The Director or City Manager/ or his or her designee is authorized and empowered to impound and/or abate (destroy) any dangerous animal as a public nuisance independently of any criminal prosecution or the results thereof by any means reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public including, but not limited to, the imposition upon the owner and/or custodian of specific, reasonable restrictions and conditions for the maintenance of the animal. Restrictions and/or conditions resulting from abatement proceedings may include, but are not limited to the following:
(A) Requiring the owner of the animal, possessor of the animal or owner of the premises on which the animal is kept to obtain and maintain liability insurance in the amount set by the City Council via resolution which may be updated from time to time and to furnish a certificate or proof of insurance by which the division shall be notified at least 30 calendar days prior to cancellation or nonrenewal;
(B) Requirements as to the size, construction and design of structured enclosure for the animal;
(C) Location of the animal's residence including prior notice of plans to move the animal to another location or to a location outside of the City of Menifee and obtaining approval from animal services to do so after proper notification of animal regulation in the new jurisdiction;
(D) Requirements as to type and method of restraints for the animal; including but not limited to leashes, muzzles and confinement in a kennel or other facility;
(E) Photo identification or permanent marking of the animal for purposes of identification;
(F) A requirement to obtain a dangerous animal registration and/or requiring a tattoo or microchip noting the declaration and registration with animal services;
(G) A requirement to alter the animal;
(H) Requirements to allow inspection of the animal and its enclosure by animal services or any other law enforcement agency without warrant, and to produce upon demand, proof of compliance with such requirements of this section; as may be applicable;
(I) Obtaining written permission to keep the animal on certain specified premises from the landlord/owner, in the event that the owner/custodian of the dangerous animal is a tenant or occupant on real property where the animal is being kept; and
(J) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor, if charged.
(Ord. 2018-252, passed 12-5-2018)