(A) The animal control officer and staff shall be sworn to uphold, carry out and supervise the enforcement of this chapter within the county unless otherwise provided. The animal control officer and staff shall be vested with all the powers ordinary and necessary under the law to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(B) These duties and powers shall specifically include, but not be limited to:
(1) To educate the public concerning humane ethics, consequences of pet overpopulation and their responsibilities as pet owners;
(2) Make a monthly report to the County Commissioners regarding the animal control program setting forth the number of calls received concerning: Dogs and cats running at large; the number impounded; the number claimed; the number destroyed; and the number found to rabid in the county;
(3) An animal control officer shall have authority to:
(a) Impound any animal found running at large not under reasonable control;
(b) Impound any dog that has bitten a person or another animal;
(c) Impound any dangerous animal;
(d) Humanely destroy any dog or cat when such action is needed to protect persons or property or to prevent suffering by the animal. The animal control officer can humanely destroy any dog or cat which has been held for a minimum of five days and the owner cannot be identified. However, all attempts will be made first to find an adoptive home;
(e) Impound any dog or cat showing symptoms of rabies or which has bitten or been bitten by another animal showing symptoms of rabies;
(f) Impound any dog or cat that does not display a current rabies vaccination tab; and/or
(g) Impound any dog or cat found showing signs of violation of § 90.35(A) through (F) of this code relating to humane care and treatment.
(4) Have the power to issue official warning or a notice of ordinance violation of this chapter;
(5) Have the power to enter private real property to rescue an animal to enforce this chapter; and
(6) In performing any of these duties, the animal control officer and staff shall, however, be specifically prohibited from: Entering a dwelling unit or enclosed structure without the dwelling unit owner’s permission or being accompanied by a uniformed law enforcement with a warrant authorizing the entry except when apprehending and impounding an animal as described in divisions (B)(3) and (B)(5) above; carrying firearms other than a tranquilizer gun; or making arrests of human beings.
(Ord. 2005-5-2, passed 5-2-2005)