(A) (1) If an investigation under this subchapter discloses that a violation of this subchapter has been committed, the Administrator or his or her agents or deputies shall furnish the violator, if known, with a notice of apparent violation, and state what action is necessary to come into compliance with this subchapter, and that a maximum of 48 hours may be granted in which to take corrective action for compliance. If the violator is still unknown after an attempt to identify ownership or if a review of facts gathered by the Administrator indicates a violation of this subchapter has occurred, and the violator, if known, has failed or refused to take corrective action, the animal or animals may be impounded by the Administrator provided that a notice of impoundment be given to the owner, in person or sent by certified mail.
(2) The notice of impoundment shall include the following:
(a) An animal report number;
(b) A listing of deficiencies noted;
(c) An accurate description of the animal or animals involved;
(d) The date on which the animal or animals were impounded;
(e) The signature of the Rabies Control Department representative; and
(f) A statement that “the violator may request a hearing to appeal the impoundment.”
(B) A person desiring a hearing shall contact the County Animal Control Department within seven days from the date of impoundment, and the County Animal Control Department will hold an administrative hearing within seven days after receiving a request to appeal the impoundment. If the hearing cannot be held prior to the expiration of the seven-day impoundment period, the County Animal Control Department cannot sell, offer for ownership or dispose of the animal or animals until a final decision is rendered and all of the appeal processes have expired.
(C) Any expense incurred in such impoundment becomes a lien on the animal and must be discharged before the animal is released from the County Animal Control Department.
(1993 Code, § 50.172) (Ord. 92-10, passed 11-18-1992; Ord. 2003-08, passed 11-19-2003; Ord. 2006-07, passed 6-21-2006; Ord. 2022-01, passed 3-16-2022)