(A) Violators of this chapter shall be subject to the following fines: a person violating any provision of this chapter shall be fined for each offense in an amount not less than $50 nor more than $2,500; each daily violation shall constitute a separate offense.
(B) Upon finding a violation that one or more sections of this chapter pertaining to animal fighting, public safety, animal cruelty or neglect, animal hoarding or habitual animal offender have been violated, the court may order no animal ownership for a determinate period. The court may mandate counseling upon a conviction for cruelty to an animal or animal hoarding.
(C) Upon finding of a violation of this chapter, the court may order the relinquishment of an animal(s) to the Department for disposition when:
(1) An animal(s) is deemed to be a public safety risk and/or a repetitive public nuisance that has not been abated; or
(2) An animal(s) is the victim of cruelty, neglect, abandonment, hoarding; or
(3) Animals exceeding the maximum number ordered by the court are in the possession of a convicted habitual animal offender or an animal hoarder.
(D) The court shall order the destruction of an animal(s) found to be dangerous pursuant to § 91.034(F). Destruction of the animal(s) does not preclude the imposition of fines or fees for each offense as outlined in division (A) above.
(E) In the event an animal(s) is retained by the Department because the owner or harborer of such animal(s) violated this chapter, the person redeeming the animal(s) by paying the prescribed fees shall also be required to pay the costs incurred by the Department for impoundment and care of the animal(s) including but not limited to:
(1) Surgeries;
(2) Medications and preventative care;
(3) X-rays;
(4) Examinations, diagnostics, medical treatment;
(5) Boarding;
(6) Rescue equipment; and
(7) Perishable personal protection equipment.
(F) A violation of this chapter may result in immediate impoundment of an animal(s) by the Department.
(G) Violation of this chapter may result in revocation of any or all current permits and may require re-inspection and approval by the Department prior to reinstatement or reissuance and subsequent fees.
(H) Upon finding an owner or harborer has violated this chapter, the court may order restitution by the owner or harborer including but not limited to:
(1) Medical, veterinary, and/or pharmaceutical bills;
(2) Replacement cost of animal(s);
(3) Property damage;
(4) Lost wages; and
(5) Counseling or psychological treatment obtained by the victim which relates directly to the violation incident.
(I) Upon finding a violation of this chapter by an owner or harborer the court may offer payment for participation in the Department's deferral program. The Department may recommend deferral for minor violations of the requirements for animal care, pet registrations, and permits.
(J) Upon finding an owner or harborer has violated § 91.107(I)(3) of this chapter, the court shall order a microchip be implanted at redemption at the owner or harborer's expense.
(K) Upon finding an owner or harborer has violated § 91.107(E) of this chapter, the court shall order all stray or unrestrained animal(s) being redeemed for the second or subsequent redemption be surgically sterilized by a state-licensed veterinarian at the owner or harborer's expense.
(Ord. G-23-18, passed 9-25-18)