The Town Council finds that the Town's citizens have been subject to fear, intimidation and apprehension of physical harm by the appearance and handling of certain animals.  That this fear is reasonable and has had the effect of restricting the citizens use and enjoyment of public properties, places and ways.  At times, certain animals are being used to threaten and intimidate the Town's citizens much as persons may be threatened or intimidated with a pointed or brandished firearm or other weapon.  The average citizen not having specific knowledge about particular animals, the fear, intimidation and apprehension caused by these animals is reasonable as perceived even where the animal may pose no actual danger and may in fact be docile; much as a pointed but unloaded firearm will cause fear, intimidation and apprehension.

The Council finds that fear, intimidation and apprehension can be as debilitating and harmful to the Town's citizens as actual danger.  The Council, finding it necessary to the health, welfare and peace of mind of its citizens, enacts this Article, pursuant to the Town of Front Royal Charter Section 18 (12),(13) and (25), to prevent and control the intimidation of the Town's citizens by certain animals which are intimidating in their appearance or in the manner in which they are handled.