Title 14. Criminal Law. Chapter 1. Criminal Code. Part VI. Offenses Affecting the Public Generally. Subpart B. Offenses Affecting the Public Sensibility
§ 102.12. Definitions
§ 102.13. Hearing to determine if dog is dangerous or vicious
§ 102.14 . Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog
§ 102.15. Unlawful ownership of a vicious dog
§ 102.16. Seizure and destruction or disposition of dangerous or vicious dogs
§ 102.17. Registration of dangerous dogs; fees
§ 102.18. Seizure and disposition of dogs which cause death or inflict bodily injury
Title 3. Agriculture and Forestry. Chapter 18. Animals Running at Large. Part V. Dog License Tax
§ 2771 . Dogs not to run at large
§ 2772 . Dog, cat, and kennel licenses fee and certificate; records
§ 2773 . Dogs as personal property; seizure of dogs running at large or on property fenced as a fox pen; notice to owner; dangerous or vicious dogs
§ 2774 . Parishes to provide animal facilities
§ 2775 . Use of dogs for hunting
§ 2776 . Time for paying dog license tax
§ 2777 . Penalty for violating this Part or disturbing dog's collar or license tax tag
§ 2778 . Municipal and parish governing authorities
Title 14. Criminal Law. Chapter 1. Criminal Code. Part VI. Offenses Affecting the Public Generally. Subpart B. Offenses Affecting the Public Sensibility
As used in this Section and R.S. 14:102.13 through 102.18, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Animal control agency” means the parish or local animal control agency. If the municipality or parish does not have an animal control agency, it means whatever entity performs animal control functions.
(2) “Impounded” means taken into the custody of the animal control agency or provider of animal control services to the municipality or parish where the dangerous or vicious dog is found.
(3) “Secure enclosure” means a fence or structure suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and which is suitable to confine a dangerous dog in conjunction with other measures which may be taken by the owner of the dog. The enclosure shall be designed in order to prevent the animal from escaping.
(4) Repealed by Acts 2019, No. 2, § 3.
Credits
Added by Acts 2001, No. 823, § 1. Amended by Acts 2003, No. 563, § 1.
§ 102.13. Hearing to determine if dog is dangerous or vicious
A. The district attorney, the sheriff, an animal control officer, or other designated representative, in the name of and on behalf of the parish and without the payment of any costs, shall be authorized to file a petition in the district court having jurisdiction requesting a hearing for the purpose of determining whether or not a dog should be declared dangerous as defined in R.S. 14:102.14(A) or vicious as defined in R.S. 14:102.15(A).
B. Upon the filing of the petition, the district judge shall immediately issue a rule on the owner of the dog to show cause why the dog should not be declared a dangerous or vicious dog. This rule shall, at the time of its issuance, be fixed for hearing not later than five days, including Sundays, half-holidays and holidays, from the date of its issuance, and shall be heard by preference over all other matters and cases fixed for the same day and shall be heard continuously day after day until submitted for adjudication.
C. Upon the showing made by the parties on the trial of the rule to show cause, the court shall determine whether the dog is a dangerous dog or a vicious dog and may make other orders authorized by this Section.
D. In every case where the dog is established to be a dangerous dog, the court shall enter an order declaring the dog to be a dangerous dog and shall direct the owner of the dog to comply with conditions established for the restraint and confinement of the dog as provided by law.
E. In every case where the dog is established to be a vicious dog, the court shall enter an order declaring the dog to be a vicious dog and shall direct that the vicious dog be humanely euthanized.
F. Any person who fails to restrain and confine a dangerous dog as ordered by the court shall be guilty of contempt and shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.
G. The pleading and practice in all cases under this Section shall be in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure and the laws and rules of court governing practice before the district courts of this state.
H. The owner of the dog may appeal to the court of competent jurisdiction an order of the district court determining the dog to be dangerous or vicious. Such appeal shall be perfected within five calendar days from the rendition of the order and shall be made returnable to the appropriate appellate court in not more than fifteen calendar days from the rendition of the order. The applicant for the determination may appeal to the court of competent jurisdiction for an order reversing the order of the district court.
I. No dog shall be declared dangerous or vicious if at the hearing authorized by this Section evidence presented is sufficient to establish any of the following:
(1) Any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was committing a crime upon the property of the owner of the dog.
(2) Any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog.
(3) Any injury or damage is sustained by a domestic animal which, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog.
(4) If the dog was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault.
(5) If the injury or damage to a domestic animal was sustained while the dog was working as a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog on the property of, or under the control of, its owner, and the damage or injury was to a species or type of domestic animal appropriate to the work of the dog.
