Clearlake Municipal Code § 7-3 Administration

There is hereby established the office of Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer and any deputies shall be appointed by the Chief of Police with the approval of the City Manager. The Animal Control Officer and any deputies shall be charged with the duty of enforcement of the provisions of this Chapter and the various Federal and State laws relating to the keeping or treatment of animals. Further, any other peace officer member of the Clearlake Police Department may carry out any of the duties of the Animal Control Officer in his absence. Each Animal Control Officer shall have and is hereby vested with the authority and immunity of a public officer as defined in section 836.5 of the California Penal Code. Each Animal Control Officer may issue citations for the violations of provisions of this Chapter or any state law, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of state law. The authority to issue citations in the manner prescribed by the City shall be alternative to any other authority provided by law. (Ord. #41, A4, S1; Ord. #2012-153)

The duties of the Animal Control Officer are as follows: a. To provide for the sale and issuance of licenses and to enforce all provisions of this Chapter and all laws of the State of California relating to the control of dogs and other animals, domestic or wild; b. To take into his custody any animal which, by any provision of this Chapter, is to be impounded; c. To keep a record of each animal so taken into custody, as prescribed by the Chief of Police. (Ord. #41, A4, S2)

For the purpose of discharging his duties imposed by this section, the Animal Control Officer and his deputies are herby authorized and directed to enter upon any enclosed or unenclosed property upon which any animal is kept or found in violation of the provisions of this Chapter, and to demand from the person owning or having charge or control of the animal, exhibition of the license and tag for such animal if it is required to be licensed by this Chapter. No entry shall be made except upon a reasonable belief that such violation is occurring or has in fact occurred. (Ord. #41, A4, S3)

The Animal Control Officer and his deputies, while engaged in the execution of their duties, shall each wear in plain view a badge on which shall be engraved the words “Animal Control”. (Ord. #41, A4, S4)

The City Manager with the approval of the City Council, may contract with an appropriate governmental entity, humane society, or private person or other entity for such animal control services as impoundment, euthanasia, and disposition of animal remains. At its discretion, the City Council may operate a municipal pound under the direction of the Animal Control Officer. (Ord. #41, A4, S5; Ord. #2012-153)