(A) In the event the Animal Control Officer reasonably believes that an animal is a vicious animal, as that term is defined in this subchapter, he or she is empowered to refer the matter to the County Circuit or Superior Court or other court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of determining whether or not the animal in question should be declared a vicious animal for purposes of this subchapter.
(B) (1) Pending the court hearing, the court decision and any appeal thereof on the issue of whether an animal should be declared a vicious animal, the Animal Control Officer is empowered to seize and impound the animal.
(2) The owner of the animal shall be responsible for the reasonable costs and expenses of the impoundment.
(C) Whenever the County Circuit or Superior Court or other court of competent jurisdiction determines than an animal is a vicious animal, it shall allow an appropriate time for the appeal of the decision and/or of any penalty imposed by the court as a result of the decision, and, if the court orders the animal to be destroyed, for any medical tests which may need to be performed on the animal.
(Ord. 4-2001, passed 5-7-01)