Penalties for a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter may be expressly included with each provision. Otherwise, any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be punishable as follows:
(A) Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall subject the offender to a civil penalty in the amount of $25. Each subsequent day that a violation listed in this chapter continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Violators shall be issued a written citation, which must be paid within 72 hours. If the person fails to pay the civil penalty within 72 hours, the town may recover the penalty including all costs and attorney’s fees by filing a civil action in the general court of justice in the nature of a suit to collect a debt. The town may increase any civil penalty assessed under this section by $50 for each subsequent violation of the same provision within a two-year period. The town may, in its discretion, additionally seek restitution for the actual cost of maintaining, transporting, boarding, or providing veterinarian services for any animal impounded under this chapter; or
(B) Any violation of any provision of this chapter shall be an infraction, punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $500; or
(C) In addition, enforcement of this chapter may be by injunction, restraining order or abatement in a court of competent jurisdiction, as provided by G.S. § 160A-175(d) and (e).
(1992 Code, § 91.99) (Ord. O-47-12108485, passed 12-10-1984; Ord. O-14-09149899, passed 9-14-1998; Ord. 04-O-128, passed 10-11-2004; Ord. 07-O-, passed 4-9-2007; Ord. 20-O-031, passed 3-9-2020)