§ 6-9. Authority.

(a)

It shall be the duty of the sheriff's department and the animal control services, to seize and impound, subject to the provisions of this chapter, all animals whether domesticated or undomesticated, found in violation of the provisions of this chapter within this county, whether the animal shall be in the immediate presence of its owner or custodian or otherwise.

(b)

The county animal control officer shall have the authority to issue summons for violations of ordinances pertaining to animals and said violations shall be prosecuted through the magistrate court of the county. Said fines for such violations shall be set by the county in accordance with state and federal law. Any person who is issued a summons, must appear in magistrate court. Failure to appear will result in a bench warrant being issued by the court.

(c)

The county animal control officer shall have the right to prosecute all violators of state animal cruelty laws or those who are in violation of the state law (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20) through the superior court of the county.

(Ord. of 7-13-2009; Ord. of 7-11-2011)