(A) The Animal Protection Officer or the Chief of Police's designee are responsible for the enforcement of the animal protection and control provisions of this chapter and shall work under the direction and supervision of the Chief of Police.
(B) Determinations of dangerous animals under this chapter shall be made by the Animal Protection Officer of the city, or in the absence of an Animal Protection Officer, by the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee, and the decision shall be final unless or until said decision is affirmed or denied by the District Court. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the city's authority to proceed in accordance with state or federal law concerning animal control and protection in addition to, or in conjunction with, the municipal infraction process under § 10.99.
(C) Any animal deemed to be abused as defined in this chapter may be confiscated and impounded by the Animal Protection Officer or Chief of Police's designee. Reasonable costs of impoundment, food, and all necessary veterinary care shall be at the owner or responsible person's expense, duly invoiced as a condition of return of the animal and/or imposed as a lien on the property of the owner of the animal.
(D) In addition to the confiscation of an animal, the Animal Protection Officer or Chief of Police's designee is authorized to make an investigation. A written report shall be prepared setting forth the material facts and conclusions. The Animal Protection Officer or designee may issue appropriate citations under this Code, as well as orders requiring the rectifying of any illegality under this Code. If the illegality is not resolved, the animal shall be removed permanently unless and until the District Court determines a final disposition. If the owner or responsible person refuses to cooperate with the order of the Animal Protection Officer or Chief of Police's designee, the city may initiate municipal infraction proceedings under this Code seeking appropriate fines and injunctive relief.
(Ord. 2485, passed 11-27-2012; Ord. 2657, passed 10-13-2020)