[Adopted 12-3-2018 by L.L. No. 7-2018]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company,
society, association, or any organized group of persons, whether incorporated
or not.
A.
A person shall not confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner
that could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal
due to exposure to extreme heat or cold.
B.
After making reasonable efforts to locate the motor vehicle's owner,
a police officer, peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician,
local dog control or animal control officer, a veterinarian or a veterinarian
technician may enter a motor vehicle by any reasonable means to protect
the health and safety of an animal. A police officer, peace officer,
firefighter, emergency medical technician, local dog control or animal
control officer, a veterinarian or a veterinarian technician may enter
the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of assisting the animal and
may not search the vehicle or seize items found in the vehicle unless
otherwise permitted by law.
C.
A police officer, peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician,
local dog control or animal control officer, a veterinarian or a veterinarian
technician who removes or otherwise retrieves an animal under this
section shall leave written notice in a secure and conspicuous location
on or in the motor vehicle bearing their name, title and the address
of the location where the animal may be retrieved. The owner may retrieve
the animal only after payment of all charges that have accrued for
the maintenance, care, medical treatment and impoundment of the animal.
D.
A police officer, peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, local dog control or animal control officer, a veterinarian or a veterinarian technician who removes or otherwise retrieves an animal from a motor vehicle under Subsection B is immune from criminal or civil liability that might otherwise result from the removal.
This article shall be enforced by the Office of the Albany County
Sheriff and may also be enforced by any police officer, peace officer,
firefighter, emergency medical technician, local dog control or animal
control officer, a veterinarian or a veterinarian technician with
jurisdiction within Albany County.
A violation of this article shall be punishable by a fine of
not more than $150 for a first offense, by a fine of not more than
$300 for a second offense and by a fine of not more than $500 for
a third or subsequent offense.
This article shall apply to all actions occurring on or after
the effective date of this article.
