§ 8-20-9. Duties of animal control officer.

An animal control officer shall investigate incidents involving dogs and animals that may be dangerous/vicious. The animal control officer shall make an initial determination whether an animal is to be classified as dangerous/vicious and shall immediately provide written notification by registered or certified all to the owner, authorized handler, or person maintaining possession of the animal, that the animal has been preliminarily classified as dangerous/vicious. A dog shall not be classified as dangerous/vicious if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person, who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property, or while lawfully on the property was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the animal or its owner or handler. The officer shall take possession of any dog or animal preliminarily determined to be dangerous/vicious and transport the animal to the animal shelter.

(Code 1985, § 5-72; Ord. No. 4954, § 1, 8-6-2002)