(A) Upon the written complaint of any person that another owns or is keeping or harboring a poisonous reptile or dangerous animal of the type herein described in the county, the Sheriff shall cause the matter to be investigated and if, after investigation, the facts indicate that a poisonous reptile or dangerous animal is in fact being kept in violation of this subchapter, the Sheriff shall deliver written notice to such person requiring that person to safely remove said animal from the county within 72 hours after delivery of the notice.
(B) Notice, as herein provided, shall not be required where such poisonous reptile or dangerous animal has previously caused physical injury to any person, or has escaped and is at large, in which case the animal may be immediately seized and impounded or if in the course of seizing and impounding the Sheriff deems it necessary, said reptile or animal may be killed.
(C) The Sheriff shall seize and impound any poisonous reptile or dangerous animal where the person owning, keeping or harboring such animal has failed to comply with the notice herein described. Upon seizure and impoundment, said poisonous reptile or dangerous animal shall be delivered to a suitable place of confinement. If, during the course of seizing and impounding any such poisonous reptile or dangerous animal, the poisonous reptile or dangerous animal poses a risk of serious physical harm or death to any person and if the Sheriff deems it necessary, said reptile or animal may be killed.
(Ord. 7-2000, passed 6-29-2000)