§ 14-39. Methods of enforcement; investigations.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    Procedures.

    (1)

    An animal control officer who has probable cause to believe that a person has committed an act in violation of this article shall do one or more of the following:

    a.

    Issue a notice of violation to the person who is in violation of this article. Such notice of violation shall state the date and time of the issuance of the notice, the name and address of the person in violation, the date of the offense, the offense committed, a description of the animal involved, and a demand that the offense be abated within 24 hours after the issuance of the notice. If the person shall fail to abate the offense, then the animal control officer may issue a citation to the person; and/or

    b.

    Impound the animal involved. Such animal may be redeemed as provided in subsection 14-38(b), unless said animal is impounded pursuant to subsection 14-38(a)(3); and/or

    c.

    Issue a citation to the person who is in violation of this article. Such a citation may be contested in the county court. If a person fails to pay the civil penalty or fails to appear in court to contest the citation, the court may issue an order to show cause upon the request of the county manager or his designee. This order shall require such a person to appear before the court to explain why action on the citation has not been taken. If any person who is issued such an order fails to appear in response to the court's directive, that person may be held in contempt of court.

    (2)

    Certain aggravated violations of this article which result in the unprovoked biting, attacking or wounding of a human being or domestic animal; violations resulting in the destruction or loss of personal property; second or subsequent violations of section 14-59; or violations resulting in the issuance of a third or subsequent citation to a person will require a mandatory court appearance.

    (b)

    Investigations. The animal control officer may request the owners of an animal to exhibit the animal, and, if applicable, the license of such animal.

    (1)

    It shall be the duty of the animal control officer to keep the following records:

    a.

    Accurate and detailed records of the licensing, impoundment and disposition of all animals coming into his custody;

    b.

    Accurate and detailed records of all reported bite cases and investigations;

    c.

    Accurate and detailed records on all money collected and expended in the operation of the functions of his office; and

    d.

    Accurate records of all rabies certificates.

    (2)

    All records required by this section shall be subject to inspection by the county.

(Ord. No. 91-33, § VIII, 10-10-91; Ord. No. 92-72, § III, 8-6-92; Ord. No. 93-25, § VIII, 11-4-93; Ord. No. 94-15, § IV, 9-18-94; Ord. No. 2003-15, § 5, 10-2-03; Ord. No. 2009-35, § II, 11-19-09; Ord. No. 2017-02, § I, 2-2-17)