Stanislaus County and its city member partners Modesto, Patterson, Ceres, Waterford and Hughson created a joint powers agency known as Stanislaus animal services agency ("SASA"). SASA was formed to jointly operate and manage an animal shelter for the partners' and their respective residents' mutual benefit and to provide animal services needed or requested by each partner, pursuant to the joint powers agreement dated October 27, 2009. SASA is specifically authorized and charged with the enforcement and administration of this title and the laws dealing with animals. SASA is appointed to be the department of animal services for the county.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
The animal services executive director (sometimes referred to as "director") is employed as the chief administrative officer of SASA. The director's position is created in the unclassified service of the county; and who shall be appointed by resolution of the board of SASA. The animal services executive director shall hold office at the pleasure of the board of SASA. As a county employee, the salary of the animal services executive director and the staffing levels of SASA shall be as determined by resolution of the board of SASA. For purposes of this title, any reference to animal services executive director shall include his or her authorized staff, unless otherwise noted.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
The animal services executive director is primarily responsible for the enforcement and administration of this title. In conjunction with the duties set forth by the board of SASA, his or her duties shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. 
To administer the animal shelter and keep such records as may be required by law and the board of SASA;
B. 
To take up and impound animals when authorized by this title;
C. 
To remove and dispose of the carcass of any animal found on any public highway, street, alley, or any other public place in the unincorporated area of the county;
D. 
To quarantine animals and to cooperate with the county health officer;
E. 
To administer licensing programs as delegated by the licensing authority; and
F. 
To provide opportunities for owners to find lost animals and for those who find lost animals to return them.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
SASA and its board may establish by resolution, regulations for the administration and implementation of this title. SASA regulations, when adopted, shall become and thereafter be a part of this title. A copy of the regulations established by resolution of the board of SASA shall be filed with the clerk of the board of SASA and with the clerk of the board of supervisors and be available for inspection at the animal shelter. SASA shall establish by ordinance a schedule of fees for licenses and for services provided in accordance with this chapter.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
The animal services executive director and animal services authorized staff and the county health officer and his or her deputies are empowered, and it shall be their duty, to enforce the provisions of this title. Any person whose duty it is to enforce the provisions of this title may at any reasonable time enter upon private property for such purpose. It is unlawful for any person to interfere with, oppose, or resist any authorized person enforcing this title.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
Any person charged with the duty to enforce this title who is in pursuit of an animal, shall have the authority to go upon the property of the owner or other person, in order to impound such animal; provided, however, he or she shall not enter a dwelling without a search warrant and he or she shall exercise reasonable care to avoid causing damage to the property.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
Pursuant to the provisions of California Penal Code Section 836.5, the animal services executive director, the health officer and his or her deputies, and a duly appointed state humane officer, law enforcement officers, and animal services authorized staff as defined in Section 6.04.170 of this title, are authorized to arrest without a warrant and issue a written notice to appear whenever any such person has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a misdemeanor in his or her presence, which is a violation of this title or a violation of any other ordinance or statute, which he or she has the duty to enforce.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)
The animal services executive director and staff that he or she may specifically designate in writing are authorized to carry weapons when acting in the course and scope of their employment pursuant to Section 26025 of the Penal Code.
(Ord. 2014-05 §4)