mayor contracts with to manage animal care and control.
(8) “Animal shelter” means a privately- or government-owned facility established for the impoundment of stray, diseased, dangerous, sick, injured, abused, neglected, unwanted, abandoned, orphaned, lost, or otherwise displaced animals, with the intent to care for, quarantine, return to an owner, place for adoption, or euthanize the animals.
(9)(A) “At large” means any animal found off the premises of its owner or custodian and not leashed, tethered, or otherwise under adequate means of control of a person capable of physically restraining it.
(B) The term “at large” shall not include a dog in a dog park pursuant to § 8-1808.01.
(C) The term “at large” shall not include cats.
(10) “Custodian” means a person who has assumed responsibility for the care and well-being of an animal in place of the animal's owner with the owner's knowledge and permission.
(11) “Dangerous animal” means an animal that because of specific training or demonstrated behavior threatens the health or safety of the public. The term “dangerous animal” shall not include a dangerous dog as defined in § 8-1901(1).
(12) “Dog park” means an off-leash dog exercise area officially established pursuant to § 8-1808.01.
(13) “Extreme weather” means temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
(14) “Leash” means a line held by a person on one end that is for leading or restraining an animal.
(15) “Mayor” means the Mayor of the District of Columbia or his or her designee.
(16) “Owner” means a person in the District of Columbia who purchases or keeps an animal in temporary or permanent custody, except as provided in § 8-1804.
(17) “Tether” means a line connected to a stationary object by which an animal is fastened so as to restrict its range of movement.
(18) “Vaccinated” means protected by a documented inoculation that the Mayor, consistent with the practices of veterinary medicine, determines is currently effective.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 2, 26 DCR 765; Oct. 18, 1988, D.C. Law 7-176, § 9(a), 35 DCR 4787; Dec. 10, 2005, D.C. Law 16-40, § 2(a), 52 DCR 9087; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 104(a), 55 DCR 9186; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(a), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1802. Animal Care and Control Agency
(a) The Mayor may contract, either by negotiation or competitive bid, with a District of Columbia humane organization to serve as the Animal Care and Control Agency. The Mayor may delegate all or part of his authority under this chapter, including the issuance of notices of violations, to the Animal Care and Control Agency.
(2) Allow the Mayor or the Mayor's designee to inspect the Animal Care and Control Agency to determine compliance with District laws, regulations, policies, and contractual obligations;
(4) Immediately inform the Mayor or the Mayor's designee of any significant changes in its operations or leadership;
§ 8-1803. Vaccinations.
(a) An owner who has a dog over the age of 4 months shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies and distemper. Pursuant to rules issued by the Mayor, an owner of a cat over the age of 4 months shall have that cat vaccinated against rabies.
(b) The Mayor shall provide a free rabies vaccination clinic at least annually.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 4, 26 DCR 765; Mar. 10, 1983, D.C. Law 4-199, § 4(a), 30 DCR 119; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(c), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1804. Licenses and fees
“(3) $50 for all other dogs.”.
(a) No person shall own or keep 7 or more animals, larger than a guinea pig and over the age of 4 months, without obtaining an animal hobby permit; provided, that this section shall not apply to a licensed pet shop, licensed veterinary hospital, circus or traveling exhibition.
(b) An owner of 7 or more animals shall before July 1st of each year or within 10 days of acquiring 7 or more animals obtain the permit required by this section.
(c) An owner applying for an animal hobby permit shall fully describe the kind and number of animals to be maintained and the premises where the animals are to be kept.
(d) No animal hobby permit shall be issued to:
(1) An owner unless the owner has obtained the necessary animal licenses as required by law;
(2) An owner who maintains animals for commercial purposes. For purposes of this section, “commercial purposes” shall not include the sale of offspring if such sales are occasional and are not the primary purpose for maintaining the animals.
(e) The Mayor shall collect the fees and issue the permits as provided in this section.
(f) A holder of an animal hobby permit shall provide his or her animals with adequate care, adequate feed, adequate shelter, adequate space, adequate water, and appropriate veterinary care.
(g) A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit objectionable odors or noises to disturb the comfort or quiet of any neighborhood. A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit a animal to commit a nuisance on public space or property owned by others.
(h) The Mayor may revoke an animal hobby permit for failure to comply with the provisions of this section.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 10, 26 DCR 765; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 104(f), 55 DCR 9186; redesignated as § 5a, Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(e), (f), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1805. Impoundment.
§ 8-1806. Release to owner.
(a) The Mayor shall not release a dog to its owner unless the owner has obtained a license as provided in § 8-1804.
