City of Champaign v. Auler

A Staffordshire terrier became entangled in a “leash law.”

The question: Is the element of knowledge or scienter required of the dog’s owner to find him in violation of this ordinance?

The answer: Yes.

We reverse.

Defendant Auler was found guilty of violating a municipal ordinance of the city of Champaign which prohibits dogs from running at large and was fined $10. He appeals from the judgment of the trial court.

Auler was charged with violating sections 6 — 6 and 6 — 19 of the Municipal Code of Champaign (1975), as amended. Section 6 — 6 provides:

“No person owning any dog *** shall suffer or…