Dangerous Dogs

Overview
This information is taken from Ordinance Section 14.84. To obtain further information not listed here, please contact the Highland Village Animal Control officers.

Definition
The definition of dangerous dog means a dog that:

• Makes an unprovoked attach on a person that causes bodily injury, which would cause a reasonable person to seek medical treatment
• Commits unprovoked acts in a place other than a secure enclosure in which the dog was being kept
• Is accustomed to run, worry, or kill goats, sheep or waterfowl or other animals considered to be property
• Makes an unprovoked attack on another dog causing injury, which would cause a reasonable person to seek veterinary care - whether or not that care was actually sought

Procedures
Animal Control officers shall investigate all reports of a possibly dangerous dog and/or any incident involving:

• Any unprovoked attack on a human or domestic animal
• Any extremely aggressive behavior exhibited by an animal at large and witnessed by an animal control officer
• Two or more written, sworn, and notarized complaints filed by any citizens against any dog believed by them to be dangerous

Investigations
Investigations shall be done using standardized forms for such incidents in order to prevent errors and omissions of pertinent facts. Such forms shall contain the following information:

• Identification of the owner of the accused animal
• An inspection of the animal so accused
• A detailed narrative of incidents relative to the events
• Photographs of the animal, if possible
• Any statements from victims and/or witnesses to the incident
• Documentation of the animal's history

More Information
For more information, please contact Animal Care Services at (972) 317-6551.