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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1646 (Animal Control Regulations)CLERK'S CERTIFICATE I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, and Ex -officio Clerk of the Council of said City, do hereby certify that the foregoing Charter Ordinance No. 1646 entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN TITLE 8 OF THE MARIN COUNTY CODE (RE: COUNTY ORDINANCE NUMBER 3138)" is a true and correct copy of an ordinance of said City and was introduced at a REGULAR meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on the 21st day of JUNE , 1993, published as required by City Charter in the MARIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL , a newspaper published in the City of San Rafael and passed and adopted as an ordinance of said City at a REGULAR meeting of the City Council of said City held on the 6th day of JULY , 1993, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Thayer & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Shippey WITNESS my hand and the official seal of the City of San Rafael this 13th day of JULY . 1993. JEA .. LEONCINI, City Clerk ORDINANCE NO. 1646 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN TITLE 8 OF THE MARIN COUNTY CODE (RE: COUNTY ORDINANCE NUMBER 3138) THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: DIVISION 1. Title 6 of the San Rafael Municipal Code is hereby amended by amending Section 6.10.010 to read in its entirety as follows: Section 6.10.010. Adoption of County Code. Pursuant to Section 50022.9 of the Government Code, the Marin County animal control regulations set forth in Marin County Code Ordinance 3138, and specifically contained in Marin County Code Sections as Chapters 8.04.100, 8.04.130, 8.04.179, 8.04.180, 8.04.181 and 8.04.195, including all current amendments thereto, are adopted by reference, and shall be in full force and effect within the City of San Rafael. Marin County Code Sections 8.04.182 and 8.04.183 are repealed. DIVISION 2. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase be declared invalid. DIVISION 3. This Ordinance shall be published once in full before its final passage in a newspaper of general circulation, published, and circulated in the City of San Rafael, and shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its final passage. ?'AILBERT� "BRO, Mayor ATTEST: A JE . LEONCINI, City Clerk -ell�'� _fl The foregoing Charter Ordinance No. 1646 was read and introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael held on the 21st day of June, 1993, and ordered passed to print by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None and will come up for adoption as an Ordinance of the City of San Rafael at a Regular Meeting of the Council to be held on the 6th day of July , 1993. JE ESM. LEONCINY, City Clerk 6 CITY �. OF - -_ SAN RAFAEL P.O. BOX 151560, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915-1560/PHONE: (415) 485-3065 AGENDA ITEM NO.:..........................8. MEETING DATE:..9.3 .............. REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN TITLE 8 OF THE MARIN COUNTY CODE (RE: COUNTY ORDINANCE NU ER 3138) SUBMITTED BY:.... ... ...... .... ................. APPROVED BY:............... PAMPLA J. NICOLAT, Citv Manager City Manager DATE: June 16, 1993 In 1991 the County of Marin and the majority of the cities adopted an animal control ordinance that attempted to address the issue of dangerous and potentially dangerous animals. Since that time, the ordinance has been the subject of considerable debate, both among animal rights and animal control activists who have challenged the validity of the ordinance's application to situations involving dogs that have attacked and injured individuals. As a result of those challenges, the County of Marin took a position that unless a city was willing to indemnify the County and the hearing officers who were charged with the responsibility for deciding the fate of vicious animals, no dangerous or potentially dangerous animal hearings involving incidents that might have taken place within those city's limits would be processed. In response to the untenable situation that has existed for the past year, the City Managers and the County Administrator have developed an ordinance that simplifies dangerous animal hearings by imposing a two-step process with an initial determination being made by a hearing officer (Ordinance Section 8.04. 181 [ f ] [ 4 ] ) with the right of appeal by a dissatisfied animal owner to the municipal court (Ordinance Section 8.04.181 [f] [12]). If an animal owner pursues an appeal in accordance with the provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, the determination by the municipal court shall be considered final. This process is felt to be the most efficient manner in which to resolve dangerous animal problems and removes the threat of litigation against the County and cities from the hearing process. The new ordinance also transfers the responsibility for abatement of animal noise complaints from the Humane Society to the local law enforcement entity. This shift was recommended to reduce the cost of animal control through the Humane Society. The handling of such complaints will be done as with any other calls - on a priority basis. rile No . -----... - / . _.S %�. L.