§ IV. Authority and responsibility of animal control officers.

The Animal Control Officers shall:

A.

Enforcement. Have the responsibility with law enforcement agencies to enforce all laws of North Carolina and all ordinances of Union County pertaining to animal control and shall cooperate with all law enforcement officers within Union County in fulfilling this duty.

B.

Rabies Control. Enforce and carry out all laws of North Carolina and all ordinances of Union County pertaining to rabies control.

C.

Animal Bites. Be responsible for the investigation of all reported animal bites; the quarantine, for a period of not less than 10 days, of any animal involved and suspected of having rabies; and for reporting to the Health Director as soon as practicable the occurrence of any such animal bite and the condition of any quarantined animal.

D.

Animal Shelter. Be responsible for the operation of the County Animal Shelter.

E.

Seizure and Impoundment. Be responsible for the seizure and impoundment, where deemed necessary, of any dog or other animal in Union County involved in a violation of this or any other County ordinance or any state law.

F.

Cruelty. Investigate cruelty or abuse with regard to animals.

G.

Inspections. Make such canvasses of the county as necessary, including homes and property in the county, for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with this ordinance or state statute.

H.

Records. Keep, or cause to be kept, accurate and detailed records of:

(1)

Seizure, impoundment, and disposition of all animals coming into the custody of the animal control program;

(2)

Bite cases, violations and complaints, and investigation of same;

(3)

All monies belonging to the Health Department and/or county which were derived from fees, penalties, sales of animals, or other sources; and

(4)

Any other matters deemed necessary by the Health Director.

I.

Notice. Be empowered to issue notices of violation of this ordinance in such form as the Health Director may prescribe.