(A) The animal control officer shall have the responsibility to enforce all state laws and city ordinances pertaining to the ownership, control, care and custody of dogs, cats and other animals covered hereunder, and shall cooperate with the Health Director and other law enforcement officers within the city, county and adjoining areas in fulfilling this duty and any other duty enumerated herein. In addition thereto, the animal control officer shall have the authority to:
(1) Investigate all complaints with regard to animals covered by this chapter, including, but not limited to cruelty or animal abuse with regard to dogs, cats and other animals;
(2) Act as rabies control officer and enforce and carry out all state laws and all city ordinances pertaining to rabies control which shall include making canvasses of the city as deemed necessary and practical, for the purpose of ascertaining that all dogs are properly licensed and that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies;
(3) Be responsible for the investigation of all reported animal bites and for the quarantine of any dog or cat involved and suspected of having rabies, for a period of not less than ten days; and
(4) Be responsible for the seizure and impoundment, whenever deemed necessary, of any dog, cat or other animal in the city involved in a violation of this chapter or any other city ordinance or state law.
(B) (1) In the performance of his or her duties, the animal control officer shall have the power and authority to issue a citation and/or summons and shall have the immunity of a peace officer, as described in the state statutes, but only in regard to enforcing the provisions of this chapter and the laws of the state which relate to the care, treatment and impoundment of animals.
(2) In that the animal control officer's authority is limited, as described herein, the officer shall not be considered to be a law enforcement officer for purposes of retirement benefits or any special allowance or benefit available to law enforcement officers.
(C) (1) The animal control officer is not authorized to carry on his or her person any firearm of any kind unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police and the City Manager.
(2) The animal control officer may use any authorized firearms when necessary to enforce sections of this chapter or other applicable law for the control of wild, vicious, diseased or potentially dangerous animals when the officer deems necessary.
(D) The animal control officer, while performing his or her duties, shall wear a badge of a size and design to be determined by the Chief of Police.
(`86 Code, § 4-4) (Am. Ord. 01-09-01, passed 9-18-01)