Chapter 7.03 ANIMAL CONTROL


Section 7.03.125 Irresponsible animal owners.

    1. The determination of an “irresponsible animal owner" shall be in accordance with the following procedures:
        a. The city manager or the city manager's designee or the poundmaster, upon being satisfied that an owner is an irresponsible animal owner, shall cause to be served upon the owner a written notice of said determination.
        b. The written notice shall contain:
            (1) A finding that the owner is an irresponsible animal owner.
            (2) A description of the acts relied upon in determining the owner is an irresponsible animal owner.
            (3) A copy of municipal code sections 7.01.010 and 7.03.125.
            (4) A statement advising the owner of the right to request a hearing as provided by subsection 7.03.125(2)(d) within a stated time which shall be reasonable under the circumstances.
        c. Notice. Notice shall be by personal service or by certified mail to the owner.
        d. Request for hearing and appeal. Any owner advised that the owner is declared an irresponsible animal owner may have, upon request, a hearing with the officials making said determination as to whether the owner is an irresponsible animal owner. A request for a hearing must be made in writing and delivered to the office of the city manager or the city manager’s designee within the time stated in the notice or it will be conclusively presumed that the owner is an irresponsible animal owner.
    The city manager or the city manager's designee will act as hearing officer. At the conclusion of the hearing or within three days thereafter, the hearing officer shall render a written decision as to whether the owner is an irresponsible animal owner.  An appeal from this decision may be had by filing a written notice with the hearing officer. This appeal will be heard before the city council at a time and place fixed by the council. The findings of the council shall be conclusive.
     3. If an owner is declared to be an irresponsible animal owner the owner shall be banned from having animals within the city limits of Sioux City.
    4. The city manager or the city manager's designee or the poundmaster shall cause the animal to be impounded if an owner has been declared an irresponsible animal owner and is found to have an animal within the city.
    5. The city manager or the city manager's designee may order the destruction or adoption of any animals impounded under this section. (Ord. 2005-0217)