§ 10-8. Enforcement of violations.

(a)

Any person cited for violation of this chapter shall be deemed to be charged with a civil infraction.

(b)

An animal care officer or a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that a person an act in violation of this chapter shall issue a citation for a civil penalty as specified in section 10-9 in an amount set by resolution.

(c)

Any person cited for an infraction under this chapter shall sign and accept a citation acknowledging receipt of the citation and indicating a promise to appear before the code enforcement board if such person wishes to contest the charges.

(d)

Any person who willfully refuses the sign and accept a citation issued by a law enforcement officer or animal control officer sent via certified mail return receipt by the code enforcement board shall be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor punishable as provided by F.S. § 775.082 or 775.083.

(e)

Any person cited with a violation of this chapter may pay the civil penalty and applicable surcharge within ten calendar days of the date of receiving the citation. If the person pays the civil penalty and applicable surcharge, he or she shall be deemed to have admitted the infraction and to have waived his or her right to a nonjury trial on the issue of commission of the violation.

(f)

In the event an animal is impounded for violation of this chapter and the owner of the animal abandons or surrenders the animal to the City of Quincy Police Department, or an animal control facility, the owner shall remain liable for the civil penalties imposed for violations of this chapter. In the event the animal runs away, is lost, given away, or dies, the owner will remain liable for any civil penalties imposed for violations under this chapter.

(g)

Any person who fails to pay the civil penalty within the time allowed, or fails to appear before the code enforcement board to contest the citation, shall be deemed to have waived his or her right to contest the citation; and judgment may be entered against the person in court for an amount not to exceed the maximum civil penalty of $500.00.

(Ord. No. 917, § 9, 1-9-01)