§ 10-222. Penalties for violations.

(a)

Any violation of this chapter shall subject the offender to a civil penalty to be recovered by the animal control department in a civil action in the nature of a debt, to include the cost of abating a public nuisance. Any costs of abatement and civil penalties shall be paid within seven days of issuance of a notice of violation. Each day's continuing violation shall be a separate and distinct offense.

(b)

A notice of violation shall specify the nature of the violation and the sections of this chapter violated, and further notify the offender that the civil penalty specified therein shall be paid to the animal control director at the animal shelter within seven days.

(c)

Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, the civil penalty for a violation of this chapter shall be $100.00 for a first violation or for a violation more than 12 months after a previous violation. For subsequent violations within 12 months of a previous violation, the penalty shall be $200.00 for a second violation and $300.00 for a third or subsequent violation within a 12-month period of the first violation.

(d)

In addition to the civil penalties prescribed in this section, any violation of this chapter, also designated as chapter 3 of the county code, shall also constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00 and imprisonment of not more than 20 days.

(Ord. of 3-11-2015, § 10-81)