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Civil Penalties
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Animal Control officers are authorized to assess civil penalties for violations upon discovery. As a courtesy, an Officer may give a citizen/pet owner a written warning before assessing civil penalties, however it is not mandatory that a warning be given first. Civil penalties will be assessed in the following manner for violations:
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First violation |
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$50.00 |
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Second violation |
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$100.00 |
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Habitual violation |
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$150.00 |
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$500.00 civil penalty for violation of any provision of the Ordinance by a dog that has been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous by the Animal Control Administrator in accordance with NCGS 67-4.1 other than a violation of Article VIII. |
A civil penalty that is not paid within five (5) working days of issuance shall automatically increase $25.00 per violation cited.
A civil penalty is due and owing upon assessment. Surrender of an animal or failure to redeem an animal shall not relieve the owner of responsibility for payment of any outstanding civil penalty that was assessed prior to the animal being surrendered or as a result of the animal being impounded. If payment of a civil penalty is not received within five (5) working days of issuance, Animal Control may initiate legal proceedings to recover the amount of the penalty.
In addition to criminal summons or civil penalties, animal control is authorized to seize or impound an animal for violation of specific provisions of the Ordinance as set forth. Animal Control Officers are authorized to go on or about private property to seize an animal. If an animal is seized , the Animal Control officer shall issue a written Notice of Seizure and leave it with the owner or affix it to the premises from which the animal was seized.
In addition to boarding and redemption fees assessed at the shelter, all outstanding licensing and vaccination fees and all outstanding civil penalties are required to be paid prior to release of the animal.
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