<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 3-29. - Enforcement</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
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               <span class="ital">Methods.</span> This chapter may be enforced by one (1) or more of the following methods, unless
               otherwise limited to a specific manner of enforcement by this section or chapter:
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               (1)
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               <span class="ital">Civil citation.</span> Enforcement by civil citations shall be in accordance with the following:
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               a.
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               Civil citations may be used to enforce any section of this chapter. Such citations
               may be used independently or in conjunction with any other enforcement method. Violations
               related to enforcement of ordinances through interlocal agreements may only be enforced
               by the issuance of a civil citation.
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               b.
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               Each day that an ongoing violation continues shall be considered a separate and distinct
               violation from any previous or subsequent violation, and each separate violation may
               be the basis for a citation.
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               c.
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               The penalties assessed by civil citations subject to an escalating civil penalty must
               be evidenced by the issuance of a civil citation or a criminal conviction arising
               from a prior offense before the next escalated penalty for subsequent offenses may
               be assessed. Penalties shall only escalate when the same offense has been committed
               by the same owner in the past. No offense occurring more than ten (10) years before
               the current offense shall be considered.
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               d.
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               In addition to civil citations that are subject to an escalating civil penalty, violations
               determined to be a repeated offense may also be enforced using the following methods:
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               i.
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               First offense: Fine.
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               ii.
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               Second offense: Fine.
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               iii.
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               Third offense: Fine and/or restraint measures of the offending animal in accordance
               with <a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH3AN_ARTIIENAPPRREAC_S3-32PRMECOAN" class="section-link" data-product-id="12207">section 3-32</a>.
               </p>
            		
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               iv.
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               Fourth offense: Fine and/or restraint measures in accordance with <a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH3AN_ARTIIENAPPRREAC_S3-32PRMECOAN" class="section-link" data-product-id="12207">section 3-32</a> and a secure enclosure as defined in <a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH3AN_ARTIINGE_S3-1DE" class="section-link" data-product-id="12207">section 3-1</a> if the violation is a bite or restraint of the offending animal.
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               v.
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               Fifth offense: Fine and/or seizure/forfeiture of the offending animal.
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               (2)
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               <span class="ital">Criminal misdemeanor.</span> If any person shall violate any ordinance within this chapter, he may be charged
               with a misdemeanor and be subject to punishment as provided in <a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH3AN_ARTIIENAPPRREAC_S3-26GEPEADRE" class="section-link" data-product-id="12207">section 3-26</a>.
               </p>
            		
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               a.
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               The director of animal services will maintain a process outlining the steps that will
               be taken whenever it is necessary for anyone in violation of this chapter to be charged
               with a criminal misdemeanor.
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               b.
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               Misdemeanor charges will be reserved for such times it is apparent that the civil
               process is ineffective or the crime is so egregious that charges are warranted immediately.
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               (3)
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               <span class="ital">Injunction.</span> The county may apply to the appropriate court for an injunction and order of abatement
               that would require that a violator correct any unlawful condition relating to this
               chapter existing on his property.
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               (4)
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               <span class="ital">Seizure/forfeiture.</span> The following sections of this chapter may be enforced by the immediate seizure and
               forfeiture to the department of the animal that is the basis for a violation of the
               section either by consent, a valid search warrant, or exigent circumstances:
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               a.
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               Cruelty to animals.
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               b.
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               Confinement and control of dangerous animals and dangerous dogs.
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               c.
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               Possession of inherently dangerous exotic mammals, inherently dangerous mammals, and
               inherently dangerous reptiles is illegal in the county.
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            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. Of 9-21-21(2); Ord. No. 2022-03, 3-15-22)
               </p></div>