§ 4-33. Animal control officers.

(a)

Orange County may appoint one or more Animal Control Officers. Any County employee designated by the County Manager with the duties of an Animal Control Officer shall also be designated as an Animal Cruelty Investigator. Only Orange County employees shall be designated as an Animal Cruelty Investigator.

(b)

Animal Control Officers shall have only the following powers and duties within Orange County and within any municipality therein that has given prior approval in accordance with applicable law:

(1)

The responsibility for the enforcement of all state and local laws including ordinances, resolutions and proclamations pertaining to the ownership and control of dogs and other animals.

(2)

To cooperate with the County Health Director and all law enforcement officers in the county and the towns therein and assist in the enforcement of the laws of the state with regard to animals, the vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies, the confinement and leashing of dangerous animals, and any other state law applicable to animals or animal control.

(3)

To investigate reported or observed animal cruelty or animal abuse and make written reports of such investigations and, when requested, provide such reports to appropriate law enforcement officers or the District Attorney's office.

(4)

To investigate reports of observed harassment or attacks by dogs or other animals against people, animals, or domesticated livestock and to assist in locating those persons owning or harboring the attacking animals.

(5)

Animal Control Officers shall not have the power to arrest.

(Res. 2016-071, eff. 11-15-2016)