Northern Township >> Dog and Cat Ordinance

NORTHERN TOWNSHIP

ORDINANCE FOR THE REGULATION OF

DOGS AND CATS

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1.1. Title. This ordinance shall be known as the "Northern Township Dog and Cat Ordinance" and shall be referred to herein as this "Ordinance."

Section 1.2. Authority. This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the Town Board's authority under Minnesota Statute §368.01, subd. 13; Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 346 and 347; and such other authority as may apply.

Section 1.3. Definitions and Interpretation.

Subd. 1. Definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this Ordinance, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Any term not defined in this section shall have the meaning given the term in Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 346 and 347, to the extent defined therein.

(a) Abandoned. "Abandoned" means to leave a dog or cat at large within the Town without intending to return to or recover it. It shall also mean to purposefully leave a dog or cat in the possession of the Animal Control Officer, kennels, or impound facility.

(b) Animal Control Officer. "Animal Control Officer" means the person appointed by the Bemidji Rural Animal Control Organization (BRACO) to provide animal control operations within the Town. The Animal Control Officer's primary function involves enforcement of this Ordinance. The Animal Control Officer shall also be construed to include any licensed law enforcement officer.

(c) At Large. "At Large" means off the premises of the owner and not under the physical control (by leash or by voice) of the owner, a member of the owner's immediate family, or a person designated by the owner.

(d) Cat. "Cat" means a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractable claws. It is widely kept as a pet or for catching mice and rats. The term does not include any type of lion, tiger, or similar type of wild animal.

(e) Citation. "Citation" means the citation form that is documented within Minnesota Statute 169.99.

(f) Dog. "Dog" means a domesticated member of the Canidae family (Canis lupus familiaris) born, raised, and kept as a pet. The term does not include any type of fox, wolf, or similar type of wild animal.

(g) Impound Facility. "Impound Facility" means the veterinary facility under contract with BRACO for performing the provisions within this Ordinance designated for impoundment and providing other veterinarian services.

(h) Owner. For the purpose of this section, "owner" means any person who owns, harbors, feeds boards or keeps an animal hereby regulated. The word "animal" in this ordinance refers only to dogs and cats.

(i) Town. "Town" means Northern Township, Beltrami County, Minnesota.

(j) Town Board. "Town Board" means the Board of Supervisors of the Town.

Subd. 2. Interpretation. Every provision of this Ordinance shall be construed, if possible, to give effect to all its provisions and consistent with at least the minimum requirements imposed by any applicable law. This Ordinance imposes requirements that are stricter than those required by state law. Any references to state statutes or rules shall include any amendments made thereto and any successor statutes or rules. Such statutes and rules are incorporated herein to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 1.4. Animal Control Authority . The Town is the animal control authority for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes §347.50 to §347.56 and is the agency responsible for animal control operations within the Town as provided in this Ordinance.

Section 1.5. Animal Control Officer . The Animal Control Officer shall have police powers necessary for enforcement of this Ordinance, including authority to issue citations for violations.

Section 1.6. Animal Identification. An owner or custodian of an animal shall have the animal identified by a current rabies registration tag or by owner's name and address tag affixed to the collar and the collar shall be worn by the animal at all times.

Section 1.7. Injured, At Large, or Abandoned Animals. Unidentified injured, at large, or abandoned animal impounded by the Animal Control Officer may be euthanized and disposed of upon examination by a licensed veterinarian.

Section 1.8. Notice of Impounding. Upon impounding of any animal, the owner shall be notified or if the owner is unknown, written notice shall be posted for five (5) days at the impounding facility or other places to be designated, describing the animal and the place and time of impounding.

Section 1.9. Release from Impound Facility. Animals shall be released from the impound facility upon payment of all fees, impounding or otherwise, incurred for the period for which the animal was impounded, to include a mandatory current rabies vaccination.

Section 1.10. Constitutionality . If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.