�— 3 Coin;•: ; ;,1::F; :isoosition -- �- V REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL / PAGE: 2 The only other major issue worth noting is the creation of an Advisory Animal Control Commission by resolution. The purpose of the commission is to provide a conduit for information to flow from public to the county and cities' elected officials and to evaluate the adequacy and economics of animal control services provided by the Marin Humane Society. The commission will sunset in two years unless a compelling argument can be made for extending its existence. The cost of participating in the 1993-94 animal control program will again increase as we reach the final year of building up with agreed upon cost sharing formula. A new agreement regarding the manner in which costs are allocated among cities has been approved by the city managers. Under the terms of the new agreement, each agency's costs will be determined by a formula based solely on service calls and population, a basis upon which all agreed was the most equitable. In past years, assessed valuation was also used to arrive at the apportionments which unfairly impacted some communities. attachments w No CITY ,. OF w job= SAN RAFAEL P.O. BOX 151560, SAN RAFAEL. CA 94915-1560/PHONE: (415) 465-3065 REPORT TO MAYOR AGENDA ITEM NO.:.... MEETING DATE: ....... ...... 6..—.2.1.7.9-3 AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN TITLE 8 OF THE MARIN COUNTY CODE (RE: COUNTY ORDINANCE NUMBER 3138) SUBMITTED BY:........ �—--547-M ..._...................._......... APPROVED BY: .._......................... ........Cy'. '.•._.._._ ............................... _.......... VID B. WALKER, Asst. City Attorney city Manager DATE: June 3, 1993 RECOMMENDATION: Pass ordinance to print amending Chapter 6.10 of the San Rafael Municipal Code and adopting by reference the animal control regulations contained in Title 8 of the Marin County Code (RE: COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 3138). BACKGROUND: On April 20, 1993, the Marin County Board of Supervisors has adopted revisions/ amendments to the animal control regulations contained in Title 8 of the Marin County Code, specifically sections 8.04.100, 8.04.130, 8.04.179, 8.04.180, 8.04.181. 8.04.195 and repealing sections 8.04.182 and 8.04.183. Pursuant to the Joint Powers Agreement between the City of San Rafael and the County of Marin,• the City must adopt all amendments to the County's Animal Control Ordinance. Attached hereto as Exhibit "A" is correspondence from the County Administrator's Office, County Resolution Nos. 93-85 and 93- 084 together with Marin County Ordinance No. 3138 which contains all of the current revisions/amendments to the County's Animal Control Ordinance. Attachment - Exhibit "A" Attachment A Doe License Exceptions (Section 8.04. 1001 This amendment would exempt service dogs utilized by the handicapped from a license fee. Disposition of Animals by Poundkeeper (Section 8.04.1301 This section is amended to require that dogs or cats which are adopted from the animal shelter be sterilized within a specified time period. It also deletes the provision allowing sale of pound animals (in non -adoptive situations). Animal Noise Abatement (Section 8.04.1791 Modeled on ordinances used successfully in other Bay Area Counties, this section would transition the responsibility for responding to animal noise complaints from the Humane Society to local law enforcement. A protocol for enforcement has been developed to reduce the workload impact on law enforcement and strengthen abatement procedures in genuine nuisance situations. Violations would be handled through citation and impoundments rather than via misdemeanor prosecutions. Potentiallv Daneerous and Vicious Doe Hearines (Section 8.04.181) This section has been drafted in response to the controversy and litigation surrounding the current dangerous animal ordinance. The proposed procedures, taken primarily from the state's "Torres" law, utilize a two-step process with a hearing officer at the initial level, and a final appeal to municipal court. Recommendations from the 1991 Dangerous Animal Ordinance Committee regarding improved hearing procedures are incorporated. Mediation is offered as an option in potentially dangerous cases. Animal Cruelty/Nee_ lect Procedures (Resolution Adoptine Section 597.1 of Penal Code ) This resolution requires owners of animals impounded for cruelty or neglect to reimburse Animal Services for the costs incurred in caring for the animals. It also requires hearings to be conducted for animals which are impounded. Advisory Animal Control Commission (Resolution) This resolution establishes a seven -person advisory commission