§ 4-46. Disputed identification of domestic animal as dangerous.

(a)

Hearing Request. If the owner of the animal disputes the animal control officer's identification of the animal as a dangerous animal, he or she may, within five (5) working days of receipt of the notification, submit a written request for a hearing to the public health director. Failure of the owner to make a timely request for a hearing shall result in the animal being declared dangerous, and the owner shall be required to comply with the requirements of sections 4-42 and 4-44 to apply for a permit.

(b)

Hearing. A hearing pursuant to this section shall be conducted in an informal manner by the public health director. The hearing should be held within ten (10) days of the receipt of the hearing request. The hearing may be continued if the public health director deems it necessary and proper or if the owner or animal control officer shows good cause. Both the owner of the animal and the animal control officer may present relevant evidence and call and cross-examine witnesses, but the strict rules of evidence shall not be applicable. The public health director or authorized designee shall render a brief written decision within ten (10) days of the conclusion of the hearing. Said decision shall be final.

(Ord. No. 2020, § 2, 2-28-12)