§ 7.07.020. Enforcement power.

A.

Animal Control Officers are authorized to take such lawful action as may be required to enforce the provisions of this title and the laws of the State of Washington as they pertain to animal cruelty, shelter, welfare, and enforcement of control. Animal Control Officers employed by or contracted with the City of Port Angeles shall be specially commissioned by the Police Chief to issue a notice of infraction or citation when the civil infraction or misdemeanor occurs in the officer's presence or if the officer has reasonable cause to believe that a civil infraction or misdemeanor was committed.

B.

Animal Control Officers include fully commissioned, specially commissioned, and limited commissioned officers as designated by the Chief of Police to enforce provisions of this Title.

C.

Animal Control Officers, unless authorized by the owner thereof, shall not enter a building designated for and used for private purposes unless a proper warrant has first been issued upon a showing that the officer has reasonable cause to believe an animal is being maintained in the building in violation of this title or the laws of the State of Washington.

D.

Animal Control Officers, while in hot pursuit of any animal in violation of this title, may enter upon any public or private property, except any building designated for and used for private purposes, for the purpose of abating the animal violation being pursued.

E.

Animal Control Officers, while checking on the welfare of any animal, may enter upon any public or private property, except any building designated for and used for private purposes, for the purpose of aiding any animal that is sick, injured, abandoned or neglected and the owner or other authorized person is not present or able to take charge of the animal.

F.

Animal Control Officers may humanely euthanize any injured animal in the field if, in the judgment of the Animal Control Officer, the animal has received injuries that will result in acute and prolonged pain, debilitating injuries or death, or has extensive internal or external injuries. Prior to euthanizing any animal where the owner is known, Animal Control Officers will cause an attempt to be made to contact the owner. Animal Control Officers shall not be liable for improper euthanasia of injured animals if the decision to euthanize was made in good faith.

(Ord. 3176 § 1 (part), 1/1/2005)