ARTICLE II

RABIES CONTROL

Section 2.1. Rabies Inoculation of Dogs and Cats . All animals in the Town over the age of six months shall be inoculated for rabies and shall be re‑inoculated according to standard veterinary practices thereafter. Such vaccination must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian duly licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state in which the vaccine is administered. A certificate from the veterinarian inoculating said animal shall be presented to the Animal Control Officer upon demand.

Section 2.2. Animal Bites and Animals Exposed to Rabies .

Subd. 1. Enter Property. Any Animal Control Officer may enter upon the private property of any person while in pursuit of any animal under probable cause to believe that such animal has bitten a person or animal.

Subd. 2. Quarantine Required. Whenever any person who owns, possesses, or harbors any animal within the Town learns that the animal has bitten any human being, such person shall immediately quarantine such animal for a period of at least ten (10) days. The animal must be impounded at a licensed pound or with a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense. After the required ten‑day quarantine, the animal shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian to ensure that there are no clinical signs of rabies. If the animal is found to be rabid, it shall be humanely euthanized at the owner's expense.

Subd. 3. Impoundment. If the animal owner cannot be located or advised of the animal bite, or if the owner fails to quarantine the animal as required by this Ordinance, the Animal Control Officer shall cause the animal to be impounded and so quarantined at the owner's expense. After the required ten‑day quarantine, if the animal is still unclaimed, the animal shall be humanely euthanized and tested for rabies. If the animal is claimed by the owner, it shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense to ensure there are no clinical signs of rabies. If no signs of rabies are observed, the animal can be released to the owner as provided in this Ordinance after payment by the owner of such impoundment and examination costs. If the animal is found to be rabid, it shall be humanely euthanized at the owner's expense.

ARTICLE III

PROHIBITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Section 3.1. Abandonment Prohibited . No person shall abandon any animal within the Town.

Section 3.2. Prohibited Nuisances . The following are hereby declared public nuisances, are prohibited by this Ordinance, and are unlawful:

Subd. 1. Running at Large Prohibited. No person shall allow an animal to run at large at any time. The Animal Control Officer may impound any animal found running at large.

Subd. 2. Property Damage. Any animal that damages property (that is not the property of the owner), including plantings, lawns, or structures, or that deposits fecal matter off the owner's property that the owner fails to remove promptly.

Subd. 3. Dogs Chasing. Any animal that, without provocation, chases, molests, or approaches pedestrians or bicyclists in a threatening manner upon the streets, sidewalks, right‑of‑way, or any public property, or habitually chases automobiles on the public streets or highways.

Subd. 4. Kills or Attacks. Any animal that kills or attacks another domestic animal or livestock without provocation while off the owner's property.

Subd. 5. Disturb the Peace. The owning, keeping, or harboring of any animal, which shall by any noise, unreasonably or excessively disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the vicinity. The phrase "unreasonably or excessively disturb the peace and quiet" shall include, but is not limited to, the creation of any noise by an animal which can be heard by any person, including an Animal Control Officer or law enforcement officer, from a location off the animal owner's property where the animal is being kept, and which noise occurs repeatedly over at least a 15‑minute period of time with one minute or less lapse of time between each animal noise during the 15‑minute period. This provision shall not apply to animal that are responding to trespassers or to animals that are teased or similarly provoked to bark.

Section 3.3. Interference with Enforcement . No unauthorized person shall take or attempt to take from any Animal Control Officer any animal taken up by him or her in compliance with this Ordinance or any applicable statute, or in any manner to interfere with or hinder such Animal Control Officer, or designated liaison, in the discharge of his or her duties

ARTICLE IV

DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOGS

Section 4.1. Potentially Dangerous Dogs.

Subd. 1. Designation as a Potentially Dangerous Dog.

(a) Designation. The Town will designate any dog as a "potentially dangerous" dog upon receipt of sufficient evidence that such dog:

(1) When unprovoked, inflicted bites on a human or domestic animal on public or private property;

(2) When unprovoked, chased or approached a person, including a person on a bicycle, upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property, other than the dog owner's property, in an apparent attitude of attack; or

(3) Has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, causing injury or otherwise threatening the safety of humans or domestic animals.

