(A) Seizure.
(1) The animal control officer or any law enforcement agency may take possession of a restricted animal and all equipment and vehicles necessary for the impoundment of the animal, upon a violation of this subchapter, which endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the public or the animal.
(2) An owner of a restricted animal shall be liable for any and all costs incurred by the seizure and impoundment of a restricted animal.
(3) The owner of the restricted animal, if the owner can be found upon a reasonably diligent search, shall be given written notice of the reasons for the seizure, the location where the animal will be housed, and the owner’s liability for the costs of the shelter and care of the animal. If the owner cannot be found after a reasonable search, a notice shall be posted on the property from which the animal was seized. If the identity and address of the owner is later determined, the notice shall immediately be delivered to the owner by certified letter.
(4) Upon proof of notification, the Chief of Police may seek a court order that the restricted animal be placed in a suitable facility or humanely destroyed if no agreement regarding disposition of the animal can be reached with the owner in a reasonable period of time.
(B) Disposition.
(1) The Chief of Police may allow owners of un-permitted restricted animals who do not qualify for a permit to possess the animal or whose permit is revoked for violating the provisions of this subchapter to transfer the animal to a permitted or approved recipient.
(2) The owner of un-permitted restricted animals shall notify the Chief of Police prior to said transfer taking place.
(3) Each day of possession of the un-permitted restricted animal shall constitute a separate violation of this subchapter.
(Ord. 7 (Series 2013-2014), passed 10-7-2013) Penalty, see § 90.999