2732                               Municipal Charters

on property other than that of the owner, damaging property and running
at large off the premises of the owner shall, among other acts, be deemed
public nuisances.

8.201—Running at Large—Generally

No person shall allow any horse, mule, cow, calf, horned cattle, sheep,
swine, poultry, cats or other domestic animals or pets to run at large
off the premises of the owner in the County.

8.202—Same—Dogs—generally

No owner of dogs, whether licensed or unlicensed, shall permit
such a dog to run at large off the premises of the owner except when
it is under control of the owner or the authorized agent of the owner
by leash, cord or chain; provided, however, that dogs will be permitted
to run at large in open agricultural areas when accompanied by the
owner or authorized agent and kept within sight or calling distance if:

(a)    The dog is being used for hunting or trained for hunting.

(b)    The dog is being accompanied by its owner on horseback.
8.203—Interference with Authorized Persons Prohibited

No person shall attempt to interfere with the animal control officer,
dog warden or any other authorized person in the performance of their
duties nor shall any person attempt to or release without authority any
animal impounded pursuant to the animal control laws of the County.

8.204—Penalty

Any person who violates this subtitle shall be guilty of a misde-
meanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than Five
Dollars ($5.00), nor more than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each
offense. Each day the violation continues shall be deemed a separate
offense.

8.205—Dogs—Fierce—Penalty

Any dog of fierce, dangerous or vicious nature must be confined on
the premises of the owner or person in possession of the dog at all
times in such a manner that it can not reach persons who may have
occasion to lawfully enter upon the premises at all reasonable times. The
dog shall not be taken out of such confinement on the premises unless
securely muzzled and under adequate control. Any person violating this
Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction be fined
not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than Two Hundred
fifty Dollars ($250.00) for each offense.

8.206—Summons; Trial; Penalty

The animal control officer may issue a summons to anyone found
to be in violation of this subtitle or Section 17.501. No such summons
shall be issued except upon the personal knowledge of the animal con-
trol officer or written affidavit of any other person personally observing
such violation. Any owner so summoned desiring to stand trial on the
date of trial set on the summons shall notify the Peoples Court of Howard
County of such desire at least seven days prior to his trial date. Any
person desiring to plead guilty to such violation prior to his trial shall
be subject to a fine of Ten Dollars ($10.00) payable by mail or in person
at the Clerks Office of the Peoples Court. Any person who shall fail