Willows Municipal Code Art. I Poundmaster – Enforcement

There is created the position of poundmaster, which officer shall enforce the provisions of this title and the laws of the state relating to the registration, control, and disposition of animals.

(Prior code § 3-2; Code 1959 §§ 3.5, 3.6; Ord. 421 § 2, 1-10-1966)

The poundmaster is vested with the powers and duties of police officers of the city, and each shall have the power and it shall be their duty to make arrests for violations of any of the provisions of this title.

(Prior code § 3-3; Code 1959 § 3.7)

The poundmaster is authorized to enter upon any premises upon which any animal is kept, for the purpose of taking up, seizing or impounding any animal found running at large contrary to the provisions of this title, or for the purpose of ascertaining whether such animal is registered as provided in this title, or for the purposes of inspecting the premises to ascertain whether any law of the city or state relating to the care, treatment or impounding of dumb animals is being violated.

(Prior code § 3-4; Code 1959 § 3.13)

The poundmaster shall keep a record of the number of all animals impounded, showing in detail in the case of each animal the description; date of receipt; name of the owner and keeper, if known; the date and manner of disposal; the name of the person redeeming or purchasing and the fees and charges and proceeds of sales received on account thereof; and such additional records as may be required by the city council.

(Prior code § 3-5; Code 1959 § 3.9)

It shall be unlawful to interfere with, oppose or resist any authorized person who is collecting or impounding animals under the provisions of this title and such authorized person may go upon private property for the purpose of enforcing this title or collecting or impounding animals. Any such authorized person, other than a peace officer, shall wear a badge.

(Prior code § 3-6; Ord. 421 § 14, 1-10-1966)

The poundmaster shall see that dead animals are collected and disposed of.

(Prior code § 3-7; Ord. 421 § 12(c), 1-10-1966)

It shall be the duty of any police or other authorized person to enforce this title. In addition to the impounding of an animal, the owner and keeper of such licensed or unlicensed animal which is running at large may be cited to appear by citation, giving the license number of said animal, if licensed, and directing said owner and keeper to appear before a court of proper jurisdiction for violation of this title.

(Prior code § 3-8; Ord. 421 § 15, 1-10-1966)