The purpose of this chapter is to serve City residents in a timely, professional, and competent manner while enforcing animal control ordinances and State laws. It is also the mission of the animal shelter to build healthy relationships between people and animals by advocating for the humane treatment of animals; delineating animal owner's responsibility for the acts and behavior of their animal at all times; enforcing animal related laws and safeguarding residents from animal annoyance, intimidation, injury and health hazards; and encouraging and promoting responsible pet ownership. (Ord. 1535, 10-26-2009)