A. Office Of Animal Control Officer Created: The position of animal control officer is created. This office may be filled by appointment by the mayor, with the advice and consent of the town council, by contract for such services or by other methods approved by the town council.
B. Identification Of Animal Control Officer: The town council is empowered to make a determination as to appropriate badges, uniforms, insignia, decals for motor vehicles and/or other forms of identification to be issued to and used by any animal control officer within the town in order to ensure such individuals can properly identify themselves as appointed contractors or municipal employees with the animal control department, and in order to protect the town's residents from unauthorized individuals. To the extent possible, such badges and other identifying items shall be serialized, or otherwise labeled, with proper records being kept of all items issued, the date of issue, the name and address of the individual to whom issued and the date of return. Any person receiving such items shall return the same to the appropriate town official immediately upon cessation of employment.
C. Duties Of Animal Control Officer: The animal control officer shall perform the following duties:
1. Carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter;
2. Take into his possession and impound all stray animals running at large and dispose of the same as provided in this chapter;
3. Enforce the licensing and control of all animals within the municipality as provided in this chapter;
4. Have authority to issue citations and file complaints in the appropriate court against any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter;
5. With authorization from the town, provide for a good and sufficient pound in which all animals duly committed to his/her charge or otherwise impounded by him/her shall be maintained;
6. Maintain detailed records as required by the town;
7. May obtain technical and professional licenses when required thereunder.
D. Services Of Animal Control Officer: The animal control officer shall charge the owners of animals taken into his possession for impound, disposal or other services, who shall pay such fees and charges for services performed by the pound or animal control officer which shall be established from time to time by the governing body by resolution. Payment of all fees and fines shall be paid to the town clerk.
E. Lawful For Officers To Go On Premises: In the enforcement of any provision of this chapter, any police officer, the municipal animal control officer and/or their deputies, are authorized to enter the premises of any person or entity to take possession of any fierce, stray, dangerous or vicious dog, or other animal, or dogs or other animals which have committed an act prohibited by town ordinance when in fresh pursuit of such dog or other animal at the time the dog or other animal goes onto private property, whether registered or unregistered, and as otherwise provided in this chapter and by law.
F. Interference With Officer Prohibited: It is unlawful for any person to interfere, molest, hinder or obstruct the animal control officer or any of his authorized representatives in the discharge of their duties as prescribed in this chapter. (Ord. 01-01, 7-6-2001)