§ 4-6. Guard dogs/warning sign.

(a)

For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

(1)

Guard dog: The term "guard dog" as used in this section shall mean any type of dog primarily trained and/or used for the purpose of defending, patrolling, or protecting property or persons.

(2)

Guard dog service: Any person, firm or corporation which trains, sells, rents, leases, or loans guard dogs for the purpose of defending, patrolling, or protecting property or persons.

(3)

Registration: The process of presenting a guard dog to the county pound for purposes of documenting pertinent data of each guard dog. The data shall include name, address, and telephone number of each guard dog's service; the service's manager, and owner if not owned by the service; breed, sex, color, tattoo registration number, certification of rabies vaccination; and other distinguishing physical characteristics of the dog.

(b)

Guard dog services shall register all dogs used in their business with the director of Broward County Animal Control.

(c)

Transportation of guard dogs.

(1)

The vehicle of every guard dog service or owner transporting any guard dog must be clearly marked, showing that it is transporting a dangerous dog. A compartment separate from the driver is required which shall be arranged to ensure adequate ventilation for the animal.

(2)

No guard dog shall be transported in the trunk of a car or in an unenclosed portion of a vehicle, including but not limited to convertibles, pickups, or flat-bed trucks. However, a guard dog may be transported in an unenclosed portion of a vehicle if the animal is securely confined within a cage. The cage must be securely anchored to the vehicle in order to prevent its jostling about within the vehicle.

(d)

Guard dogs shall be given a humane existence, including adequate shelter, food, water, and exercise.

(e)

No dog which has been classified as vicious pursuant to this chapter shall be used as a guard dog.

(f)

Any owner of a dog used to guard any premises shall display in a prominent place on his premises a sign easily readable which includes the words "BEWARE OF THE DOG" or similar language, in black, six-inch high letters on a white background, along with a picture of a "bad dog" and comply with applicable state law.

(g)

Use of guard dogs at business locations.

(1)

Each business which hires or uses a guard dog shall provided adequate fencing or some other confining structure to keep the guard dog within the guarded area.

(2)

Each business which hires or uses a guard dog that is on the premises during that business's operating hours shall have the dog confined or restrained in such a manner so as not to have access to those areas open to the public or to otherwise pose a danger to the public.

(3)

At each appropriate location and entry point, and at fifty-foot intervals along the fence perimeter, if applicable, a sign shall be posted including the words, "Bad Dog" or "Dangerous Dog" in black, six-inch high letters on a white background.

(4)

Entry points shall have a sign posted with the telephone number of the dog's trainer or handler and owner in case of an emergency.

(Ord. No. 98-130, § 2, 11-17-98)