A. Investigation; Notice Requirements:
1. Any law enforcement officer or animal control officer employed by the City who suspects that an animal may be vicious within the meaning of this section 6-4-3 may conduct an investigation to determine if the animal has committed any act or displays any characteristics which qualify the animal as vicious. If, upon the completion of such investigation, and upon the completion of a detailed investigative report, the officer concludes and recommends a finding that the animal is vicious, such officer shall give the report and written notice of recommendation to the City Attorney and owner which includes the following information:
a. A detailed description of the animal.
b. Information available concerning the ownership of the animal.
c. A statement or conclusion that the animal is vicious within the meaning of this section 6-4-3.
d. A detailed description of the investigation conducted by the officer and what acts, behaviors or characteristics led the officer to conclude that the animal is vicious.
B. Vicious Animals Prohibited: It shall be unlawful to keep any animal which has been declared “vicious” pursuant to this subsection or the Illinois Animal Control Act within the City limits.
C. Impoundment; Disposition; Exemptions Of Dangerous Or Vicious Animals:
1. If an animal is found to be vicious, the animal shall be spayed or neutered and microchipped within ten (10) days of the finding at the expense of the owner. The animal shall be subject to enclosure, confinement, or impoundment. An animal found to be vicious shall not be released to the owner until the Chief of Police or his/her designee approves of such enclosure. No owner or keeper of a vicious animal shall sell or give away the animal without City approval. The owner or keeper of a vicious animal shall notify animal control and the City if the vicious animal has died or will be euthanized. Whenever an owner of a vicious animal relocates, he or she shall notify both the Chief of Police or his/her designee where the owner is leaving and to where (city/town/state) that the owner will be moving.
2. The animal control officer shall determine where the animal shall be confined during the complaint investigation process. If the burden of proof has been met and the animal is declared to be vicious, it shall be unlawful to keep any animal which has been declared vicious within the City limits. An animal found to be vicious shall not be released from impoundment back to the owner until the animal control officer approves the removal of the animal, if the animal is not euthanized. Any animal that has been declared to be vicious and has not been removed from the City limits shall be immediately impounded by the animal control officer. If the owner fails to appeal such impoundment, in writing, and supply another confinement location for the animal, outside the City limits, within fifteen (15) working days, the animal may be humanely euthanized. The owner shall bear all costs associated with the caring of the animal during impoundment and any appeal of impoundment. (Ord. 3497, 3-7-2019; amd. Ord. 3902, - -2023)