Chapter 7.09
INVESTIGATIONS AND ENTRY ONTO PROPERTY.
Sections:
7.09.010 Duty to investigate.
7.09.020 Entry onto property.
Section 7.09.010 Duty to investigate. The poundmaster or his/her designee shall promptly investigate all reported cases of neglect, injury, or cruelty and shall take action as necessary, provided a violation of the Sioux City Municipal Code or state law is present. (2007-0100)
Section 7.09.020 Entry onto property.
1. The following steps may be taken to make entry onto or gain entry into private property for the purposes of enforcement of this code:
a. If the animal is located outside the residence, the animal shall be removed pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section 7.05.080 and impounded at the animal shelter or veterinarian if the animal is in imminent danger or further injury may occur. A search warrant shall be obtained pursuant to 7.05.080 unless exigent circumstances exist including but not limited to the degree of imminent danger to the animal, i.e. whether in the opinion of the veterinarian the animal will suffer serious injury or death if care or treatment are delayed and there is insufficient time to secure consent from the owner or caretaker or to obtain a search warrant. Notification of impoundment shall be given to the owner or caretaker in person or in writing upon removal of the animal.
b. If the animal is located outside the residence, but is not in imminent danger or further injury will not occur to the animal, corrective measures may be placed upon the owner or caretaker. Failure to comply with the corrective measures shall result in the animal being removed from the residence and impounded at the animal shelter or veterinarian. Notification of impoundment shall be given to the caretaker in person or in writing upon removing the animal.
c. If the animal is located within the residence, a search warrant shall be obtained to gain legal entry into the residence and the animal shall be removed and impounded at the animal shelter or veterinarian if the animal is in imminent danger or further injury may occur. Notification of impoundment shall be given to the owner or caretaker in person or in writing upon removal of the animal.
d. If the animal is located within the residence, a search warrant shall be obtained to gain legal entry into the residence. If said animal is found not to be in imminent danger or further injury will not occur to the animal, corrective measures may be placed upon the owner or caretaker. Failure to comply with said corrective measures shall result I the animal being removed from the residence and impounded at the animal shelter or veterinarian upon service of an additional search warrant. Notification of impoundment shall be given to the owner or caretaker in person or in writing upon removing said animal. (Ord. 2007-0100)
