Any determination that results in the right to a hearing under section 14-518 must be given in writing as an official notice to the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal.
(1)
Such writing must provide the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal with notice of the right to a hearing and instructions on the procedure for requesting a hearing.
(2)
A written request for a hearing must be filed with the health director within five (5) days of receiving written notice of the determination.
(3)
The owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal shall be granted a hearing within ten (10) days of receipt of a request for a hearing.
(4)
If no request for a hearing is received by the director within five (5) days of receipt of the written notice of the determination by the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal, the determination will be considered sustained and shall become final.
(5)
Notice as required in this section is properly served when it is hand-delivered to the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal, or when it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal. A copy of the notice shall be filed in the records of the regulatory authority.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
The owner, harborer, or other relevant party may choose to represent himself at the hearing or be represented by a licensed attorney, retained at his own expense.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)
The health director or his or her designee shall conduct the hearings provided for in this article at a time and place designated by the health director. Based upon the recorded evidence of such hearing, the health director or designee shall make final findings of fact and shall sustain, modify, or rescind any notice or order considered in the hearing. A written report of the hearing decision shall be furnished to the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal by the health district. If the outcome of the hearing allows for the re-issuance of a license, a reapplication fee shall be assessed at the discretion of the health director.
(Ordinance 58-2024 adopted 11/5/2024)