§ 4-4. Animal control section manager; appointment; duties.

(a)

The director of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department is authorized to employ or contract with a suitable person or entity who shall serve as animal control section manager, hereinafter called the "section manager," to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(b)

The section manager and his authorized animal control officers may seize or impound:

(1)

Any stray animal.

(2)

Any animal at large or previously observed at large.

(3)

Any dangerous animal that is not lawfully confined in conformance with the provisions of section 4-131(e).

(4)

Any animal carrying or believed to be carrying rabies or other infectious or contagious diseases.

(5)

Any dog not licensed and inoculated as required by this chapter or state law.

(6)

Any sick or injured animal for which the owner or keeper cannot be found after reasonable effort to do so or for which the owner or keeper is unable or unwilling to provide proper care.

(7)

Any other animal authorized by this chapter to be impounded, caught, seized or picked up.

The section manager or his officers or assistants shall impound or otherwise dispose of such animals as provided under this chapter.

(c)

The section manager or his authorized officers or assistants shall investigate complaints or actions allegedly in violation of this chapter. The animal control officers made special deputies as defined by section 4-2 have authority to issue citations which are the charging instruments for the enforcement of this chapter.

(d)

The section manager and his authorized assistants may enter public or private property within the county, except residential buildings, to carry out the duties imposed by this chapter. Residential buildings may be entered with a search warrant.

(Code 1992, § 3-30; Ord. No. 82, § 4, 11-19-1990; Ord. No. 204, § 4, 9-14-1998; Ord. No. 261, § 2, 5-13-2002)

Cross reference

Division of health services, § 2-157.