Sec. 4-20. Enforcement.

(a) Procedure for search warrant and seizure. When complaint is made on oath or affirmation to any magistrate authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases that the complainant believes or has probable cause to believe that this section in relation to animals has been violated in any particular building, premises or place, such magistrate, if satisfied that there is reasonable cause for such belief, shall issue a search warrant authorizing any law enforcement officer, accompanied by an animal control officer, to search the building or place, but no search shall be made after sundown unless specifically authorized by the magistrate upon satisfactory cause. The animal control officer may examine such animal and take possession of such animal when, in his opinion, it is receiving inhumane treatment. The animal may be taken to the animal shelter and held for disposition. No wild animal will be subject to euthanasia unless through consultation and cooperation with state wildlife officials it is determined to be the only humane alternative for said animal. The animal control office and shelter, in cooperation with state wildlife officials, shall exercise due diligence to return a wild animal to its natural environment or, if the animal is not suitable for return, then alternative and humane placement shall be diligently sought. The animal control officer may further pursue any violations of this section which he may ascertain as a result of said search or seizure.

(b) Interference with officer. No person shall interfere with, hinder or molest the duly authorized animal control officer of the county in the performance of his duty or any such agents or seek to release animals in the custody of the duly authorized animal control officer of the county or any agent of the county, except as provided in this article.

(Ord. No. 2130, § 8, 6-5-90)