(A) The provisions of this chapter may be enforced by Animal Control Officers, police officers, and such other persons as are designated by the city. Nothing herein is intended to or shall preempt any statutory duty or authority of any federal, state, or local entity or official charged with animal control, estray, control or impoundment, or other animal related matters.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, obstruct, resist or oppose any Animal Control Officer or other person authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter while such person is apprehending an animal or performing any other duties or investigation. It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take any animal from any Animal Control Officer or from any vehicle used by the officer to transport any animal or to take or attempt to take any animal from the animal shelter or other kennel or confinement area, to include live trap, used to impound an animal.
(C) In all instances of a violation of any provision of this chapter, whether the animal is impounded or not, the owner or keeper of such animal may be cited by an officer who has the authority to enforce
this chapter for any violation of this chapter. The Animal Control Division or the Trinidad Police Department may also by policy establish a conditional written warning procedure relating to general “at large” violations. The receipt of such written warnings does not preclude the Animal Control Division or the Trinidad Police Department from citing the recipient if the conditions of the written warning are not met in a timely fashion.
(D) In the enforcement of this chapter, Animal Control Officers and police officers shall have the authority to utilize firearms to kill or otherwise disable any animal to protect themselves, to protect a third person or to protect another animal from attack or threat of imminent injury or to prevent such animal from enduring further pain or suffering as a result of disease or injury. They shall also have the authority to tranquilize or trap any animal, fowl, livestock or wildlife consistent with humane policies adopted by the Animal Control Division.
(E) Unless specifically provided in this chapter, an offense under this chapter shall not require a culpable mental state. It is the intent of this chapter to impose strict liability for violation of the requirements of this chapter.
(F) To aid in the administration of this chapter, the Animal Control Division shall by policy making authority of the Chief of Police, adopt administrative policies and operational procedures consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(Ord. 2008-012, passed 11-18-2008; Ord. 2009-005, passed 2-17-2009; Ord. 2010-004, passed 4-21-2010; Ord. 2012-005, passed 6-19-2012)