to hear public concerns and suggestions regarding animal control and to evaluate existing law and provide recommendations to the County and Cities. Three commission members would be appointed by the Board of Supervisors, three members by the Marin County Council of 1 � THOMAS R CAMPANELLA COUNTY OF MARIN ADMINISTRATOR :++ MARTINJ. NICHOLS OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR April 29, 1993 Ms. Pam Nicolai, City Manager City of San Rafael P. O. Box 60 San Rafael, CA 94915-0060 RE: Adoption of Animal Control Ordinance Changes and Resolutions Dear Ms. Nicolai: The omnibus package of code revisions and resolutions jointly developed by the Marin County City Managers' Association, Marin County Administrator and Marin Humane Society was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on April 20, 1993. Together with corresponding changes in our contract with the Humane Society, this package would lower animal control costs countywide by approximately $175,000 in 1993-94. A breakdown of the savings by jurisdiction is attached. The package reorganizes animal noise complaint procedures, raises certain fees, simplifies and removes the threat of litigation from the dangerous animal hearing process, improves procedures in animal cruelty cases and makes adjustments in licensing and spay/neuter requirements. In addition, the package establishes a countywide animal control advisory committee to examine budget, service levels, and other issues. Attachment A describes each part of the package. In order to achieve a smooth implementation of these changes effective July 1, 1993, approval by your Council by Tune 18. 1993 is requested. Please forward an executed copy of your ordinance to my attention. Very truly you JEFF JOHNSON Principal Administrative Analyst Enclosures EXHIBIT A ROOM 331, CIVIC CENTER, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94903 (415) 499-6358, TELECOPY (415) 499-3645 Mayors and Council mss, and one member by and from the Humane Society Board of Directors. The commissim. va-would have a two-year, renewable term. A: Estimate of total saw in-_ -zrom Humane Society assumption of dead animal pickup on public property for all jurisdictiou: -who cc -=eptly pay a vendor for this activity) and similar service to property owners for a ice_ Contin=ent upon adoption of 8.04.181 and 8.04.195. B: Contract reduction a m ==umane Society. Contingent upon adoption of 8.04.179 and staffing reduction on weekends. C: Estimate by Humane S:. _ety o: cos: reductions in animal cruelty cases. Contingent upon adoption of Penal Code - 59-.:. ,;:-- --- ate of Savings for Each Jurisdiction Jurisdiction ConuRunon % Cost Reductions to C=Mcact A B C Total BelvedereS1=?�54 0.91% $817 $677 $91 $1,585 Corte Madera 4:_?�585 3.13% 2,818 2,336 313 5,467 Fairfax ` X08 _.(,,4% -2,379 1,971 264 4,614 Larkspur __=33 3.68% 3,311 2,744 368 6,423 Mill Valley ._=538 5.96% 5,365 4,447 596 10,408 Novato ,=" -.35 :-_ ;0 K 15,663 12,982 1,740 30,385 Ross :_=_10 0.86% 773 640 86 1,499 San Anselmo {__-----=-24 4.2.2 % 3,800 3,149 422 7,371 San Rafael =I:.=_S086 17.67% 15,900 13,179 1,767 30,846 Sausalito -_ -_ 39 3.: 5 % 2,925 2,425 325 5,675 Tiburon=_ : 51 3.217% 2,947 2,442 327 5,716 County si _ : -: ^9 3-.00% 33.303 27.604 3.700 64.607 Total S1.3= -=.'' 1CID. 00<< $90,000 $74,597 $10,000 $174,597 A: Estimate of total saw in-_ -zrom Humane Society assumption of dead animal pickup on public property for all jurisdictiou: -who cc -=eptly pay a vendor for this activity) and similar service to property owners for a ice_ Contin=ent upon adoption of 8.04.181 and 8.04.195. B: Contract reduction a m ==umane Society. Contingent upon adoption of 8.04.179 and staffing reduction on weekends. C: Estimate by Humane S:. _ety o: cos: reductions in animal cruelty cases. Contingent upon adoption of Penal Code - 59-.:. ORDINANCE NO. 3138 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF KARIN AMENDING SECTIONS - 8.04.100, 8.04.130, 8.04.179, 8.04.1801 8.04.181, 8.04.195 AND REPEALING SECTIONS. 8.04.182 AND 8.04.183 OF THE KARIN COUNTY CODE PERTAINING TO AN The Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin does hereby ordain as follows: SECTION I. Section 8.04.100 of the Marin County Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.04.100: Exceptions. Any dog bred or raised to be a guide or service dog which meets the criteria established by the poundkeeper for such dogs, or which is owned and used by a blind person as a guide dog or which is owned and used by a disabled person as a service dog is exempt from the license fee while being so raised or while being so owned and used, but is not exempt from being licensed or from any required vaccination. The provisions of Section 8.04.030 shall not apply to any dog owned by or in the care of a nonresident of the county who is traveling through the county or temporarily sojourning therein for a period not exceeding thirty days. For purposes of this section a "service dog" is a dog trained or bred to assist disabled