Buena Park Municipal Code Ch. 6.08 Administration and Enforcement

A. An animal shelter shall be established or designated by resolution of the city council to receive, care and disposition animals in accordance with the laws of the state and the provisions of this title.

B. Information as to the name, location, telephone number and hours of operation of the designated animal shelter shall be made available to the public through the city and the police department.

(Ord. 1542 § 2, 2010)

A. Animal control officers appointed by the executive director shall possess, while engaged in the discharge of their duties, badges plainly designating their office; except, that when any police officer acts as an animal control officer his or her badge as police officer shall be sufficient.

B. It is unlawful for any person to hinder, molest, resist or interfere with the animal control officer in the performance of his or her official duties or to physically attempt to release the animals in his or her custody.

(Ord. 1542 § 2, 2010)

Upon the issuance of an animal control officer badge, the recipient thereof shall be duly sworn in as a public officer or employee of the city, as authorized by the Penal Code, and is charged with the duty of enforcing this code and all ordinances of the city and the penal laws of the state relating to the care, treatment or impounding of dumb animals or for the prevention of cruelty thereto. Such recipient shall function under the direction and supervision of the executive director. For purposes of this title, the term "executive director" shall mean the executive director of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA).

(Ord. 1542 § 2, 2010)

A. Whenever it is necessary to cause an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or perform any duty imposed by this title or other applicable law, or whenever the animal control officer or a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists a violation of this title or other applicable law, the animal control officer or a police officer is authorized to enter such property or premises at any reasonable time to inspect the property or premises and perform any duty imposed by this title or other applicable law, subject to the following procedures:

1. If such property or premises is occupied, he or she shall first present proper credentials to an occupant, explain his or her purpose and request entry.

2. If such property or premises is unoccupied he or she shall first make a reasonable effort to locate and/or contact the owner or person responsible for the property or premises, explain his or her purpose, and request entry.

3. If such entry is refused or cannot be obtained, the animal control officer or police officer shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure lawful entry and inspect the property.

B. Not withstanding the provisions set forth in subsection A, if the animal control officer or a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping or maintaining of any animal is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate inspection or action to safeguard the animal or the public safety, he or she shall have the right to immediately enter and inspect such property or premise, and may use any reasonable means required to effect such entry and inspection.

C. For the purpose of discharging the duties imposed by this title, animal control officer(s) and/or police officer(s) are authorized and directed to enter upon and inspect, in accordance with the procedures provided by law, any premises upon which any dog or dangerous animal is kept or harbored, and to demand the person owning or having charge or control of the dog or dangerous animal to exhibit such dog or animal and its license tag, rabies certificate, or permit if a permit is required by this title or state law.

(Ord. 1542 § 2, 2010)

Upon approval of the executive director, the animal control officer may seek the assistance of other duly authorized animal control officer(s), or peace officer(s) to assist in the administration and/or enforcement of the provisions of this title. Likewise, upon proper request and approval of the executive director, the animal control officer(s) may provide assistance to another animal control agency.

(Ord. 1542 § 2, 2010)

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful and constitutes a misdemeanor for any person to violate, or fail to comply with any provision of this chapter.

(Ord. 1542 § 2, 2010)