This chapter may be enforced by one or more of the following methods, unless otherwise limited to a specific manner of enforcement by this section or chapter.
(A) Civil citation. Enforcement by civil citations shall be in accordance with the following.
(1) Civil citations may generally be used to enforce any section of this chapter. Such citations may be used independently or in conjunction with any other enforcement method.
(2) The penalties assessed by civil citation shall be in accordance with the escalating civil penalty table that follows. The civil penalty table applies to all violations that are enforced civilly, regardless of any other method of enforcement. A PRIOR VIOLATION is defined as a prior act contrary to the provision of this chapter, which is evidenced by the issuance of a prior civil citation and the finding of a violation or a criminal conviction from a prior violation. No violation occurring more than ten years before the current offense shall be considered as a PRIOR VIOLATION.
Owner’s Offense | Penalty |
First violation | $30 fine |
Second violation | $50 fine |
Third violation | $100 fine |
Fourth violation | $250 fine |
Fifth or subsequent violation | $500 fine and forfeiture of the animal |
(3) Each day that an ongoing violation continues shall be considered a separate violation from any previous or subsequent violation, and each separate violation may be the basis of a citation.
(B) Criminal misdemeanor. The violator may be charged with a misdemeanor and be subject to punishment as provided in G.S. § 14-4.
(C) Injunction. The village may apply to the appropriate court for an injunction and order of abatement that would require that a violator correct any unlawful condition relating to this chapter existing on his or her property.
(D) Upon the issuance of a notice of violation or citation, the Village Manager may suspend any other permits or approvals issued to the violator, including the issuance of a stop-work order, until such time as the violation is cured and any civil penalty paid. An active appeal of the violation to the appropriate village authority shall operate as a stay of the suspension of the permits and approvals, unless the Village Manager determines that allowing the work to continue would constitute a danger to health, life, safety, or property.
(E) In the event there is an outstanding penalty amount or unresolved violation of this chapter, the village may require the violation to be remedied as a condition for the issuance of any subsequent permit or approval.
(Ord. passed 8-21-2012; Res. R-2023.3, passed 7-18-2023)