(A) An animal control officer, police officer or the legal department may send a notice of violation to an animal’s owner or keeper. A notice of violation initiates administrative sanction procedures for violations of this chapter, revocation of a person’s privilege to license or keep animals, extension of the period of revocation, confiscation of an animal or a declaration that a dog is declared dangerous or vicious. A notice of violation under this section shall be sent upon the request of a victim of a vicious dog attack, as defined in § 1.00(B) of this chapter.
(B) The notice of violation shall briefly state the type of notice it is, the facts prompting the notice, the administrative sanction imposed, the notice recipient’s appeal rights and the date by which the recipient must request a hearing, not less than five days after the date of the notice, or waive his or her right to a hearing.
(C) The notice of violation shall be either hand-delivered by the animal control officer or police officer or be sent by certified mail.
(D) The notice recipient may appeal a notice of violation by requesting a hearing in writing before the Animal Hearing Commission and paying an administrative fee of $20. If the recipient of the notice does not appeal, the notice of violation sanctions imposed are final. If an appeal is properly requested, then an informal appeal hearing shall be held before the Animal Hearing Commission as soon as practicable. At the informal hearing, both the city and the notice recipient or the recipient’s legal counsel may present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. The Animal Hearing Commission may also ask questions of witnesses. The Animal Hearing Commission shall render a written decision within 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing.