§ 10-85. Permit required.

(a)

Generally. After registration of a dangerous dog or after a final determination that such dog is potentially dangerous in accordance with this article or G.S. ch. 67, no person shall own such dog thereafter within the territorial jurisdiction of this article without applying for and obtaining a permit from the animal control department.

(b)

Issuance of permit. The animal control department shall issue a permit for a dangerous dog only upon submission of a complete, verified application, payment of the permit fee and a finding by the director or his designee that:

(1)

The required conditions for keeping and housing the dog and other public health and safety protective measures are in effect; and

(2)

The dog for which a permit is issued does not pose an unreasonable threat to the public health, safety and general welfare if the owner shall comply with the provisions of this article and the conditions of the permit.

(c)

Condition of issuance. Issuance of a permit shall be conditioned on continued compliance with the provisions of this article and other provisions of state law, on continued compliance with and maintenance of the conditions for housing the dog and public safety set forth in the permit, and any special conditions the director may deem reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare in view of the particular circumstances and history of the dog for which the permit is issued.

(d)

Temporary permits. Following the registration of a dangerous dog or the impoundment of a dog declared to be potentially dangerous, upon application therefor and for good cause, the director may issue a temporary permit allowing the owner of a registered dangerous dog or a dog declared to be potentially dangerous to retain possession of such dog or to confine such dog at a veterinary facility or kennel approved by the director. The director may also issue a temporary permit to allow the transport of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog from the territorial jurisdiction of this chapter. A temporary permit shall be issued subject to the same conditions to which a regular permit is subject and to any other conditions the director may deem necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare consistent with the provisions of this article. A temporary permit shall be valid only until the earlier of its expiration, revocation or the issuance or denial of a permit under the provisions of this section.

(e)

Term of permits and renewal thereof. No permit shall be issued under this section for a term of more than three years but may, in the director's discretion, be issued for a shorter period. Permits must be renewed, subject to the same terms and conditions required for initial permits.

(f)

Revocation of permits. The director may, upon notice and hearing and for good cause shown, revoke any permit or modify any terms, conditions or provisions thereof. If the director deems it necessary to protect the public health or safety from any imminent threat or danger thereto, he may, without hearing, suspend any permit or any portion thereof for not more than 30 days. Good cause for revocation or modification of a permit shall include, without limitation, violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this article or with any term, condition or provision of a permit.

(g)

Inspections. The director shall cause periodic inspections to be made of the premises of the owner of a permitted dangerous or potentially dangerous dog to ensure compliance with the provisions of this article and the applicable permit.

(h)

Insurance. Every person owning a dangerous dog, as determined in accordance with this article or G.S. ch. 67, shall purchase and maintain a policy of liability insurance covering any injury or property damage caused by the dog. Minimum policy limits shall be $50,000.00 for personal injury or property damage, per occurrence. Such owner shall cause a certificate or declaration of insurance to be furnished to the director annually. Every day that the required insurance is not in full force and effect shall constitute a violation of this article.

(Ord. of 3-11-2015, § 10-35)