The poundmaster shall have the same authority and powers as granted to animal control officers. Authority or powers granted specifically to the poundmaster may only be exercised by the poundmaster or his or her authorized designee.
A. Authority: Each animal control officer shall have, and is hereby vested with the authority of a public officer. An animal control officer may, in the performance of his or her duties, enter upon any property pursuant to law, to ascertain if any of the provisions of this chapter or any state laws relating to disease, care, treatment, or cruelty to animals are being violated. An animal control officer may issue citations for the violation of the provisions of this chapter, and state law, or city ordinance in the manner prescribed by the ordinance, and remove animals from said premises if deemed necessary. The authority to issue citations in the manner prescribed by the city shall be alternative to any other authority provided by law.
B. Police Powers: An animal control officer of the city shall have police powers in the enforcement of this chapter and no person shall interfere with, hinder, molest or abuse any animal control officer of the city in the exercise of such powers.
C. Animal Control Devices: In the performance of duties for the control of animals, an animal control officer shall have the authority to employ the use of a tranquilizer gun or other animal control devices in common use with the state of California.
D. Quarantine Of Suspected Animal: Whenever the owner of any animal shall observe or learn that the animal has rabies; has symptoms of rabies; has been exposed to rabies or has acted in a manner that would lead the owner to suspect that the animal might have rabies, the owner shall immediately notify the poundmaster or animal control officer and shall allow the poundmaster or animal control officer to make an inspection or examination of the animal. Whenever it appears to the poundmaster or animal control officer that the animal has rabies or has been exposed to rabies, the animal shall be quarantined until it shall be established to the poundmaster's satisfaction that the animal does not have rabies.
E. Destruction Of Rabid Animals: If the poundmaster determines that an animal has rabies, the poundmaster shall cause said animal to be destroyed in a lawful manner, which may include destroying the animal immediately if this is the only method available to contain the animal. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)