(A) Inspections. Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this subchapter, and the animal control officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists upon any premises any violation of this subchapter, the animal control officer is hereby empowered to enter and inspect such property at any reasonable time and perform any duty imposed by this subchapter as follows:
(1) If such property is unoccupied, the animal control officer shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having control of the property; and
(2) If such property is occupied, the animal control officer shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor; and
(3) If such entry is refused or cannot be obtained because the owner or other person having control or charge of the property cannot be located after due diligence, the animal control officer may seek an administrative inspection warrant as provided in G.S. Ch. 15, Art. 4A.
(B) Interference. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, hinder, assault, molest, resist, or obstruct the animal control officer while the animal control officer is carrying out any duty created under this subchapter.
(C) Concealment of animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to conceal any animal from the animal control officer to evade any provision of this subchapter.
(Ord. passed 9-16-2021) Penalty, see § 91.99