(a) Animals Running at Large. A person who owns or has custody or control of an animal shall prevent the dog from running at large. A person who owns or has custody or control of an animal shall, at any time the animal is off that person's property, restrain the dog with a lead or leash of a length sufficient to maintain effective control of the animal.
(b) Capture. The Director may capture or take into custody:
(1) Unlicensed dogs.
(2) Dogs and other domestic animals that are running at large in violation of municipal (local), County or State laws.
(3) Stray, abandoned, or abused animals.
(4) Animals maintained contrary to any city or township ordinance, or State or Federal Law other than an animal control ordinance adopted pursuant to M.C.L.A. 287.290.
(5) Animals which the owner or custodian is not able to care for properly as a result of:
A. Illness;
B. Bankruptcy;
C. Litigation; or
D. Other contingencies.
(6) Any animal that has bitten a person.
(c) Observation. The Director may capture and take into custody, or accept and care for, any animal to be held for observation at the recommendation of a doctor, veterinarian, or the Health Department.
(d) Private Property. The Director is authorized to rescue any animal on any property, public or private, in conjunction with the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities in these best practices. No person shall refuse to permit the Director, after proper identification, to inspect any premises in accordance with M.C.L.A. 333.2446 nor shall any person interfere with or resist the Director in the discharge of these duties and the protection of the public health.
(e) Proof of Animals Licenses or Certificates of Vaccination. The Director may require that a person owning any dog provide proof of the required vaccination certificate, or the current license and license tag for the dog.
(f) Wearing of License Tag. Dogs must wear valid license tags when off their owner's property. An owner whose dog is off his/her property without wearing a valid license tag is in violation of these best practices and M.C.L.A. 287.262.
(g) Failure to Show License. It is a violation of these best practices for a person upon whom a demand is made under this subchapter to fail or refuse to exhibit the dog certificate of vaccination or its license tag.
(h) Interference with an Animal Control Deputy. No person shall interfere with, oppose, or resist an Animal Control Deputy while he/she is engaged in the performance of any act authorized by these best practices.
(i) Unauthorized Removal from the Shelter. No person shall remove any animal from the custody of the Department nor shall any person remove any animal from the animal shelter without first receiving permission from the Director.
(j) Reclamation. All reclaimed animal must be licensed and microchipped as specified in this subchapter.
(k) Stray Livestock. A person who owns or has custody or control of livestock or poultry shall prevent such animals from running at large on public or private property without the consent of the property owner. However, this section shall not prohibit the leading or driving of livestock, under the owner's or custodian's supervision, along a public highway.
(Ord. 484. Passed 2-27-23.)