(A) An animal control officer or any adult person may request, under oath, that a dog be classified as vicious by submitting a sworn, written complaint on a form approved by the animal control officer. Upon receipt of such complaint, the officer shall notify the owner of the dog that a complaint has been filed and that an investigation into the allegations, as set forth in the complaint, will be conducted. During the investigation:
(1) The custody of any dog which is the subject of the investigation shall not be transferred by its owner to any other person nor shall the place of maintenance of the dog be changed from its owner’s residence during said time without the consent of the animal control officer; and
(2) In addition, the dog may be ordered impounded by the animal control officer if he or she has reason to believe that, during the investigation, the dog will cause an immediate danger to the community if it is not immediately impounded. The owner may appeal the impoundment order to the Chief of Police at any time. The Chief of Police or his or her designee shall give the owner a hearing within three business days of the filing of the appeal.
(B) At the conclusion of an investigation, the officer may:
(1) Determine that the dog is not vicious and, if the dog is impounded, waive any impoundment fees incurred and release the dog to its owner; or
(2) Determine that the dog is vicious and order that the dog be humanely destroyed.
(Ord. 7 (Series 2013-2014), passed 10-7-2013)