(A) The violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor, and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as provided in G.S. § 14-4.
(B) Each day’s violation of this chapter is a separate offense. Payment of a fine imposed in criminal proceedings pursuant to this section does not relieve a person of his liability for taxes or fees imposed under this chapter.
(C) The civil penalties for violation of this chapter are as follows:
Offense Section | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
Offense Section | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
Cruelty to animals | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Allowing dangerous dog to run at large off owner’s property | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Harboring non-domestic animal | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Interfering with Animal Control Officer | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Failure to surrender | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Nuisance | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Rabies violation Failure to vaccinate | $50 | $100 | $250 |
County tax tag violation | $50 | $100 | $250 |
The penalty shall be paid within 72 hours from and after issuance of the notice by the prescribed manner.
(D) In addition to the penalty prescribed in division (C) above, a $1 per day penalty shall be imposed in all those cases in which the above penalty has not been paid within the authorized 72-hour period.
(E) Should it become necessary to institute a civil action to collect any penalty hereunder, then the violation shall also be subject to an additional penalty of $25.
(F) All penalties paid to the Animal Control Department or as may be recovered in a civil action in the nature of debt as herein provided shall be paid into the General Fund of Ashe County to the Finance Officer.
(Ord. passed 9-20-95; Amend. Ord. passed 11-1-99; Amend. Ord. passed 10-17-22)