persons. SECTION II. Section 8.04.130 of the Marin County Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.04.130: Disposition of animals by voundkeever. Except where otherwise provided in this chapter, the poundkeeper shall keep any dog or animal impounded for violation of the provisions of this chapter or turned over to him for disposal for the period of time hereinafter specified and shall dispose of the same in accordance with the following provisions: (a) Unlicensed Dogs. Unless an unlicensed dog has been redeemed within ninety-six hours after being impounded, Mondays and holidays excepted, the poundkeeper shall either place the dog in a bona fide home or destroy it in a humane manner. The recipient of a dog placed in a bona fide home shall 1 not be given possession of any such dog until he has secured a license for the dog. (b) Licensed Dogs. Unless a licensed dog has been redeemed within seven days after impoundment, Mondays and holidays excepted, such dog may be disposed of in the same manner as an unlicensed dog. The poundkeeper shall notify the registered owner of the dog by mail at the address shown in the licensing records of the county, the notice to be given within twenty-four hours of impoundment. (c) Stray Cats. Unless a stray cat has been redeemed within ninety-six hours after being impounded, Mondays and holidays excepted, the poundkeeper shall either place the cat in a bona fide home or destroy it in a humane manner. (d) Sterilization of Animals Released for Adoption. No dog or cat shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or without obtaining a deposit on sterilization. All adopted dogs and cats shall be sterilized by the age of six months if female, seven months if male. It shall constitute a misdemeanor to fail to sterilize any dog or cat adopted from the county animal shelter within the period specified by this subsection and the unsterilized animal shall be impounded. (e) Other Animals. The poundkeeper shall keep any other impounded animal for a period of at least seven days. At any time after the expiration of such period the poundkeeper may, unless the animal is redeemed or unless a bona fide home has been obtained for the animal, destroy it in a humane manner. SECTION III. Section 8.04.179 of the Marin County Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.04.179: Prohibition of habitual barking or velDinq which disturbs the veace. (a) It shall be unlawful to suffer or permit any dog, cat, fowl or other animal to habitually bark, yelp, howl, or create noise in such a manner as to continuously disturb the peace of any two persons living in different households within 300 feet of the location of the disturbance, or of one person when there is only one residence within 500 feet of the disturbance. 2 � Ajay. �•" �' s�' ��j��('�<�• .t.. _ t i .' • � , � ,�S (b) Any person who shall keep or permit to remain on any premises an animal found to be in violation of this Section shall be guilty of an infraction for a first offense and for subsequent offenses as provided in Section 8.04.260. (c) Upon receipt of written complaint(s) affirming that a violation as declared in this section exists, the Sheriff may issue an order to the owner of the offending animal directing that such violation be abated. In the event that the owner does not comply with said order, the Sheriff may issue a citation and/or cause the animal to be impounded. (d) An animal may be immediately impounded with or without receipt of a written complaint if it is determined by the deputy sheriff that the noise it has created cannot be abated or quieted so that it continually disturbs the peace of the complaining persons. If an animal is caused to be impounded for a violation of subsection (a) , within twenty-four (24) hours of the impoundment the Sheriff shall provide notice in accordance with Section 1.04.190. Where the owner or address of any affected owner is unknown, notice of the hearing shall be given by posting the same in the office of the Sheriff and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Notice shall then be deemed given on publication of the notice. (e) The owner or possessor of an animal impounded under this Section shall be entitled to a hearing conducted by a hearing officer designated by the County Administrator or his designee pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.04.181(f)(4). The hearing shall be held within ten (10) calendar days following such impoundment provided such owner or possessor files a written request for a hearing with the Department within five (5) calendar days following written notice of such impoundment. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.04.181 (f)(5)(b), (7), (8), (9) and (10). Unless the hearing officer otherwise determines, the owner or possessor is liable for all costs related to such impoundment. 3 •a�� _ •..�7.D�S�'L,i�Z,iw - �'_`7.'���,5i ;�• •• {7F .�, x� 4id to �,r • � - , . � Yit y[[ � �' .. 