This subchapter requires that any complaining party contact the Police Department by mail, electronic communication or phone, stating the nuisance being created by the animal, with a description of the animal and the owner’s name, if known. Reports to the police of vicious or dangerous animals should be followed with a written complaint explaining the details to the Police Department. Upon proper notification of any violation of this subchapter by a complaining party, and before a citation is issued, all persons allegedly violating any part of this subchapter shall be notified of the alleged violation by the Town Police Department. The alleged violator shall be given a copy of this subchapter. The contacting police officer shall explain this subchapter to the alleged violator. Whenever it comes to the attention of the Chief of Police that an animal is at large within the town, the Chief of Police shall cause to be served upon the owner or the person who harbors the animal a notice substantially as follows:
Office of the Chief of Police
Elkin, North Carolina
Date:
“To _______________________________:
“Take notice that a (dog, cat) described as_________________________ , and reputedly owned or harbored by you, has been reported as (violation), contrary to section __________ of the Town of Elkin Animal Nuisance Ordinance. Therefore, you are hereby required to take up and confine that animal on your own premises immediately and prevent it from (violation) anytime in the future; otherwise, the animal may be impounded by Surry County Animal Control.
“Further take notice that you are required to report to my office without delay that you have complied with the terms of this notice.”
Chief of Police
(Ord. eff. 10-10-2005)