Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Ch. 6.08 Administration and Enforcement

A public pound is authorized and established; and the same, and any branches thereof, shall be located and established at such place in the county of San Luis Obispo as shall be fixed from time to time by the board of supervisors. The public pound, or any authorized branches thereof, shall provide suitable buildings and enclosures to adequately keep and safely hold all dogs, cats, or household pets subject to be impounded by the provisions of this title.

(Prior code § 6-1.01)

There shall be in this city a chief animal control officer. It shall be the duty of the chief animal control officer and his or her duly authorized deputies and employees to carry out the provisions of this title and all applicable statutes of the state and to be in charge of the public pound hereby authorized and established.

(Prior code § 6-1.02)

A. The chief animal control officer and his or her duly authorized deputies shall have the power to issue citations pursuant to Chapter 1.16 of this code.

B. Animal control officers, when acting in the course and scope of their duties, shall be authorized to carry on their person or in official vehicles loaded firearms or weapons of the type approved by the chief animal control officer. Each officer shall qualify under California Penal Code Section 832 in the use of firearms.

(Prior code § 6-1.03)

The chief animal control officer and his or her duly authorized and appointed deputies, while engaged in the execution of their duties, shall each wear in plain view a badge having, in the case of the chief animal control officer, the words "Chief Animal Control Officer"; in the case of the lead animal control officer, the words "Sergeant - Animal Control Officer"; and in the case of the deputy animal control officers, the words "Deputy Animal Control Officer" engraved thereon. Any person who has not been appointed as provided hereinabove or whose appointment has been revoked, who shall represent himself or herself to be or shall attempt to act as an animal control officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Prior code § 6-1.04)

The department shall keep a record of the number, description and disposition of all dogs, cats and household pets impounded, showing in detail, in the case of each, the date of receipt; the date and manner of disposal; the name of the person reclaiming, redeeming or receiving such dogs, cats or household pets; the reason for destruction.

(Prior code § 6-1.05)

A. Whenever fees are to be charged by the department of animal regulation, these fees shall be set annually by resolution of the city council.

B. Whenever a penalty fee is to be assessed, it shall be double the regular established fee.

C. A fee, including a penalty fee, may be waived at the discretion of the health officer. Such waiver shall be based upon a determination that it is in the interests of justice or that payment will impose an undue financial hardship upon the owner.

(Prior code § 6-1.06)

It is unlawful for any person to hinder or obstruct the chief animal control officer or any of his or her deputies or employees in the exercise of their duties. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Prior code § 6-1.15)

Any person who, after written notice, violates or who, upon the demand of the department, refuses or neglects to conform to any rule, written order, or regulation prescribed by the department is guilty of an infraction.

(Prior code § 6-1.16)

It is unlawful for any person to suffer or permit any dog, cat, animal or household pet owned, harbored or controlled by him or her to violate any written quarantine notice. Any person who violates such written notice shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Prior code § 6-1.35)

Except as otherwise provided, violation of a provision of this title is an infraction.

(Prior code § 6-1.18)

It shall be the duty of the department to patrol the incorporated area of the city from time to time and without notice to the public for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this title.

(Prior code § 6-1.21)