§ 4-135. Enforcement; fines.

(a)

Upon observing a violation of this article, the section manager, a sworn animal control officer, or any other law enforcement officer may:

(1)

Issue a citation to the owner or keeper of the animal, provided the citation states the date and time of the issuance, the name and address of the person accused, the nature of the offense, and a description of the animal involved.

(2)

Impound the animal which is the subject of the violation, and commence legal action.

(b)

Upon receipt of a complaint setting forth the nature and date of the act, the owner or keeper of the animal, the address of the owner or keeper, and a description of the animal, the section manager or animal control officer or other law enforcement officer shall investigate the complaint to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a violation of the ordinance has occurred. If probable cause exists, the section manager or a sworn animal control officer shall commence legal proceedings.

(c)

Upon any person violating this article, he shall be punished as provided by law. Each day during which the violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

(d)

The board of county commissioners hereby exercises its authority under the Home Rule Charter and prescribes the following fines for violations. Any person to whom a notice to appear in court for violation of this article is issued, shall, upon entry of judgment, pay the fine of a maximum of $50.00 per violation, per day, plus court costs and expenses of prosecution, plus all animal costs.

(e)

Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (d) of this section, unsworn animal control officers may issue notices and impound animals in the same manner as sworn animal control officers and other law enforcement officers.

(Code 1992, § 3-44; Ord. No. 82, § 11, 11-19-1990; Ord. No. 204, § 10, 9-14-1998)

State law reference

Similar provisions, T.C.A. § 68-8-113.