6.16.060 Disposition of a dangerous/vicious animal.

   A.   It is unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor or keep any animal declared to be dangerous or vicious.

   B.   Any animal declared to be dangerous or vicious, if not already impounded, shall be immediately surrendered to the animal control officer, failure to surrender an animal that has been declared dangerous or vicious, is a separate violation of this code, and it is the duty of the animal control officer to take up and impound any such animal.

   C.   Any animal declared to be dangerous or vicious shall be humanely destroyed. The animal control officer shall sign an order authorizing the destruction of the animal immediately upon occurrence of any of the following:

      1.   Expiration of ten (10) business days from the date of impoundment without receipt by the animal control officer of a request for appeal pursuant to Section 6.16.030(C);

      2.   Expiration of ten (10) business days from the mailing of a hearing officer's decision that the animal is dangerous pursuant to Section 6.16.050(A)(3), unless the owner has filed an action with the county superior court seeking judicial review pursuant to Section 6.16.050(C);

      3.   Expiration of ten (10) business days following the entry of an order by the Tulare County Superior Court upholding the decision of a hearing officer that the animal is dangerous or vicious.

(Ord. 2019-09 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2004-22 § 2 (part), 2004: Ord. 9605 § 20 (part), 1996: prior code § 4641)