After a hearing in the municipal court where a dog is determined to be vicious, the party may file an appeal of that decision to the District Court. You will need to provide a copy of the municipal court decision and the payment of the filing fee. The filing fee is $100.75.
A party who wants the dog to be returned should file an appeal should be filed in the District Court which has jurisdiction as determined by the city or town where the dog is impounded. The petition shall be served within five (5) days of the impoundment of the dog upon the officer or keeper of the dog pound. The hearing shall be conducted within fourteen (14) days from mailing of the notice
The decision of the District Court may be appealed to the Superior Court by any aggrieved party within forty-eight (48) hours of the decision. The dog shall remain impounded pending the appeal. A hearing de novo, without a jury, shall be conducted within fourteen (14) days of the appeal in the Superior Court.
The decision of the Superior Court shall be final and conclusive upon all parties thereto. However, the dog officer or any law enforcement officer shall have the right to convene a hearing for any actions of the dog subsequent to the date of violation. If the court finds that there has not been a violation, the dog may be released to the custody of the owner or keeper upon payment of the expense of keeping the dog.