[R.O. 2009 §6-55; Ord. No. 3420 Art. 7 §1, 5-12-2004; Ord. No. 3909 §I, 2-10-2010]
A. 
The designated Animal Control Officer, hereafter referred to as ACO, shall enforce the provisions of this Chapter and any other provisions or State laws pertaining to the abuse or neglect of animals.
B. 
The ACO shall be a Code Enforcement Officer of the City of Festus, Missouri, and shall take the oath of office required of other officers of the City and will be responsible for the enforcement of this Chapter.
C. 
In the event of a temporary vacancy of the health staff, a City employee may be deemed by the City for the control, pickup and disposition of any animals which are found to be in violation of this Chapter.
D. 
An ACO, designated City Official or Police Officer while in pursuit of an animal or investigating a violation of City ordinance shall have the right of entry to any lots or lands, including those of the owners of such animals, for the purpose of collecting any animal found in violation of this Chapter.
E. 
An ACO shall have full authority to inspect for violations of this Chapter on complaint of any person.
F. 
No person shall interfere or obstruct an ACO in the lawful discharge of his/her duties.
G. 
No person shall turn loose an animal from the ACO's custody or vehicle or shelter.
H. 
No person shall refuse to deliver an animal to an ACO when requested to do so for the purpose of quarantine when said animal has bitten a person or another animal.
I. 
The ACO shall be responsible for the care of all animals impounded and for the care of the kennel/shelter they are impounded to.
J. 
The ACO shall take possession of unwanted animals by their owners.
K. 
The ACO shall attempt to find homes for all eligible animals.
L. 
The ACO shall dispose of deceased animals.
M. 
The ACO shall provide information and/or consultation to pet owners.
N. 
The ACO shall supply the County Health Department with all bite records it responds to.
O. 
The ACO shall make available to citizens, traps, for the capture of unwanted animals upon their property.
P. 
The ACO shall be responsible for staying current on health issues and informed on new information, as it comes available, in all areas pertaining to the job.
[R.O. 2009 §6-56; Ord. No. 3420 Art. 7 §2, 5-12-2004]
The City shall provide a suitable shelter within or outside the City limits for the impoundment of any animal in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. Such shelter shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times and be designed in a manner that allows for the most humane treatment of all animals deposited therein and provide segregation of diseased or quarantined animals.
[R.O. 2009 §6-57; Ord. No. 3420 Art. 7 §3, 5-12-2004]
Any person violating any provision of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation and subject to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both. Each violation shall be deemed a separate violation.