<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 6-155. - Penalties; remedies.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (1)
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               The sheriff may undertake one or more of the following actions when a person fails
               or refuses to abide by or otherwise violates any provision of this article VI:
               </p>
            		
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               (a)
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               Obtain a magistrate's order to take possession of the animal.
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               (b)
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               Immediately impound the animal if the conditions pose an immediate threat to the health
               or safety of the animal or the public. A notice of seizure describing the exigent
               circumstances warranting the seizure will be left with the owner or affixed to the
               premises.
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               (c)
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               Issue a written notice of violation directing the owner or possessor of the animal
               to correct the problem within 72 hours, in lieu of subsection (a) or (b) above, if
               it is determined by the sheriff that the animal is not in immediate danger, or the
               problem which gives rise to the inadequate treatment or abuse can be corrected within
               72 hours. If the condition or problem is not corrected within 72 hours, the sheriff
               may take action as outlined in subsection (a) or (b) above.
               </p>
            		
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               (d)
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               Issue a civil penalty for violation of any provision of this section in accordance
               with <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH1GEPR_S1-11GEPE" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 1-11</a> and <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH1GEPR_S1-12ALREEN" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">1-12</a>.
               </p>
            		
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               (e)
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            <p class="content2">
               Obtain a criminal summons or warrant. Violation of any provision of this article VI
               shall constitute a misdemeanor; and any person convicted of such violation shall be
               punishable as provided in G.S. 14-4, or other applicable law.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (2)
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               In exercising his duties hereunder, the sheriff shall only impound an animal in the
               county's animal shelter; provided the sheriff may impound an animal at another appropriate
               facility:
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               (a)
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               Upon notice from the county's animal shelter that it is temporarily unable to accept
               animals due to capacity limitations, staffing or other such circumstances; or
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               (b)
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               In exigent or emergency circumstances in which the sheriff is unable to impound an
               animal in the county's animal shelter due to the shelter's unavailability outside
               of normal business hours.
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               The sheriff shall provide written or electronic notice to the director of the county's
               animal shelter should an animal be impounded at a facility other than the county's
               shelter.
               </p>
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. of 1-16-2018; Ord. of 8-19-2019; Ord. of 4-19-2021)
               </p></div>