(b) An owner of an animal that is impounded shall pay the following:
(1) An impoundment fee of $15 for animals certified by a licensed veterinarian as either spayed or neutered or incapable of enduring spaying or neutering;
(2) An impoundment fee of $15 for unneutered and unspayed animals, provided the owner agrees to have the animal sterilized and prepays the cost of the surgery;
(3) An impoundment fee of $75 for dogs and $50 for all other animals that have not been spayed or neutered, where the owner does not utilize the option in paragraph (2) of this subsection;
(4) A boarding fee of $5 for each night after the 1st night;
(5) The cost of veterinary services, including vaccinations, provided by the Mayor; and
(6) Any outstanding fines.
(c) The Mayor shall issue a notice of violation to an owner of an animal impounded under § 8-1805 except that this subsection shall not apply the 1st time an owner has an animal impounded.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 7, 26 DCR 765; Mar. 17, 1993, D.C. Law 9-236, § 2(c), 40 DCR 614; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(h), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1807. Adoption.
(a) The Mayor shall not release a dog for adoption unless the person adopting the dog obtains a license as provided in § 8-1804.
(b)(1) The Mayor shall not release a female animal over the age of 6 months for adoption unless:
(A) The animal has been spayed; and
(B) The person adopting the animal has paid the expense of spaying.
(2) The Mayor shall not release a female animal under the age of 6 months for adoption unless the person adopting the animal has paid the expense of spaying the animal. The person adopting the animal shall have it spayed before it becomes 6 months of age.
(3) The Mayor shall not release a male animal over the age of 10 months for adoption unless:
(A) The animal has been neutered; and
(B) The person adopting the animal has paid the expense of neutering.
(4) The Mayor shall not release a male animal under the age of 10 months for adoption unless the person adopting the animal has paid the expense of neutering the animal. The person adopting the animal shall have it neutered before it becomes 10 months of age.
(5) The Mayor shall refund any money collected for the purpose of spaying or neutering an animal upon proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered by a private veterinarian.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 8, 26 DCR 765; Sept. 16, 1980, D.C. Law 3-97, § 2(c), 27 DCR 3523.)
§ 8-1808.01. Dog parks. -
Recodified as § 8-1810.02.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9a, as added Dec. 10, 2005, D.C. Law 16-40, § 2(c), 52 DCR 9087.)
(a) The Mayor is authorized to establish dog parks on District-owned parkland in which a dog under the verbal command of a responsible adult may exercise off-leash.
(b) A dog park shall be completely enclosed by a fence and gate, both no less than 5 feet in height.
(c) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this section. The rules shall:
(1) Establish procedures for selecting a site for establishment of a dog park, which shall include notice to the public and an opportunity for public comment; and
(2) Establish procedures for the operation, maintenance, and use of a dog park, which shall include a process for enforcement of the rules and for monitoring and addressing health and environmental safety concerns.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9a, as added Dec. 10, 2005, D.C. Law 16- 40, § 2(c), 52 DCR 9087.)
(a) An owner or custodian shall not leave an animal alone in a vehicle in such a way as to endanger the animal's health or safety.
(b) After making a reasonable attempt to contact the owner or custodian, an animal control officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer may use reasonable force to remove the animal from the vehicle whenever it appears that the animal's health is endangered; provided, that no attempt to contact the owner or custodian is required if the animal is in immediate danger or appears in distress.
(c) Following an animal's removal from a vehicle by an animal control officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer, the animal shall be impounded and medical care shall be provided if needed. A written notice shall be left attached to the vehicle identifying the responding animal control officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer, and providing a phone number, time, date, and the location where the animal is being held.
(d)(1) Any person found in violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be responsible for all expenses incurred by the District in the care, medical treatment, and impound cost of the animal.
(2) The District shall not be responsible for the:
(A) Injury or death to an animal due to enforcement of subsections (b) and (c) of this section; or
(B) Cost of any damage to a vehicle due to enforcement of subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9b, as added Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(k), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1809. Animal hobby permit.
Recodified as § 8-1804.01.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 10, 26 DCR 765; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 104(f), 55 DCR 9186.)
(a) No person shall own or keep 7 or more mammals, larger than a guinea pig and over the age of 4 months, without obtaining an animal hobby permit: Except, that this section shall not apply to a licensed pet shop, licensed veterinary hospital, circus or traveling exhibition.
(b) An owner of 7 or more mammals shall before July 1st of each year or within 10 days of acquiring 7 or more mammals obtain the permit required by this section.
