8.04.055 Powers and duties of animal control officers.
Powers and duties of the animal control officers may be as follows:
A. To have police power in the enforcement of all provisions of this chapter relating to the licensing and impounding of animals and the citation of persons in lieu of arrest for violation of this chapter as prescribed in MMC 8.04.100;
B. To establish a place where all animals subject to impoundment may be kept and held safely and provided with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter;
C. To impound and keep safely any animal that is found doing any of the acts set forth in MMC 8.04.040, or any animal which is apparently abandoned;
D. To issue uniform animal control ordinance citations pursuant to MMC 8.04.100, and citations for complaints within the city, appear as witnesses and to perform all other acts necessary for the enforcement of this chapter;
E. To receive and collect any costs and charges hereinafter provided by this chapter;
F. To investigate incidents or information about dogs that may qualify as dangerous or potentially dangerous. The animal control officer may issue an order declaring the dog to be dangerous or potentially dangerous.
1. Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeals. Potentially dangerous dog declarations may be appealed to the Monroe hearings examiner within twenty days of receiving an order declaring the dog to be potentially dangerous. No fee shall be charged for this appeal. At the appeal hearing before the hearings examiner, the animal control officer shall have the burden of proving that the animal is potentially dangerous by a preponderance of the evidence.
2. Dangerous Dog Appeals. After providing an opportunity for the owner of the dog to be heard as required by RCW 16.08.080, the animal control officer may issue an order declaring the dog to be dangerous. The animal control officer will notify the animal owner of the appeal process in accordance with RCW 16.08.080. The appeal body shall be the Monroe hearings examiner. No fee shall be charged for this appeal. At the appeal hearing before the hearings examiner, the animal control officer shall have the burden of proving that the animal is dangerous by a preponderance of the evidence;
G. To issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner presents to the animal control officer sufficient evidence of compliance with the conditions established in MMC 8.04.050(E). (Ord. 022/2023 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 020/2014 § 3; Ord. 002/2014 § 1; Ord. 012/2011 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 002/2011 § 2; Ord. 005/2009 § 2; Ord. 1274, 2002; Ord. 981, 1991. Formerly 8.04.030)