J. The owner of a dog determined to be a vicious dog may be prohibited by the court from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three years, when it is found, after proceedings conducted pursuant to this Section, that ownership or possession of a dog by that person would create a significant threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
Credits
Added by Acts 2001, No. 823, § 1.
§ 102.14. Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog.
A. For the purposes of this Section "dangerous dog" means:
(1) Any dog which when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior thirty-six-month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner of the dog; or
(2) Any dog which, when unprovoked, bites a person causing an injury; or
(3) Any dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior thirty-six-month period, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise caused injury to a domestic animal off the property of the owner of the dog.
B. It is unlawful for any person to own a dangerous dog without properly restraining or confining the dog.
C. A dangerous dog, while on the owner's property, shall, at all times, be kept indoors, or in a secure enclosure. A dangerous dog may be off the owner's property only if it is restrained by a leash which prevents its escape or access to other persons.
D. The owner of a dog determined by the court to be dangerous shall post signs around the secure enclosure no more than thirty feet apart and at each normal point of ingress and egress. The signs shall bear the words "Beware of Dog", or "Dangerous Dog" in letters at least three and one-half inches high and shall be so placed as to be readily visible to any person approaching the secure enclosure.
E. If the dog in question dies, or is sold, transferred, or permanently removed from the municipality or parish where the owner resides, the owner of a dangerous dog shall notify the animal control agency of the changed condition and new location of the dog in writing within two days.
F. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than three hundred dollars.
G. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(1) Any dog which is owned, or the service of which is employed, by any state or local law enforcement agency for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, or apprehension of offenders.
(2) Any dog trained in accordance with the standards of a national or regional search and rescue association to respond to instructions from its handler in the search and rescue of lost or missing individuals and which dog, together with its handler, is prepared to render search and rescue services at the request of law enforcement.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 2001, No. 823, § 1.
§ 102.15. Unlawful ownership of a vicious dog
A. For the purposes of this Section “vicious dog” means any dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts serious bodily injury on or kills a human being and was previously determined to be a dangerous dog.
B. It is unlawful for any person to own a vicious dog.
C. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
D. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(1) Any dog which is owned, or the service of which is employed, by any state or local law enforcement agency for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, or apprehension of offenders.
(2) Any dog trained in accordance with the standards of a national or regional search and rescue association to respond to instructions from its handler in the search and rescue of lost or missing individuals and which dog, together with its handler, is prepared to render search and rescue services at the request of law enforcement.
Credits
Added by Acts 2001, No. 823, § 1.
§ 102.16. Seizure and destruction or disposition of dangerous or vicious dogs
A. (1) Any law enforcement officer making an arrest under R.S. 14:102.14 or R.S. 14:102.15 may lawfully take possession of all dogs on the premises where the arrest is made or in the immediate possession or control of the person being arrested.
(2) The legislature finds and declares that dangerous or vicious dogs are a threat to the health and safety of the public. Dogs seized in accordance with this Section are declared to be contraband, and the officer may cause them to be impounded pending the hearing held pursuant to R.S. 14:102.13.
B. A dog determined to be a vicious dog by the court shall be humanely euthanized by the animal control agency, a licensed veterinarian, or a qualified technician.
C. A dog determined by the court to be a dangerous dog may be humanely euthanized if it is determined that the dog poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.
D. The owner of the dog shall be liable to the municipality or parish where the dog is impounded for the costs and expenses of keeping the dog if the dog is later adjudicated dangerous or vicious.
Credits
Added by Acts 2001, No. 823, § 1.
§ 102.17. Registration of dangerous dogs; fees
A. All dangerous dogs shall be properly licensed and vaccinated. The licensing authority shall include the dangerous designation in the registration records of the dog, either after the owner of the dog has agreed to the designation or the court has determined the designation applies to the dog.
B. The municipality or parish may charge a dangerous dog fee in addition to the regular licensing fee to provide for the increased costs of maintaining the records of the dog.
Credits
Added by Acts 2001, No. 823, § 1.
§ 102.18. Seizure and disposition of dogs which cause death or inflict bodily injury
A. Any law enforcement officer or animal control officer may seize any dog which when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, causes the death of or inflicts bodily injury on a human being. Any dog seized pursuant to the provisions of this Section may be impounded pending the outcome of the hearing held in accordance with this Section.
B. The district attorney, the sheriff, an animal control officer, or other designated representative, in the name of and on behalf of the parish, and without the payment of any costs, shall be authorized to file a petition in the district court having jurisdiction requesting a hearing for the purpose of determining whether or not a dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, causes the death of or inflicts bodily injury on a human being, shall be euthanized.
C. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure provided in R.S. 14:102.13.
D. A dog determined by the court to have, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, caused the death of or inflicted bodily injury on a human being may be humanely euthanized by the animal control agency, a licensed veterinarian, or a qualified technician.
E. The owner of the dog shall be liable to the municipality or parish where the dog is impounded for the costs and expenses of keeping the dog if the dog is later adjudicated to have, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, caused the death or inflicted bodily injury on a human being.
Credits
Added by Acts 2003, No. 563, § 1.
Title 3. Agriculture and Forestry. Chapter 18. Animals Running at Large. Part V. Dog License Tax
§ 2771. Dogs not to run at large
No person shall suffer or permit any dog in his possession, or kept by him about his premises, to run at large on any unenclosed land, or trespass upon any enclosed or unenclosed lands of another.
Source:
Acts 1918, No. 239, § 1.
§ 2772. Dog, cat, and kennel licenses fee and certificate; records
A. Each parish or municipality that levies a license fee on dogs and cats shall issue a metallic license tag to each dog or cat owner who applies therefor and pays the dog or cat license fee imposed by the issuing parish or municipality. The license tag shall contain a license number, the name of the issuing body and the calendar year for which such tag is issued. The tag shall be fastened upon the collar worn by the dog or cat owned or kept by such person. A license certificate shall also be issued for such license fee showing the name and address of the owner, a description of the dog or cat by sex and color, the breed of the dog or cat if known, and the year and number of the license tag. A record of all such information shall be kept by the issuing authority which shall be open to the public during regular business hours.
B. The governing body of each municipality or parish may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the dog or cat license fee, which sum shall not be more than ten dollars for each spayed or neutered dog or cat and not more than twenty dollars for each unspayed or unneutered dog or cat. However, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the governing body of any municipality or parish with a population in excess of four hundred seventy-five thousand persons may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the dog or cat license fee, which sum shall not be more than ten dollars for each spayed or neutered dog or cat and not more than twenty dollars for each unspayed or unneutered dog or cat, and any such funds derived from said license fee shall be dedicated solely for the capture, control, and housing of stray animals.
C. For the purposes of this Section, a dog or cat shall be considered spayed or neutered whenever any of the following is applicable:
(1) Upon presentation of a certificate issued by any licensed veterinarian stating that the dog or cat, if female, was made incapable of producing young by spaying by the veterinarian, or, the dog or cat, if male, was made incapable of producing young by sterilization by the veterinarian.
(2) Upon examination by a licensed veterinarian any dog or cat, whether male or female, is certified by the veterinarian to be incapable of producing young.
(3) If the dog or cat has been previously licensed as a spayed or neutered dog or cat.
D. Dogs used as guides for blind persons and commonly known as “seeing-eye” dogs or dogs used to assist deaf persons and commonly known as “hearing-ear” dogs, may be licensed as other dogs herein provided for, except that the owner or keeper of such dog shall not be required to pay any fee therefor.
E. The owner or keeper of five or more dogs may procure a kennel license and pay a kennel license fee in lieu of the individual dog licenses and license fees provided for herein. The governing body of each municipality or parish, may by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the kennel license fee, which sum shall be a minimum of:
(1) Fifteen dollars if no more than five dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(2) Twenty-five dollars if more than five dogs but no more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(3) Thirty dollars if more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary clinic shall be exempt from this provision in the conduct of their regular business.
F. Upon the issuance of a kennel license, the owner shall be furnished a number of license tags equal to the number of dogs harbored on the owner's premises. All of the provisions contained in Subsection A of this Section with regard to issuance of license tag, license certificates and the keeping of records shall also apply to kennel licenses.
G. Any individual or business with five or more dogs and who breeds and sells dogs retail, wholesale, or to the public is required to procure a kennel license and pay a kennel license fee in lieu of the individual dog licenses and license fees provided for herein. The governing body of each municipality or parish may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the kennel license fee, which sum shall be dedicated solely for animal impoundment facilities and be a minimum of:
(1) Fifteen dollars, if no more than five dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(2) Twenty-five dollars, if more than five dogs but no more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(3) Thirty dollars, if more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
H. No individual or business that breeds, buys, or sells dogs retail, wholesale, or to the public shall maintain more than seventy-five dogs over the age of one year at any time for breeding purposes.
I. At the time of application for an initial or renewal kennel license, an applicant shall provide the governing body of the parish or municipality with a statement that is signed and dated and includes both of the following:
(1) The applicant's Class A or Class B animal dealer's license number issued by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., or the reason the applicant is not required to hold either license.
(2) The applicant's sales tax identification number or the reason the applicant is not required to have a sales tax identification number.
J. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
Credits
Amended by Acts 1982, No. 101, § 1, eff. July 11, 1982; Acts 1991, No. 940, § 1; Acts 2008, No. 894, § 1; Acts 2010, No. 92, § 1; Acts 2015, No. 365, § 1.
§ 2773. Dogs as personal property; seizure of dogs running at large or on property fenced as a fox pen; notice to owner; dangerous or vicious dogs
A. Dogs owned by citizens of this state and by citizens of other states and situated and located in this state are declared to be personal property of such citizens.
B. Any citizen may, or the sheriff, constable, or other police officers of any parish, ward, or municipality shall seize any dog found unaccompanied by its owner or keeper and running at large on any road, street, or other public place, or trespassing on any premises other than the premises of the owner. If the dog is wearing a collar bearing a tag showing the name and address of its owner, it shall be impounded and the citizen or officer so seizing and impounding the dog shall immediately thereafter by written notice notify the owner of the dog, at the address disclosed by the tag on the dog's collar, that the dog has been seized and impounded by him, and unless the owner or keeper of the dog shall, within seven days from the receipt of the notice, claim the dog and pay the citizen or officer a fee of one dollar for seizing and a fee of twenty-five cents for each day it is impounded, it shall be disposed of in a humane manner.
C. Except in the parishes of St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington, any citizen may, or the sheriff, constable, or other police officers of any parish, ward, or municipality shall, seize any dog found unaccompanied by its owner or keeper and trespassing on any premises that is fenced with at least a two-inch by four-inch wire mesh that is a minimum of four feet high. If the dog is wearing a collar bearing a tag showing the name and address of its owner, it shall be impounded and the citizen or officer so seizing and impounding the dog shall immediately thereafter, by written notice, notify the owner of the dog, at the address disclosed by the tag on the collar of the dog, that the dog has been seized and impounded by him, and unless the owner or keeper of the dog shall, within seven days from receipt of the notice, claim the dog and pay a seizing fee of twenty dollars and an impoundment fee of one dollar for each day it is impounded, it shall be disposed of in a humane manner. Ten dollars of the seizing fee shall be paid to the law enforcement agency called upon to seize the dog. The remainder of the seizing fee shall be donated to a recognized nonprofit conservation group. This Subsection shall apply only to fox pens.
D. Any citizen or officer may kill any dangerous or vicious dog, and no citizen or officer shall be liable for damages or to prosecution by reason of killing any dangerous or vicious dog.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 1950, No. 231, § 1; Acts 1992, No. 1131, § 1.
§ 2774. Parishes to provide animal facilities
Each parish shall provide suitable shelters or facilities for dogs seized under the provisions of this Part.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 2003, No. 133, § 1, eff. May 28, 2003.
§ 2775. Use of dogs for hunting
Nothing in this Part shall prevent any citizen of this state from lawfully hunting with a dog, provided the dog is accompanied by the owner or keeper.
Source:
Acts 1918, No. 239, § 5.
§ 2776. Time for paying dog license tax
All license taxes on dogs are due annually on the anniversary date of the administration of the rabies vaccination; provided that as soon as a dog becomes no more than six months of age [FN1] the owner of the dog shall be liable to pay the license tax for the year in which the dog reaches such age.
[FN1] As appears in the enrolled bill (Acts 1992, No. 131).
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 1992, No. 131, § 1.
§ 2777. Penalty for violating this Part or disturbing dog's collar or license tax tag
Whoever violates any provision of this Part, or fails or neglects to perform any duty imposed by it, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars and the cost of prosecution, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
Whoever removes from any dog a collar bearing a license tax tag as provided for in this Part, or alters or removes any such license tax tag from a dog properly registered as herein provided for, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars and the cost of the prosecution, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
Source:
Acts 1918, No. 239, § 7.
§ 2778. Municipal and parish governing authorities
Nothing contained in this Part shall be construed to prevent or otherwise limit the governing authority of a municipality or parish from setting fees and fines in amounts sufficient for the operation of its animal control program or for the effective enforcement of its animal control ordinances; however, in the absence of the adoption of such ordinances, the parish or local governing authority shall rely on the provisions of R.S. 3:2773.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 2003, No. 133, § 1, eff. May 28, 2003. Amended by Acts 2010, No. 108, § 1.