(A) Authority is hereby granted to the county’s Animal Control Department to enforce this chapter. This chapter shall be enforced by all nonsworn animal control officers as well as by sworn law enforcement officers utilizing the additional rights, powers, and immunities granted to sworn officers.
(B) Authority is hereby granted to the county’s Animal Control Department to establish and maintain an animal control program, to employ animal control officers and such other employee(s) as shall be determined necessary by the county, and to appoint and compensate animal control officers and such other employees in accordance with policies of the county.
(C) The county’s Animal Control Department shall:
(1) Have the responsibility along with law enforcement agencies, and where applicable with animal cruelty investigators, to enforce all laws of the state and all ordinances of the county pertaining to animals and shall cooperate with all law enforcement officers within the county in fulfilling this duty;
(2) Enforce and carry out all laws of the state and all county ordinances pertaining to animals and rabies control in cooperation with the Health Director, except as herein provided;
(3) Operate the county animal shelter known as the county animal ark;
(4) Be responsible for the seizure and arranging for the impoundment, where deemed necessary, of any animal in the county involved in a violation of this chapter or any other county ordinance or state law;
(5) Make such investigations or inquiries as necessary for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with this chapter or applicable state statute;
(6) Be empowered to issue civil penalties or notices of violation of this chapter in such form as the Animal Control Director may prescribe; and
(7) Be empowered to enter upon private property to investigate violations of this chapter and/or of state law and to seize and impound animals pursuant to this chapter or by an order of a court in competent jurisdiction of this state.
(D) The county’s Animal Control Department shall keep, or cause to be kept, accurate and detailed records of:
(1) Seizure, impoundment, and disposition of all animals coming into the custody of the animal control program in compliance with the regulations enacted pursuant to the state’s Animal Welfare Act, being G.S. Ch. 19A, Art. 3;
(2) Animal bites to humans, rabies control investigations, ordinance and other violations and complaints, and their investigation;
(3) All monies belonging to the county, including but not limited to fees, penalties, and donations; and
(4) Any other matters deemed necessary by the Animal Control Director.
(Ord. passed 6-2-2018)