§ 4-46. Muzzle and restraint of certain dogs required - Local regulation of dangerous dogs - Dogs not to be declared dangerous.

A.  It is unlawful for an owner of a dangerous dog to permit the dog to be outside the proper enclosure as defined by Section 44 of this title, unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and remains under the physical restraint of a responsible person over sixteen (16) years of age.  The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from biting any person or animal.

B.  Potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs may be regulated through local, municipal and county authorities, provided the regulations are not breed specific.  Nothing in this act shall prohibit such local governments from enforcing penalties for violation of such local laws.

C.  Dogs shall not be declared dangerous if the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog, or was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or has, in the past, been observed or reported to have tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

Added by Laws 1991, c. 199, § 3, eff. Feb. 1, 1992.  Amended by Laws 2006, c. 262, § 4, emerg. eff. June 7, 2006.