(b) Notification. If a dog is declared "potentially dangerous," the Town must cause the owner of the potentially dangerous dog to be notified in writing that such dog has been declared potentially dangerous. The notice must be provided in accordance with the notice requirements set forth in Minnesota Statutes §347.541, subd. 3.

(c) Exemptions. Dogs may not be declared "potentially dangerous" if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person:

(1) Who was committing, at the time, a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog;

(2) Who was provoking, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or who can be shown to have repeatedly, in the past, provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog; or

(3) Who was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

Subd. 2. Designation Review. Beginning six months after a dog is declared potentially dangerous by the Town an owner may request annually that the Township Board or the BRACO board, if it has been authorized by the township board, review the designation. The owner must provide evidence that the dog's behavior has changed due to the dog's age, neutering, environment, completion of obedience training that includes modification of aggressive behavior, or other factors. If the Town finds sufficient evidence that the dog's behavior has changed, it may rescind the potentially dangerous dog designation.

Subd. 3. Microchip Identification. The owner of a potentially dangerous dog must have a microchip implanted in the dog for identification, and the name of the microchip manufacturer and identification number of the microchip must be provided to the Town. If the microchip is not implanted by the owner, it may be implanted by the Town. In either case, all costs related to purchase and implantation of the microchip must be borne by the dog's owner.

Subd. 4. Renew Registration. An owner of a potentially dangerous dog must renew the registration of the dog annually with the Town until the dog is deceased. If the dog is removed from the Town, it must be registered as a potentially dangerous dog in its new location.

Section 4.2. Dangerous Dogs.

Subd. 1. Designation as a Dangerous Dog.

(a) Designation. The Town, with input from the Animal Control Officer, will designate any dog as "dangerous" upon receiving sufficient evidence that such dog has:

(1) Without provocation, inflicted substantial bodily harm on a human being on public or private property;

(2) Killed a domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property;

(3) Has been found to be potentially dangerous and after the owner has notice that the dog is potentially dangerous, the dog aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans or domestic animals.

(b) Notification. If a dog is declared dangerous, the Town must cause the owner of the dangerous dog to be notified in writing that such dog has been declared dangerous. The notice must be provided in accordance with the requirements set forth in Minnesota Statutes §347.541, subd. 3. The notice shall inform the owner of his or her right to request a hearing regarding the dangerous dog designation.

(1) Who was committing, at the time, a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog;

(2) Who was provoking, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or who can be shown to have repeatedly, in the past, provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog; or

(3) Who was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

Subd. 2. Hearing Regarding Designation.

(a) Right to Request. The owner of any dog declared by the Town to be "dangerous" has the right to a hearing by an impartial hearing officer or panel concerning the "dangerous" declaration. The hearing must be requested by the owner in writing within fourteen (14) days of the date of the notice. The Town shall designate the hearing officer or panel to hear an appeal.

(b) Notice of Hearing. Upon an owner's timely request for a hearing, the Town shall schedule a hearing to be held within fourteen (14) days of the date of the request.

(c) Hearing Officer or Panel. The hearing officer shall conduct the hearing, at which the owner shall be provided an opportunity to present evidence regarding the designation, and shall decide whether to uphold or overturn the dangerous dog designation. In the event that the dangerous dog declaration is upheld by the hearing officer or panel, actual expenses of the hearing up to a maximum of $1,000.00 shall be the responsibility of the dog's owner. The hearing officer shall issue a decision on the matter within ten (10) days of the date of the hearing. The Town shall deliver the decision to the dog's owner by hand delivery or registered mail as soon as practical and a copy must be provided to the Animal Control Officer.

Subd. 3. Requirements Upon Designation as Dangerous.

