A. It shall be unlawful for any person:
1. To overload, overwork, torture, beat, mutilate, needlessly kill or otherwise treat any animal in a cruel and inhumane manner;
2. To fail to provide any animal owned or kept by the person with adequate and proper food or drink or protection from the weather, or with adequate space, consistent with the normal requirements and habits of the animal's size, species and breed;
3. To abandon any animal; or
4. To intentionally poison any animal.
B. Where there is reasonable cause to believe that an animal is being mistreated or is suffering from malnutrition, the animal may be impounded for treatment. For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subsection, the animal control officer may enter onto private property.
C. In the event an animal is removed from private property pursuant to subsection B of this section, a reasonable attempt shall be made to notify the owner or keeper of the animal.
D. In the event an animal has been impounded under this section, then the procedures as set out in subsection 6.7.108D of this article shall be followed in order to reach a final disposition of the animal by the court. Upon a finding of guilty, the defendant shall be assessed the costs of treatment. In addition to making determinations as required by this section the court shall determine whether it is in the best interest of the animal not to be returned to the owner or keeper. The court may order that the act of cruelty relinquishes ownership in that owner or keeper. If the court orders ownership relinquished, then the court may further authorize the release of the animal to the care and custody of the animal shelter operator. As a condition of the adoption of an animal that has been the subject of a violation of this section, the animal shelter operator may recover impoundment costs. (1968 Code §11-121; Ord. 74-114; Ord. 75-6; 1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 96-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)