(A) The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by Animal Services under the supervision of the Director in all unincorporated areas of the county except wherein the governing body of any municipality, by resolution filed with the clerk, so indicates that it desires the provisions of this chapter be enforced within the jurisdictional limits of the respective municipality.
(B) The Animal Services’ staff shall be appointed as County Code Enforcement Officers.
(C) If the Animal Control Officers are unable to respond to complaints due to other commitments, the County Sheriff’s Department or other authorized law enforcement agency may respond to complaints.
(D) Persons empowered to enforce this chapter shall have the authority to destroy any pet which appears to be dangerous and may endanger their safety or the safety of other persons or animals. Further, after reasonable attempts to capture and/or restrain unsuccessfully a dog in violation of § 90.04, Restraint and Confinement (by physical means and/or trapping), as a last resort, he or she may petition the magistrate to have the dog destroyed.
(E) The Animal Control Officers will, if necessary, obtain a search warrant to enter any premises upon which it is suspected a violation of this chapter exists. The officer may demand to examine such pet and take possession of the pet when, in his or her opinion, it requires removal from the premises.
(F) No person shall interfere with, hinder or molest the Animal Services’ staff in the execution of their duties, or seek to release any pet in the custody of Animal Services.
(G) When a pet is found in violation of any provision of this chapter, Animal Control Officers, at their discretion, may:
(1) Impound the pet;
(2) Issue notice of violation; and/or
(3) Issue court summons.
(County Ord. 17-01, passed 6-26-2017)