1.. �C. i „`�.: i . y Yom} . SECTION IV. Section 8.04.180 of the Karin County Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.04.180: Probibition of animals tresvassina og Dublic or Drivate Drovertv., It is unlawful to suffer or permit any animal or fowl to trespass on private or public property so as to damage or destroy any property or thing of value, or so as to commit any other act dangerous to public health or safety, and any animal committing such an act is a public nuisance. SECTION V. Section 8.04.181 of the Marin County Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.04.181: Potentiallv dangerous and vicious docs. (a) Except as otherwise provided under the provisions of subsections (b) through (m) of this section, the provisions of Chapter 9, Articles 1 through 5, Sections 31601 through 31683 and any amendments thereto exclusive of Sections 31602, 31603, 31606 and 31644 of the Food and Agricultural Code are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.' following: (b) "Potentially Dangerous Dog" means any of the (1) Any dog which, when unprovoked on two separate occasions within the prior 36 -month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog. (2) Any dog which when unprovoked bites a person causing a less severe injury than as defined in Section 31604. (3) Any dog which when unprovoked has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury or otherwise caused injury attacking a domestic animal off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog. (c) "Vicious dog" means any of the following: (1) Any dog seized under Section 599aa of the Penal Code and upon the sustaining of a conviction of the owner 1 The Sections are attached at the end of this ordinance as a supplement. 4 or keeper under subdivision (a) of Section 597.5 of the Penal Code. (2) Any dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being. (3) Any dog previously determined to be and currently listed as a potentially dangerous dog which, after its owner or keeper has been notified of this determination, continues the behavior described in Section 8.04.181(b) or is maintained in violation of Section 31641, 31642 or 31643 of the California Food and Agricultural Code. (d) "Animal Control Department" means that agency appointed as poundkeeper for the County of Marin under the provisions of Section 8.04.110. (e) "Director" means executive director of Karin County Animal Services or any person authorized to act on his/her behalf. (f) A hearing on whether a dog shall be declared potentially dangerous or vicious shall be conducted in the following manner: (1) If the director has investigated and determined that there exists probable cause to believe that a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious as defined by this ordinance, a hearing shall be conducted. The director shall prepare a petition specifying the basis as to why the dog is potentially dangerous or vicious. (2) Whenever possible, any complaint received from a member of the public which serves as the evidentiary basis for the director to find probable cause shall be sworn to and verified by the complainant and shall be attached to the petition. (3) Prior to commencement of the hearing and if the allegations of the petition indicate that the dog is potentially dangerous as defined under subsection 8.04.181(b), the County Administrator or his designee may offer in writing 5 Z,, lF,R3' mediation services as an alternative to a hearing provided both the complainant and the owner agree in writing to mediation. Mediation must be concluded within thirty days of the offer to mediate. If mediation is refused or is unsuccessful, then the matter shall be referred to a hearing under subsection (f)(1). (4) The County Administrator or his designee shall designate a hearing officer from a panel of up to five persons whose membership shall be designated by the Board of Supervisors. Hearing officer applicants shall have had a minimum of five years experience as a practicing attorney and prior experience in administrative, arbitration or mediation hearings. Prior experience in care and control of animals shall also be considered but is not necessary. The hearing officer shall conduct a hearing on whether a dog shall be declared potentially dangerous or vicious. The hearing officer shall be compensated for the actual hours devoted to the hearing and its determination at the existing hourly rate or fraction thereof allowed a traffic referee of the Marin County Municipal Court. (5) (a) The County Administrator or his designee shall provide written notice to the owner of the specific behavior of the animal alleged in the petition and the date upon which a hearing will be held to consider the petition. The hearing shall be held not more than fifteen (15) days after service of notice upon the owner. The notice shall advise the owner of the consequences of a finding of potentially dangerous or vicious and the owner's right to present evidence as to why the dog should not be declared potentially dangerous or vicious. Service of the notice shall be made in accordance with Section 1.04.190. Where the owner or address of any affected owner is unknown, notice of the hearing shall be given by posting the same in the office of the director and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Notice shall then be deemed given on publication of the notice. 