No person shall beat, cruelly ill-treat, overload, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal, or cause, instigate or permit any dog fight, cock fight, bull fight or other combat between animals, or between animals and humans. No person shall physically alter any animal, other than a licensed veterinarian with the exception of tattooing or grooming.

    A.    If in the event the animal control manager and/or staff reasonably believe that any animal is being beaten, cruelly ill-treated, overloaded, overworked or otherwise being abused, then the animal control manager and/or staff shall have the right to take possession of such animal and impound same for safekeeping.

    B.    If any animal is impounded at the animal control department pursuant to this section, it shall be the duty of the animal control department to notify the owner of the animal pursuant to Section 6.08.070 of this title.

    C.    If, after notification as set forth herein, the owner/agent disagrees with the animal control manager, or staff, that the animal has been impounded without cause, the owner/agent shall request, within ten days of being notified of the impoundment pursuant to subsection B of this section, a hearing before the animal control commission. During such hearing, the owner/agent shall present its case and the Animal Control Commission will then render its decision within seven days of the hearing date. If in the event the animal control commission renders a decision that the animal has been impounded with justification, the animal control commission may take all reasonable and necessary procedures to dispose of the animal in any manner that it deems humane and compatible to its policies. (Ord. 98-34 § 3, 1998: prior code § 4-27)