§ 5-10. Enforcement procedures.

(a)

Citation. An animal control/services officer, law enforcement officer, or code enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that a person has committed an act in violation of this chapter may issue a citation to the person. Such citation may be contested in the county court. If a person fails to pay the civil penalty or fails to appear in court to contest the citation, the court may issue an order to show cause upon the request of the animal control/services officer, law enforcement officer or code enforcement officer. This order shall require such a person to appear before the court to explain why action on the citation has not been taken. If any person who is issued such an order fails to appear in response to the court's directive, that person may be held in contempt of court. In addition to the requirements mandated by F.S. § 828.27(1)(f), or its successor, the citation must also contain a description of the animal involved.

(b)

Notice of violation. The animal control/services officer, law enforcement officer, or code enforcement officer may issue a notice of violation (warning) or a citation to the owner or custodian who is in violation of this chapter. Such notice of violation/citation shall state the date and time of issuance, the name and address of the person(s) in violation, the date and time the offense was committed, the nature of the offense and the ordinance section violated, the name and authority of the officer, a description of the animal involved. Such animal may be redeemed as provided in section 5-9(b).

(c)

Investigation. The animal control/services officer, law enforcement officer, or code enforcement officer shall require the owner of an animal to exhibit the animal, and, if applicable, the registration/license, rabies vaccination certificate and tag of such animal.

(1)

It shall be the duty of the animal control/services officer to keep the following records:

a.

Accurate and detailed records of the registration/licensing, impoundment, and disposition of all animals coming into his/her custody.

b.

Accurate and detailed records of all reported bite cases and investigations for a period of three (3) years.

c.

Accurate and detailed records of all money collected and expended in the operation of his/her office.

d.

Accurate records required by this section shall be subject to inspection by the city.

(2)

All records required by this section shall be subject to inspection by the city.

(Ord. No. 2002-30, § 1(Exh.A), 12-12-02)