6 officer deems it necessary and proper or upon a showing of good cause. (5) (c) The time for hearing and the hearing provisions of subsection (d)(5)(a) shall be stayed if mediation services are offered pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) (3) . The time for hearing and the hearing provisions of this subsection shall recommence at the date the County Administrator or his designee has determined in writing that mediation has not been accepted or has been unsuccessful. (6) In cases where complaint(s) from the public serve as the evidentiary basis for the director to prepare a petition, at least one of the complainants or his or her designee in the matter must appear and testify at the hearing or the complaint shall be dismissed. (7) If the owner fails to appear at the hearing, the hearing shall nevertheless proceed and an appropriate order shall be issued. (8) The hearing officer shall consider all relevant responsible evidence without regard to the formal rules of evidence, including circumstances of mitigation, and the record of any prior violations by the owner. (9) All witnesses shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath shall be administered by the hearing officer. The hearing officer may, when appropriate, request the production of oral or documentary evidence which is reasonably necessary and relevant to conduct a hearing. All proceedings shall be tape recorded. (10) The hearing officer shall issue a written determination based upon a preponderance of the evidence, which shall be mailed to the owner within seven days after the hearing is completed. (11) If an animal is found to be potentially dangerous or vicious by a preponderance of the evidence, the animal shall be so designated on the records of Marin County 7 (5) (b) A hearing may be continued if the hearing officer deems it necessary and proper or upon a showing of good cause. (5) (c) The time for hearing and the hearing provisions of subsection (d)(5)(a) shall be stayed if mediation services are offered pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) (3) . The time for hearing and the hearing provisions of this subsection shall recommence at the date the County Administrator or his designee has determined in writing that mediation has not been accepted or has been unsuccessful. (6) In cases where complaint(s) from the public serve as the evidentiary basis for the director to prepare a petition, at least one of the complainants or his or her designee in the matter must appear and testify at the hearing or the complaint shall be dismissed. (7) If the owner fails to appear at the hearing, the hearing shall nevertheless proceed and an appropriate order shall be issued. (8) The hearing officer shall consider all relevant responsible evidence without regard to the formal rules of evidence, including circumstances of mitigation, and the record of any prior violations by the owner. (9) All witnesses shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath shall be administered by the hearing officer. The hearing officer may, when appropriate, request the production of oral or documentary evidence which is reasonably necessary and relevant to conduct a hearing. All proceedings shall be tape recorded. (10) The hearing officer shall issue a written determination based upon a preponderance of the evidence, which shall be mailed to the owner within seven days after the hearing is completed. (11) If an animal is found to be potentially dangerous or vicious by a preponderance of the evidence, the animal shall be so designated on the records of Marin County 7 s NtiX � Tom= Animal Services. Such a designation shall be considered in future determinations involving the animal and/or owner. (12) The owner of a dog for which a potentially dangerous petition has been issued may irrevocably waive his right to a hearing and any further appeal under Food and Agricultural Code section 31622 and accept all conditions, sanctions and penalties set forth in Food and Agricultural Code sections 31641, 31642, and 31643, and Section 8.04.181(k). (g) In accordance with the provisions of Food and Agricultural Code section 31641, the owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall in addition to the regular licensing fee, pay to the animal control agency an annual fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to provide for the increased costs of maintaining the records of the dog. (h) The owner of a dog determined to be vicious shall, in addition to the regular licensing fee, pay to the animal control agency an annual fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to provide for the increased costs of maintaining the records of the dog. (i) The owner of a dog