(A) General. Any violation of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable, upon conviction, by a fine not exceeding $50 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 days as provided in the state’s general statutes. Each day’s violation of this chapter is a separate offense. In addition, enforcement of this chapter may be by appropriate equitable remedy, injunction or order of abatement issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction, or other remedy provided for in G.S. § 160A-175.
(B) Citations assessing civil penalties. Any Animal Control Officer/personnel shall have the authority to investigate alleged or suspected violations of this chapter and upon the determination by such person, based on observation or other evidence, that a violation has occurred, each such person shall have the authority to issue a written citation for violation of this chapter and assess a civil penalty in the amount due. Such citation shall be mailed to the violator by an Animal Control Officer/personnel, by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the last known address of the violator, or shall be personally delivered to the violator or to some responsible person at the violator’s residence. Service shall be complete upon personal delivery as provided herein or upon execution of receipt for the certified mail by the violator or his or her agent in the event of such service. If a civil penalty duly assessed is not paid with in seven days, the Animal Control Officer/personnel shall initiate an action in court of competent jurisdiction to collect such amount due.
(C) Other remedies. In addition to assessment of civil penalties, this chapter may be enforced by any one or more of the remedies set forth in G.S. Ch. 160A or 153A, as applicable.
(1987 Code, § 8-2-29) (Ord. passed 2-8-2005)