§ 5-18. Enforcement.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with the terms of this chapter, or to interfere with an animal control officer or police officer in the performance of his/her duties.

(b)

Any animal found to be the subject of a violation of this chapter shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment.

(c)

Any person violating or permitting the violation of any of the provisions of section 5-10 pertaining to vicious animals shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation, or confined for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, or punished by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition the court shall order the license of the subject animal revoked, and the animal removed from the city. Should the defendant refuse to remove the animal, the court shall find the defendant in contempt, and order the immediate confiscation and impoundment of the animal.

(d)

Any person violating or permitting the violation of any other provision of this chapter, shall upon conviction, be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) or not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation, or confined for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, or punished by both such fine and imprisonment.

(e)

In addition to the foregoing penalties, any person who violates this chapter shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, handling, veterinary care and testimony necessitated by the enforcement of this chapter.

(f)

Except with respect to knowingly keeping or harboring a vicious animal, violations of this chapter shall not require any particular state of mind on the part of the defendant, it being the intent to make all such violations of this chapter strict liability offenses.

(Ord. No. 10811, § 1(XV), 3-21-88; Ord. No. 12167 , § I, 8-17-2015)