ORDINANCE NO. 21-39

ESTABLISHING AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER AND REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 618.17 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO THE CITY OF IRONTON AND DECLARING AND EMERGENCY

Sponsored By: Harvey

WHEREAS, the City of Ironton has established a Dog Warden pursuant to Chapter 618.17 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Ironton; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Ironton desires to change the title of “Dog Warden” to “Animal Control Officer”; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Ironton desires to repeal and replace Section 618.17 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Ironton; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRONTON, OHIO:

SECTION I: That Section 618.17 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Ironton is hereby repealed and replaced with this ordinance. The original Ordinance 5171, passed 12/21/65; and amended ordinance 81-06 passed 11/23/1981 is hereby repealed and replaced with the language in Section II.

SECTION II: Section 618.17 Animal Control Officer
(a) Position established. The position of Animal Control Officer is hereby established. The Animal Control Officer shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall hold his or her position at the pleasure of the Mayor. He or she may be removed at any time by the Mayor.
(b) Enforcement of Chapter. This Chapter shall be enforced by the Animal Control Officer.
(c) Right of Entry: Investigations. For the purpose of discharging the duties imposed by this Chapter and to enforce its provisions, the Animal Control Officer or Police Officer is authorized to enter upon and premises upon which an animal is kept or harbored and demand the exposition by the owner of such animal or the license of such animal. It is further provided that the Animal Control Officer may enter the premises where any animal is kept in a repeatedly cruel or inhumane manner and demand to examine such animal and to take possession of such animal, when, in his or her opinion, it requires humane treatment.
(d) Interference with Animal Control Officer. No person shall interfere with, hinder, or molest the Animal Control Officer in the performance of his or her duty or seek to release any animal in custody of the Animal Control Officer, except as provided herein.
(e) Penalty. Whoever violates this Section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall be subject to a penalty as provided in Section 69.02.

SECTION III: This Ordinance shall be declared an emergency necessary for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Ironton, Ohio.

Adopted this _____ day of __________________________, 2021, at Ironton, Ohio.