(a) The City animal control officer shall be charged with the responsibility of carrying out the provisions of this article, except that any activity which requires the power of arrest shall be performed by law enforcement officers only.
(b) The city's animal control officers have the authority to issue citations pursuant to Section 4-38 of this chapter, and all law enforcement officers may issue written citations to owners of animals in violation of this chapter within the City limits. In lieu of writing citations, any law enforcement officer shall have the power to arrest.
(c) It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to knowingly hinder, resist or oppose any officer or employee of Animal Control in the performance of his or her duties under this chapter, or knowingly interfere with any animal trap set by such officers or employees, or molest or release any animal caught therein.
(d) If any owner refuses to permit an animal control officer or a law enforcement officer to enter the premises to enforce this chapter, such officer shall contact the police department and proceed on the owner's premises in the company of a police officer, with such legal warrant or other documents of authority as is necessary to lawfully enter the owner's premises for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.
(Ord. No. 97-47, § 2, 10-7-97)