A determination that a person has committed a civil violation, as defined in this article, may be appealed in the following manner:
A. A person who has received a citation for a civil violation, or his or her agent or representative, may file a written request for a hearing before a hearing officer within fourteen (14) days after the date of issuance of the citation. The hearing officer shall hold a hearing within fourteen (14) days after receipt of the written request from the appellant.
B. The scope of the hearing shall be limited to the following issues:
1. Whether a civil violation did in fact occur; and
2. Whether the person who received the citation had any responsibility for the animal whose behavior gave rise to the issuance of the citation.
C. The hearing shall be informal and strict rules of evidence shall not apply. The owner and the Sheriff may be represented by counsel, present testimony and evidence, and examine witnesses.
D. A decision shall be issued at the close of the hearing or within fourteen (14) days thereafter. The Hearing Officer shall notify the owner in writing of the decision within fourteen (14) days after the close of the hearing.
E. The decision of the Hearing Officer may be appealed to the Board in writing within fourteen (14) days after the issuance of a written decision by the Hearing Officer. The hearing before the Board shall occur within fourteen (14) days after receipt of a written notice of appeal, unless extended with the consent of both the appellant and the Sheriff. The hearing shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of this section and such other rules as the Board may establish. The decision of the Board shall be final. (Ord. 500, 9-13-2016)