(A) In addition to or in lieu of impounding the animal whose known owner has been found in violation of one or more sections of this chapter, the Animal Control Officer or local law enforcement officer may issue a notice of ordinance violation. The notice of violation shall impose upon the owner a penalty as follows:
(1) Class A offenses are those having to do with humane care, protection and/or treatment of animals unless otherwise specified. For the purposes of this chapter, Class A offenses shall be all of §§ 90.015 through 90.024, 90.040 through 90.043, 90.055, 90.056, 90.070, 90.071, 90.085 through 90.087, 90.100, 90.115 through 90.125 with the exception of § 90.024. Class A offense fines shall not be less than $50 for the first violation. The fine for any subsequent violation occurring within the same calendar year shall double each previous fine, not to exceed a maximum of $3,200.
(2) Class B offenses are those offenses, unless otherwise specified, having to do with nuisance violations. For purposes of this chapter, Class B offenses shall be § 90.024. Class B offense fines shall not be less than $25 for the first violation. The fine for any subsequent violation occurring within the same calendar year shall double each previous fine, not to exceed a maximum of $400.
(3) Class C offenses include, unless otherwise specified, having to do with permits and licenses. For purposes of this chapter, Class C offenses pertain to §§ 90.140, 90.141 and 90.155 through 90.159. Class C offense fines shall not be less than $25 for the first violation. The fine for any subsequent violation occurring within the same calendar year shall double each previous fine, not to exceed a maximum of $200.
(B) Each offense shall be considered a separate offense and subject to fine and/or other disposition as herein provided.
(C) In the event that an animal is retained at Humane Society of Putnam County’s animal shelter because its owner has been in violation of this chapter, the person redeeming the animal by paying the prescribed fees shall also be subject to paying for any and all boarding fees, and any medical bills incurred, including for routine shots for the animal.
(D) Violators, upon conviction, may be given the opportunity to work at the Humane Society of Putnam County’s animal shelter contingent upon the approval and acceptance of terms by the shelter’s Executive Director (or Manager in the absence of an Executive Director) and/or participate in a humane education program in lieu of fine payment at the exchange of one hour community service for each dollar of fine for up to 50% of the required fine or as required by the court.
(E) Each 24 hours that a violation occurs will be considered a separate offense and can be cited as such.
(F) Violations of this chapter may result in immediate impoundment of animal(s).
(Ord. 2006-12-18, passed 12-18-2006)