(A) In the event the ACO reasonably believes that an animal is a vicious animal, as defined herein, he or she is empowered to refer the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction for purposes of determining whether or not the animal in question should be declared a vicious animal for the purpose of this subchapter.
(B) Pending such court determination, or any appeal thereof, on the issue of whether the animal should be declared a vicious animal, the ACO is empowered to seize and impound the animal. The owner of such animal shall be responsible for the reasonable costs and expenses of such impoundment.
(C) Whenever a court of competent jurisdiction determines an animal is a vicious animal, it shall allow appropriate time for the appeal of such decision and/or of any penalty imposed by the court as a result of such decision and, if the court orders such animal to be destroyed, time for any medical test which may need to be performed on the animal to protect the health and interest of another animal or human being. All costs associated with housing the animal pending court determination shall be the sole expense of the owner thereof.
(Ord. 2022-005-C, passed 6-6-2022)