§ 4-1. Purpose and intent.

The board of county commissioners shall have authority to establish rules and regulations consistent with and supplemental to, and for the purpose of implementing state statutes governing animals kept within the unincorporated area of the county, and those municipalities included in the jurisdiction of this article by inter-local agreement, including but not limited to, animal seizure, care, control, impoundment, certification, disposition, animal rabies vaccination, licensure and registration requirements, fees and penalties. Penalties or fines for violations of this chapter, and fees for services provided as authorized herein shall be established by board resolution, which may be amended from time to time. The board may enter into inter-local agreements with the various municipalities within Marion County providing for county enforcement of the provisions of this chapter within such municipality and the municipality's repeal of any inconsistent ordinances. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Marion County Animal Services Ordinance." The Marion County Board of County Commissioners hereby declares:

(1)

Protecting animals is a legitimate and compelling public interest.

(2)

Animals held in shelters deserve proper care and humane treatment including prompt veterinary care, adequate nutrition, shelter, exercise, environmental enrichment, and water.

(3)

The Marion County Animal Center should not euthanize adoptable animals at the request of their owners.

(4)

The Marion County Animal Center will not euthanize any animals if a safe and appropriate life outcome can be achieved with the available resources or with the willingness of a partner organization to receive the animal.

(5)

The Marion County Animal Center will not ban, bar, limit, or otherwise obstruct the adoption or transfer of any animal based on arbitrary criteria, such as breed, age, color, or other criteria.

(6)

The Marion County Department of Animal Services director or designee must ensure the purpose and intent of this chapter is implemented.

(Ord. No. 11-55, § 1, 10-18-11; Ord. No. 14-06, § 1, 4-1-14; Ord. No. 16-34, § 1, 10-4-2016; Ord. No. 18-21, § 1, 8-7-2018)