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To amend City Code § 4-243, concerning dogs running at large and the penalties therefor, for the purpose of defining and clarifying the conditions related to dogs running at large.
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That section 4-243 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2020) be and hereby is amended as follows:
Sec. 4-243. Dogs running at large prohibited; penalty.
(a) [It] Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any dog to run at large. For purposes of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming, running, or self-hunting off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner’s or custodian’s immediate control. The term “immediate control,” for purposes of this section, means physical restraint or confinement of the dog by a fence, tether, lead or leash. An electronic collar or other similar electronic device does not qualify as a leash, lead, or other means of physical restraint.
(b) The leash, lead, or other means of physical restraint may be removed from a dog in a designated and posted dog exercise area.
(c) The leash, lead, or other means of physical restraint may be removed from a dog on private property other than the property of the owner, provided that the owner or person in control of such private property has permitted such dog to be present without a leash, lead, or other means of physical restraint.
(d) Any person who permits such person's dog to run at large shall be deemed in violation of this section, and upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
§ 2. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.