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 Marion County
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 4. ANIMAL CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT

  § 4-14. Animals in motor vehicles or vessels.  

Latest version.

  • (a)

    It shall be a violation of this chapter for a motor vehicle or vessel operator to place or confine an animal or allow it to be placed, confined or to remain in an unattended motor vehicle or vessel without sufficient ventilation or under conditions for such a period of time as may reasonably be expected to endanger the health or well-being of such animal due to adverse effects of the elements, including but not limited to, excessive heat, lack of water or such other circumstances as may be reasonably expected to cause suffering, disability or death.

    (b)

    Any animal control or enforcement officer who finds an animal in a motor vehicle or vessel which appears to be suffering due to adverse effects of the elements may enter the motor vehicle or vessel by using the amount of force which is reasonably necessary to remove the animal. The officer removing the animal shall take said animal or have said animal delivered to the Marion County Animal Center or to a veterinarian if the animal is deemed to be in distress. In the event the motor vehicle or vessel operator cannot be located, the officer shall leave in prominent place in or on the motor vehicle or vessel a written notice bearing the name of the officer, his department's name and telephone number. In addition, the officer shall notify the department of animal services with all pertinent information regarding the incident, including the circumstances under which the animal was taken, and where and when the animal was taken. At the discretion of the investigating officer, the animal may be held while the officer pursues charges of cruelty or may be surrendered to the owner or agent of the owner if the owner or agent claims the animal within the proper impoundment period, demonstrates the ability to provide secure and humane shelter for the animal, and pays all fees and costs accrued for the maintenance of the animal. If the owner does not claim the animal within the proper impoundment period the animal impoundment center having custody of the animal shall provide for the animal to be adopted or otherwise dispose of the animal as deemed necessary.

(Ord. No. 11-55, § 1, 10-18-11; Ord. No. 16-34, § 1, 10-4-2016)

Editor's note

See editor's note for § 4-11.