(a) Registration. If a dog is declared "dangerous," it must be registered with the Town. A certificate of registration will be issued by the Town to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner presents sufficient evidence that:

(1) A proper enclosure exists for the dangerous dog and a posting on the premises with a clearly visible warning sign, including a warning symbol to inform children, that there is a dangerous dog on the property;

(2) A surety bond issued by a surety company authorized to conduct business in this state in a form acceptable to the Town in the sum of at least $300,000.00, payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog, or a policy of liability insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to conduct business in this state in the amount of at least $300,000.00, insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog;

(3) The owner has paid the Town an annual fee of $500.00 to obtain a certificate of registration for a dangerous dog under this subdivision; and

(4) The owner has had microchip identification implanted into the dangerous dog as required under Minnesota Statutes §347.515.

(b) Post Warning Symbol. Upon issuing the certificate of registration, the Town will also provide, for posting on the owner's property, a warning symbol from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to inform children that there is a dangerous dog on the property. The owner shall be responsible for paying the Town for the costs of obtaining the warning symbol from the Department of Public Safety.

(1) Dog Restraint. An owner of a dangerous dog shall keep the dog, while on the owner's property, in a proper enclosure. If the dog is outside the proper enclosure, the dog must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will prevent the dog from biting any person or animal but that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration.

(2) Renew Registration. An owner of a dangerous dog must renew the registration of the dog annually with the Town until the dog is deceased.

(3) Notice of Relocation. An owner of a dangerous dog must notify the Town in writing of the death of the dog or its transfer to a new location outside of the BRACO jurisdiction within thirty (30) days of the death or transfer, and must, if requested by the Town, execute an affidavit under oath setting forth either the circumstances of the dog's death and disposition or the complete name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom the dog has been transferred. If the dog is removed from the BRACO jurisdiction, it must be registered as a dangerous dog in its new location.

(4) Sterilization. A dangerous dog shall be sterilized at the owner's expense. If the owner does not have the animal sterilized within thirty (30) days of notification by the Town, the Town shall seize the dog and have the animal sterilized at the owner's expense.

(5) Disclosure. A person who owns a dangerous dog and who rents property from another where the dog will reside must disclose to the property owner prior to entering the lease agreement and at the time of any lease renewal that the person owns a dangerous dog that will reside at the property.

(6) Notice of Transfer. A person who transfers ownership of a dangerous dog must notify the new owner that the Town has identified the dog as dangerous. The current owner must also notify the Town in writing of the transfer of ownership and provide the Town with the new owner's name, address, and telephone number.

(d) Identification.

(1) Microchip Identification. The owner of a dangerous dog must have a microchip implanted in the dog for identification, and the name of the microchip manufacturer and identification number of the microchip must be provided to the Town. If the microchip is not implanted by the owner, it shall be implanted by the Town. In either case, all costs related to purchase and implantation of the microchip must be borne by the dog's owner.

(2) Tag. A dangerous dog must have a standardized, easily identifiable tag identifying the dog as dangerous and containing the uniform dangerous dog symbol affixed to the dog's collar at all times as specified in Minnesota Statutes §347.51.

(e) Seizure.

(1) By Town. The Town must immediately seize any dog that has been declared dangerous if:

a. Not Registered. After fourteen (14) days after the owner has notice that the dog is dangerous, the dog is not validly registered as dangerous pursuant to this Ordinance;

b. No Insurance or Surety. After fourteen (14) days after the owner has notice that the dog is dangerous, the owner does not secure the proper liability insurance or surety coverage as required by this Ordinance and Minnesota Statutes §347.51, subd. 2;

c. Not Enclosed. The dog is not maintained in the proper enclosure;

d. Not Restrained. The dog is outside the proper enclosure and not under physical restraint of a responsible person as required under this Ordinance and Minnesota Statutes §347.52; or

e. Not Sterilized. The dog is not sterilized within thirty (30) days, pursuant to this Ordinance and Minnesota Statutes §347.52 (d).

