63-09 Amend 506.04 Allow grace period for Pit Bulls

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ORDINANCE NO. 63-09 BY: Antonio, Bullock, Butler, Dever, Madigan, Summers AN ORDINANCE to amend Section 506.04, Exception, Registration and Fee, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood to permit owners of dogs deemed dangerous under the preceding section an additional, limited opportunity to become compliant within the law without having to remove those dogs from the City. WHEREAS, in its enforcement of the City's existing dangerous-dog safety laws, the City has encountered situations in which it is advisable to afford certain non- compliant owners of dogs deemed dangerous under the Section 506.03 an additional, limited opportunity to meet conditions providing for the safety of Lakewood's residents without having to remove such dogs from the City altogether; and WHEREAS, the protection of the health and safety of the residents of the City of Lakewood is of primary concern; and WHEREAS, the Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board established by ordin- ance, consisting of residents and City representatives with expertise in animal-related issues has, after due deliberation, recommended that the City modify Section 506.04 as indicated herein; and WHEREAS, Article 18, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of Ohio permits municipalities to exercise all powers of local self-government and to adopt .and enforce within their limits such local police, sanitary and other similar regulations as are not in conflict with general laws; and WHEREAS, this Council by a vote of at least five (5) members elected thereto determines that this ordinance is an emergency measure, and that this ordinance shall take effect at the earliest date possible as set forth in ARTICLE III, SECTONS 10 and 13 of the SECOND AMENDED CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, and that it is neces- sary for the immediate preservation of the public property, health and safety, and to provide for the usual daily operation of municipal department in that these changes should take effect immediately as the City is in the midst of enforcement of its danger- ous-dog safety laws; now, therefore, BE Il' ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, STATE OF OHIO: Section 1. That Section 506.04, Exception, Registration and Fee, of the Codi- fied Ordinances of the City of Lakewood, currently reading as follows: