District Of Columbia Code § 8-1903

Consequences of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination.
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If the Mayor determines that a dog is a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, the owner shall comply with the requirements of §§ 8-1904 and 8-1905 and any other special security or care requirements the Mayor may establish.
If a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog has been impounded and determined to pose a threat to public safety, the Mayor may only return the dog to its owner if the owner has: Met the registration requirements of § 8-1904 ; Agreed to comply with the requirements of § 8-1905 , where necessary; and Met or agreed to comply with any additional security or care requirements established by the Mayor.
The Mayor may humanely destroy a dog if: The dog has been determined to be a threat to public safety if it is returned to the owner; The owner fails to comply with the registration requirements of § 8-1904 , the requirements of § 8-1905 , or any special security or care requirements established by the Mayor; The owner fails to reimburse the animal control agency for the costs and expenses of the dog’s impoundment as required by § 8-1902(d)(2) ; or The owner forfeits the dog for humane destruction.

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