(2) By Court. If an owner of a dog is convicted of a crime for which the dog was originally seized, the Court may order that the dog be confiscated and destroyed in a proper and humane manner, and that the owner pay the costs incurred in confiscating, confining, and destroying the dog.

(3) Appeal. Seizure may be appealed by the dog's owner to the District Court by serving a summons and complaint upon the Town and filing it with the District Court.

(f) Reclaiming Dogs. A dangerous dog seized under this Ordinance may be reclaimed by the owner of the dog upon payment of impounding and boarding fees, and presenting proof to the Animal Control Officer that each of the requirements under this Ordinance and Minnesota Statutes §347.51 and §347.52 will be fulfilled. A dog not reclaimed under this subdivision within seven (7) days may be disposed of by the Town, and the owner is liable to the Town for costs incurred in confining and disposing of the dog.

(g) Subsequent Offenses. If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor for violating a provision of Minnesota Statutes §347.51, §347.515, or §347.52, and the person is charged with a subsequent violation relating to the same dog, the dog must be seized by the Town. If the owner is convicted of the crime for which the dog was seized, the Court shall order that the dog be destroyed in a proper and humane manner and the owner pay the cost of confining and destroying the animal. If the owner is not convicted and the dog is not reclaimed by the owner within seven (7) days after the owner has been notified that the dog may be reclaimed, the dog shall be disposed of by the Town.

(h) Dangerous Dog Designation Review. Beginning six months after a dog is declared dangerous by the Town an owner may request annually that the Town review the designation. The owner must provide evidence that the dog's behavior has changed due to the dog's age, neutering, environment, completion of obedience training that includes modification of aggressive behavior, or other factors. If the Town finds sufficient evidence that the dog's behavior has changed, it may rescind the dangerous dog designation.

Section 4.3. Dog Attacks Regardless of Designation or Lack of Designation.

(a) Destruction of Dog in Certain Circumstances. A dog shall be destroyed in a proper and humane manner by the Town if the dog:

(1) Inflicted substantial or great bodily harm on a human on public or private property without provocation;

(2) Inflicted multiple bites on a human or public or private property without provocation;

(3) Bit multiple human victims on public or private property in the same attack without provocation; or

(4) Bit a human on public or private property without provocation in an attack where more than one dog participated in the attack.

(b) Right to a Hearing. The Town may not destroy the dog until the owner has had the opportunity for a hearing before the hearing officer designated by the township board or BRACO.

(d) Failure to Restrain. It is unlawful for an owner to fail to restrain a dog from inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily injury to any person or other animal regardless of whether the owner of the other animal is present. This paragraph does not apply to dogs being used by law enforcement for police work.

(e) Conditioning Equipment. No person shall use or possess any device, equipment, treatment or products for the strengthening or conditioning of a dog with the intent to enhance the dog's ability to inflict bodily injury upon humans or other animals on public or private property. This prohibition shall not apply to equipment used to train a dog for recreational hunting assistance. Recreational hunting training assistance equipment shall include but not be limited to soft hold training and decoy retrieval apparatuses.

ARTICLE V

IMPOUNDING

Section 5.1. Impounding and Boarding Fees.

Subd. 1. Impounding. Any animal found running at large within the town either with or without identification may be placed in the designated impound facility and an accurate record of the time of such placement shall be kept on each animal. A citation shall be written for a second impound offence. Every animal so placed in the impound facility shall be held for redemption by the owner for a period of not less than five (5) regular business days. A "regular business day" is one during which the impound facility is open for business to the public for at least four (4) hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Impoundment records shall be preserved for a minimum of six (6) months and shall show:

(a) Description of the animal by species, breed, sex, approximate age, and any other distinguishing traits;

(b) The location at which the animal was seized;

(d) The name and address of the person from whom any animal was received; and

(e) The name and address of the person to whom any animal was transferred.

If unclaimed, such animal shall be humanely destroyed and the carcass disposed of, pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Section 35.71., or the animal may be adopted according to the same adoption practice of the local humane society, after the expiration of the five (5) day period.

