§ 10-221. Generally.

(a)

The primary responsibility for the enforcement of this chapter shall be vested in the animal control department.

(b)

Any person authorized to enforce this chapter may do so by issuing a notice of violation or civil penalty citation, or by applying to the general court of justice for a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, a permanent injunction or an order to abate a nuisance, as may be appropriate in the circumstances.

(c)

Upon information made known to or a complaint lodged with the animal control department that any owner, possessor, or custodian of any dog or animal is in violation of this chapter, an animal control officer may investigate the complaint to determine whether to issue a notice of violation (civil citation) requiring the owner, possessor or custodian of the dog or animal to pay the stated civil penalty and abate the nuisance specified or whether to take such other enforcement action as may be authorized under this chapter.

(d)

If the owner, possessor or custodian of any dog or animal is not known and the dog or animal is upon the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, school grounds or other public places or premises, or another's property without that property owner's permission, in violation of this chapter, the dog or animal shall be impounded in the animal shelter.

(e)

Any decision of the animal control director or his designee to seize or impound any animal, other than a decision made pursuant to the provisions of article IV of this chapter, may be appealed to the animal control board for review and final decision upon the owner or keeper of such seized or impounded animal giving written notice of appeal within three business days of receiving notice of the director's decision. The animal control board shall afford the opportunity for a hearing to any person giving notice of appeal and shall conduct the hearing for the purpose of either affirming, reversing, or modifying the decision of the director.

(Ord. of 3-11-2015, § 10-80)