(c) An owner applying for an animal hobby permit shall fully describe the kind and number of mammals to be maintained and the premises where the mammals are to be kept.
(2) An owner who maintains mammals for commercial purposes. For purposes of this section, “commercial purposes” shall not include the sale of offspring if such sales are occasional and are not the primary purpose for maintaining the mammals.
(f) A holder of an animal hobby permit shall provide his mammals with appropriate veterinary care. A holder of an animal hobby permit shall maintain the premises and enclosures where the mammals are kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(g) A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit objectionable odors or noises to disturb the comfort or quiet of any neighborhood. A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit a mammal to commit a nuisance on public space or property owned by others.
§ 8-1810. Education and incentive program.
The Mayor shall implement an education and incentive program, which shall include the following:
(1) Low-cost spay and neuter clinic services; and
(2) An educational program for animal owners regarding pet care and safety, specifically in extreme weather conditions or emergencies, and the laws related to pet ownership.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 11, 26 DCR 765; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(l), 64 DCR 11682.)
(a) There is established as a special fund the Animal Education and Outreach Fund (“Fund”), which shall be utilized in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Revenue deposited into the Fund shall come from $2 of each fee paid for the application, issuance, or renewal of a dog license pursuant to § 8-1804(e-1).
(1) Pursuant to § 8-1810, providing for low-cost spay and neuter clinic services, and implementing an educational program for animal owners regarding pet care and safety, specifically in extreme weather conditions or emergencies, and the laws related to pet ownership; and
(2) Appropriate overhead and administrative expenses related to the Fund.
(d) The money deposited into the Fund shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 11a, as added Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(m), 64 DCR 11682.)
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 9a, as added Dec. 10, 2005, D.C. Law 16-40, § 2(c), 52 DCR 9087; redesignated § 11b, Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 21-37, § 2(j), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1811. Penalty.
(a) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to set specific fine amounts for violations of each provision of this subchapter; provided, that the fines shall not exceed the following amounts:
(1) $500 for each offense, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2) $1000 for each offense for violations of § 8-1808(n), (o) or (p)(1).
(b) Fines issued under this section shall not preclude any other criminal or civil penalty or enforcement action provided by District law.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 12, 26 DCR 765; Mar. 17, 1993, D.C. Law 9-236, § 2(e), 40 DCR 614; Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(n), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1812. Civil liability. - § 8-1812. Civil liability. [Repealed]
If a dog injures a person while at large, lack of knowledge of the dog's vicious propensity standing alone shall not absolve the owner from a finding of negligence.
(Sept. 16, 1980, D.C. Law 3-97, § 2(f), 27 DCR 3523.)
§ 8-1813. Notice of violation.
(c) A notice of violation shall be the summons and complaint for the purposes of this chapter.
(d) A person shall answer a notice of violation within 15 days by:
(1) Depositing and forfeiting collateral in an amount established by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; or
(2) Depositing collateral in an amount established by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and requesting, through the issuing agency, a trial in Court.
(e) The Mayor shall prescribe the form for the notice of violation and establish procedures for the administrative control of the notice of violation.
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 13, 26 DCR 765.)
(Oct. 18, 1979, D.C. Law 3-30, § 13a, as added Dec. 20, 2017, D.C. Law 22-37, § 2(p), 64 DCR 11682.)
§ 8-1821.01. Commercial animal breeder license.
(a) Within 180 days of December 5, 2008, the Mayor shall establish licensure requirements for commercial animal breeders in the District of Columbia, which shall include:
(1) Licensing fees;
(2) Standards for the care and management of animals; and
(3) Facility inspection requirements.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “commercial animal breeder” means any person, firm, organization, or corporation engaged in the operation of breeding and raising more than 25 animals per year for sale or in return for consideration.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 201, 55 DCR 9186.)
§ 8-1821.02. Commercial pet care facilities; rulemaking.
(a) No person shall operate a commercial pet care facility without first obtaining a basic business license with an Inspected Sales and Services license endorsement pursuant to Title 47. The Mayor shall issue rules to establish the standards for the care and management of animals in a commercial pet care facility.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “commercial pet care facility” means a facility that provides day or overnight boarding, or provides pet-related services, including feeding, exercise, training, bathing, or grooming, but does not include an animal facility as defined in § 3-502 or a licensed pet shop.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 202, 55 DCR 9186.)
§ 8-1831.01. Release of animals.
Subchapter IV. Commercial Guard Dogs
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term “commercial guard dog” means any dog trained to guard, protect, patrol, or defend any commercial premises.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 401, 55 DCR 9186.)
