(A) A qualified person or persons shall be appointed by the City Manager as an animal control officer for the purpose of enforcing the provisions hereof. The animal control officer shall have the duty to take up and impound all dogs, cats and other animals, fowl or reptiles running at large contrary to the regulations of the city and to safely keep and dispose of all animals coming into his or her possession, as provided by the regulations of the city. He or she shall provide suitable and necessary sustenance, shelter, and care to the animals while the animals are in the city pound and shall take precaution while they are impounded, for the safety of the animals. The animal control officer shall have the authority to pick up, impound and release on redemption all dogs and cats and other animals, fowl or reptiles as provided by the regulations of the city and to destroy and bury all unredeemed dogs and cats and to sell other animals as provided hereby.
(B) Animal control officers as designated by the City Manager are authorized to enforce the provisions dealing with animals. In carrying out the duties, animal control officers may issue a citation to any person to appear in court, if the animal control officer observes a violation of Ch. 95 in the city’s Code of Ordinances. This division does not alter the discretion of the City Police Department in making an arrest or to secure a warrant with respect to any violation of Ch. 95 of the city’s Code of Ordinances or under Oklahoma’s criminal code regarding animals.
(Prior Code, § 4-401) (Am. Ord. 2000, passed 1-5-21)