(a) Whenever any person sustains any loss or damage to any livestock, poultry or property by dogs, or whenever any livestock of any person is necessarily destroyed because of having been bitten by a dog, such person or his or her agent or attorney may complain to any police officer of the City or to the Dog Warden. Such complaint shall be in writing on forms to be furnished by the City Clerk, shall be signed by the person making it and shall state when, where, what and how much damage was done, and, if known, by whose dog. Such officer of the City shall examine the place where the alleged damage was sustained and the livestock, poultry or property injured or killed. He or she shall also examine, under oath or affirmation, any witness called before him or her. After making diligent inquiry in relation to such claim, such officer shall determine whether or not any damage has been sustained, the amount thereof and, if possible, the owner of the dog by which such damage was done. If, during the course of the proceedings, it appears who is the owner of the dog causing such loss or damage to livestock, poultry or property, such officer shall forthwith issue a summons against such owner commanding him or her to appear before the District Court and show cause why such dog should not be killed. Such summons shall be made returnable not less than two days nor more than six days from the date of issuance and shall be served at least two days before the time of appearance mentioned therein. Upon the return day fixed in such summons, the Court shall proceed to determine whether or not such loss or damage was caused by such dog. If the Court finds that such loss or damage was caused by such dog, it shall forthwith notify the Dog Warden of such facts and findings, whereupon the Dog Warden shall find and destroy such dog. Any owner or keeper of such dog shall be liable to the City on any such claims as herein provided. No officer shall be qualified to act under this section who is related by blood or marriage to the person making the complaint or who is financially interested in any of the livestock, poultry or property damaged.
(1974 Code Sec. 9.108)
(b) Upon making the examination required in subsection (a) hereof, if the officer determines that any damage has been sustained by the complainant, he or she shall deliver his or her report of such examination, and all papers relating to the case, to the Police Department, which report shall be kept in the official files of the Department. If the complainant has not paid the costs, the officer shall so state in such report, together with the amount thereof.
(1974 Code Sec. 9.109)