Subd. 2. Destruction. Destruction of an animal shall not eliminate the liability of the owner for impounding fees incurred by the town and such fees are recoverable by the town in a civil cause of action.

Subd. 3. Setting Fees. The BRACO Board shall set all fees and present to their town board for uniformity of all entities for the care and boarding of any animal restrained or impounded and any and all such fees so imposed shall be paid to the impound facility at the time of delivery or reclaiming the animal. The Town Board shall annually review all fees so imposed to determine their reasonableness, and may, by resolution, impose such additional fees reasonably related to the necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the Town for the capture, transportation, and care of impounded animals. All such fees shall be paid to the impound facility prior to release of the animal.

ARTICLE VI

ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES

Section 6.1. Enforcement . The Northern Town Board, and its duly authorized agent, such as the Animal Control Officer, has the authority to enforce the provisions of this ordinance by long form complaint or by citation or other procedures specifically listed herein.

Section 6.2. Collection of Costs.

Subd. 1. Certification. All amounts required to be paid to the Town under this Ordinance shall constitute a service charge collectable pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §366.012 or any other law available to the Town. The Town may collect any unpaid service charge arising from this Ordinance by certifying the amount to the auditor of any county in Minnesota in which the recipient of the service owns real property pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §366.012 or any other authority available to it under law. If the Town elects to collect the service charge pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §366.012, on or before September 15, the Town shall provide the owner written notice of its intent to certify the unpaid service charge amount for collection together with the taxes levied on the owner's property. The Town shall then certify the amount to the county auditor on or before October 15. The amount certified shall be subject to the same penalties, interest, and other conditions provided for the collection of property taxes. Any charge that accrues later in the year such that the required notice and certification cannot be completed by the applicable deadlines, the Town shall provide notice and certify the amount for the following property tax collection cycle.

Section 6.3. Penalties.

Subd. 1. General. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00 or ninety (90) days in jail. Penalties shall be established by resolution of the Town Board of Supervisors annually, after a recommendation from the BRACO Board. The following violations shall constitute a petty misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of a $300 fine.

1) Citation.

2) Dangerous or potentially dangerous dog.

3) Nuisance animal. Animals that are declared public nuisances pursuant to Section 3.2 of this Ordinance are a petty misdemeanor.

4) Dog running at large.

5) Failure to obtain rabies tag or owner's identification tag.

6) Any repeat offences within the same category and within twelve (12) consecutive months shall constitute a misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of $1,000.00 or 90 days in jail.

7) An repeat offenses of three (3) or more times in any one category within a period of twelve (12) consecutive months shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and such offenses shall be abated by the owner of such animal within five (5) days after the owner has been notified that the third offense has occurred. Within this provision, abate means to have the animal permanently removed from the township or destroyed. If within five (5) days after the owner has received notice, the owner has failed to abate the problem of the offending animal, the owner shall receive written notice by registered mail from the township or its authorized agent that the Animal Control Officer is authorized and directed to capture and destroy the animal at the owner's expense.

Subd. 2. Misdemeanors Relating to Potentially Dangerous Dogs and Dangerous Dogs . It is a misdemeanor to remove a microchip from a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog, to fail to renew the registration of a dangerous dog, to fail to account for a dangerous dog's death or change of location where the dog will reside, to sign a false affidavit with respect to a dangerous dog's death or change of location where the dog will reside, or to fail to disclose ownership of a dangerous dog to a property owner from whom the person rents property. It is also a misdemeanor to violate Minnesota Statutes §347.51 (registration of dangerous dogs), §347.515 (dangerous dogs microchip identification requirements), or §347.52 (dangerous dog requirements). If a person is convicted of subsequent or second violation of either of the aforementioned sentences, that person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. A person is also guilty of the gross misdemeanor if that person violates Minnesota Statutes §347.542, subds. 1 or 2 (restrictions on dog ownership).

This revised Ordinance shall be effective upon the first day after adoption.