(a) All commercial guard dogs shall have a valid commercial guard dog license issued pursuant to District law. Upon issuance of a license, the Mayor shall issue a fluorescent guard dog identification tag, or such other tag as the Mayor determines appropriate, to be affixed to the collar or harness of the commercial guard dog to indicate the dog is a commercial guard dog.
(b) All commercial guard dogs shall be immunized against rabies and distemper pursuant to District law, and a current and valid certificate of these immunizations shall be retained on file by the owner of the commercial guard dog.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 402, 55 DCR 9186.)
(a) All commercial guard dogs shall undergo an annual examination by a licensed veterinarian for the purpose of determining whether or not the animal is healthy and fit to work as a commercial guard dog. Upon a determination by a licensed veterinarian that a commercial guard dog is unfit to work, the dog shall not be used to guard, protect, patrol, or defend any commercial premises until the dog is re-examined by the veterinarian. Upon a determination by a licensed veterinarian that a commercial guard dog is permanently unfit to work, the dog shall be immediately retired.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any individual, business, or entity to cause, allow, use, or train commercial guard dogs that have undergone the surgical procedure of ventricular cordectomy.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 403, 55 DCR 9186.)
An individual, business, or entity that utilizes a commercial guard dog shall maintain a general liability insurance policy for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage of not less than $50,000 to insure against liability resulting from acts of the animal performed while on guard duty.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 404, 55 DCR 9186.)
An individual, business, or entity that utilizes a commercial guard dog shall notify the Mayor, in writing, as to the presence of the animal and shall provide contact information for the entity responsible for the animal and a 24-hour emergency telephone number.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 405, 55 DCR 9186.)
An individual, business, or entity that utilizes a commercial guard dog shall post a sign in plain view alerting the public to the presence of a commercial guard dog and shall include the name of the entity responsible for the animal and a 24-hour emergency telephone.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 406, 55 DCR 9186.)
A commercial guard dog shall not be maintained on any premises unless the dog is provided:
(1) Full access to an enclosed shelter sufficient to protect the dog from wind, rain, excessive heat or cold, and disease; and
(2) Continuous access to sufficient food and water.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 407, 55 DCR 9186.)
Any person found guilty of violating this subchapter shall be subject to a penalty of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 408, 55 DCR 9186.)
§ 8-1841.09. Rules
The Mayor shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter.
(Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 409, 55 DCR 9186; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 65, 59 DCR 6190.)
Subtitle E. Animal Control and Protection. Chapter 19. Dangerous Dogs.
§ 8-1901. Definitions.
(1) (A) “Dangerous dog” means any dog that without provocation:
§ 8-1902. Determination of a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog.
(a) The Mayor is authorized to conduct an investigation and make a determination as to whether a dog is a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog. In determining whether a dog is a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, the Mayor shall consider all evidence obtained or presented to the Mayor relevant to the issue of whether the dog's behavior was the result of provocation or otherwise justified under the circumstances.
(2) The owner shall be liable to the District for the costs and expenses of the impoundment of the dog unless the dog is determined to be neither a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog. If a dog is determined to be a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, the owner, prior to reclaiming the dog in accordance with § 8-1903, shall reimburse the animal control agency its costs and expenses for the care of the dogs while in the animal control agency's custody plus any reasonable veterinary fees incurred for the dog during the period of impoundment. An owner's failure to pay the costs and expenses within 5 days of a final determination shall result in ownership of the dog reverting to the animal control agency.
(2) A court order vacating the determination shall not prevent the Mayor from later determining that the dog is a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog or poses a threat to public safety, based upon the dog's subsequent behavior.
§ 8-1903. Consequences of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination.
(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.
(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
§ 8-1904. Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog registration requirements.
(8) The owner has written permission of the property owner, if the dog owner is not the property owner, and from a homeowner's association, if appropriate, to house the dog on the premises where the dog will be kept.
(3) Fail to maintain a dangerous dog exclusively on the owner's property except for medical treatment or examination. When removed from the owner's property for medical treatment or examination, the dangerous dog shall be caged or under the control of a responsible person and muzzled and restrained with a chain or leash, not exceeding 4 feet in length. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dangerous dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting any human being or animal;
§ 8-1906. Penalties.
(c) A violation of this chapter shall be a civil infraction for purposes of Chapter 18 of title 2. Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this chapter, or the rules issued under authority of this chapter, pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 Adjudication of any infractions shall be pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2.
§ 8-1907. Annual dangerous dog licensing drive; educational program.
(Oct. 18, 1988, D.C. Law 7-176, § 8, 35 DCR 4787.
§ 8-1908. Rules.