§ 4-1  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
   The presence of animals at large, stray animals, nuisance animals, abused animals and diseased animals within the corporate limits of the city is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.  The animals are a threat to the health of the community and the safety of persons and property alike.  In order to abate and control this nuisance and to protect the people of the city from diseases transmitted by unconfined, uncontrolled or non-immunized dogs and cats and to ensure that animals are treated in a humane manner, there is hereby created, with the Police Department, the position of animal control officer who shall serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police and City Manager.
(`86 Code, § 4-1)  (Am. Ord. 01-09-01, passed 9-18-01)