Consequences of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination.
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. 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: Met the registration requirements of § 8-1904; Agreed to comply with the requirements of § 8-1905, where necessary; and Met or agreed to comply with any additional security or care requirements established by the Mayor. The Mayor may humanely destroy a dog if: The dog has been determined to be a threat to public safety if it is returned to the owner; 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; 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 The owner forfeits the dog for humane destruction.
Annotations
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 For temporary amendment of section, see § 3(d) of the Dangerous Dog Designation Emergency Amendment Act of 1996 (D.C. Act 11-351, August 12, 1996, 43 DCR 4553). For temporary amendment of section, see § 2(d) of the Pit Bull and Rottweiler Dangerous Dog Designation Emergency Amendment Act of 1996 (D.C. Act 11-257, April 16, 1996, 43 DCR 2156). D.C. Law 17-281 rewrote the section which had read as follows: “If a determination is made that a dog is a dangerous dog under § 8-1902, the owner shall comply with the provisions of §§ 8-1904 and 8-1905 and any other special security or care requirements established by the Mayor, and in accordance with a time schedule established by the Mayor. A dangerous dog determined to constitute a significant threat to the public health and safety if returned to its owner may be humanely destroyed.” 1981 Ed., § 6-1021.3. This section is referenced in § 8-1902 and § 8-1905.
Sourced from the DC Council Open Law Library (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.