1. It is a simple misdemeanor for a person to do an act forbidden or to fail to perform an act required by this chapter. The penalties for a simple misdemeanor are as set out in Section 903.1(a) of the Code of Iowa. Each act or omission in violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense. Each day that such violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense. In addition to any other penalties allowed by law, the court, as part of any sentence, may do a combination of any of the following:
A. Prohibit the offender from owning, possessing, or having on the offender’s premises any animal during the term of the sentence.
B. Order that the animal be surrendered to the County animal control facility.
C. Order the offender to obtain a mental health evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment.
2. The owners of animals impounded shall be responsible for all incurred costs and fines upon claiming said animal, including impound and board fees.
3. Animals found in violation of this chapter and impounded are subject to a schedule violation fee adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. For animals impounded two or more times within a calendar year, the impound fees will be doubled.
4. Violations are subject to a schedule citation fee adopted by a resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Animals or owners cited more than two times within a calendar year are subject to charges being filed.
5. All animals that are at large, or not in control, or causing a nuisance or disturbance off of their owner’s property are subject to impoundment at the County Animal Shelter and will be held for seven days for the owner to reclaim. After the seven-day holding period, the dog or cat becomes the property of Story County.
6. An animal against whom multiple complaints for running at large or causing a disturbance have been made may be subject to restraint on the property of the owner by demand of the Animal Control Officer. Failure to comply with such an order of restraint shall be a simple misdemeanor or civil infraction.
7. It is a simple misdemeanor for an owner to violate any of the conditions of quarantine as prescribed by the local Board of Health or the Iowa Department of Agriculture.