(A) Notification of nuisance. When a complaint has been lodged against an animal that has committed a nuisance act only, the owner or keeper of the animal shall be notified.
(1) By personal delivery of written notice to the owner or keeper of the animal, or by leaving written notice at the usual place of abode of the owner or keeper with a person of suitable age and discretion; or
(2) By depositing in the United States Mail the notice addressed to the owner or keeper at such person’s last known address.
(B) Procedure for search warrant and seizure. A search warrant may be issued by a municipal court judge authorized to issue warrants upon the judge’s determination that there is a probable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter in any particular building, premises or place exists or has occurred. The search warrant shall authorize any law enforcement officer, accompanied by the animal control officer, to search the building or place, but no search shall be made after sundown unless specifically authorized by the judge upon satisfactory cause. The animal control officer may examine the animal and take possession of the animal upon determining grounds for taking possession or custody exist under this chapter. The animal control officer may also pursue any additional violations of this chapter as may be ascertained as a result of the search or seizure.
(C) Disposition. Domesticated animals, whether abandoned, vicious, running at large or mistreated shall be disposed of in accord with regulations of the contract enforcement agency and the town’s general power to preserve and protect order, peace, safety, and public health. Any facility to which a captured or wild animal is submitted shall exercise due diligence to return a wild animal to its natural environment, or if the animal is not suitable for return, then the facility operator shall use due diligence in seeking alternative and humane placement outside town limits, prior to disposing of the animal as otherwise permitted.
(Ord. 16-08, passed 4-4-16; Am. Ord. 16-22, passed 9-6-16)