determined vicious shall, at his/her own expense, have the vicious animal registration number assigned to the dog tattooed upon the dog"s left ear or, if the left ear is not available, on the left inner thigh, by a licensed veterinarian or a person trained, authorized and licensed to do business as a tattooist. As an alternative to tattooing, an owner may have a microchip injected beneath the skin, and between the shoulder blades of the animal by a licensed veterinarian. The owner shall provide proof satisfactory to Marin County Animal Services of such tattooing or microchipping within thirty days of the vicious determination. (j) An owner of a vicious dog shall, within ten days of such determination, present said animal at the Marin County animal services and allow photographs and measurements of the animal to be taken for purposes of identification. E-3 (k) An owner of a dog found potentially }dangerous y under Section 8.04.181(b), who has no additional violations of any of the provisions of Title 8 of the Marin County Code, within a thirty-six month period from the date of designation as potentially dangerous, shall be removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs by the Director. The dog may be, but is not required to be, removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs prior to the expiration of the thirty-six month period if the owner or keeper of the dog demonstrates to the Director that changes in circumstances or measures taken by the owner or keeper, such as training of the dog, have mitigated the risk to public safety. (1) An owner of a dog found vicious under section 8.04.181(c)(3), who has no additional violations of any of the provisions of Title 8 of the Marin County Code, after a thirty- six month period from the date of designation as vicious, may apply to the director to remove the animal from the list of vicious animals. The director shall remove the animal from the list of vicious animals upon proof of the successful completion of at least eight weeks of formal obedience training, other similar evidence of training, or other rehabilitative efforts designed to mitigate the risk to public safety. (m) All sanctions imposed on dogs determined potentially dangerous or dangerous prior to the enactment of this ordinance shall remain in effect, except that any violations subsequent to the enactment of this section shall be governed by this section. In determining subsequent violations the following provisions shall apply: Any dog previously determined potentially dangerous prior to the enactment of this section, shall be considered potentially dangerous as defined under the provisions of this ordinance and subject to all of its provisions governing the regulation and disposition of potentially dangerous dogs; any dog previously determined dangerous prior to the enactment of this ordinance shall be considered vicious as defined under the provisions of this 9 ordinance and subject to all of its provisions governing the regulation and disposition of vicious dogs. SECTION VI. Section 8.04.182 of the Marin County Code is hereby repealed. SECTION VII. Section 8.04.183 of the Marin County Code is hereby repealed. SECTION VIII. Section 8.04.195 of the Marin County Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.04.195: Fees for nick uv and disvosal of dead docs, cats and small bousebold vets and wildlife., A fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be charged an owner of a dead dog, cat or small household pet for the pick up and disposal of the animal by the poundkeeper. A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be charged for pick up and disposal of dead wildlife under 50 pounds and fifty dollars ($50.00) over 50 pounds by the poundkeeper. SECTION IB. Determination of reasonable costs. In accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 54985, the Board of Supervisors hereby finds and determines that the aforesaid fees under Section V pertaining to the cost of maintaining the records of potentially dangerous and vicious dogs and under Section VIII pertaining to the pickup and disposal of dead wildlife are reasonably necessary to cover the aforesaid costs. SECTION E. Publication. This ordinance shall be and is hereby declared to be in full force and effect as of thirty (30) days from and after the date of its passage and shall be published once before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage, with the names of the supervisors voting for and against the same in the INDEPENDENT JOURNAL, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Marin. 10 -'*X PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin, State of California, held on the 20th day of April , 1993, by the following vote: AYES: SUPERVISORS Annette Rose, Gary Giacomini, Harold C. Brown, Ji Brady Bevis, Bob Roumiguiere NOES: none ABSENT: none - r CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ATTESTS Clerk a.%A"ORDANM[1 11 RESOLUTION NO. 93-084 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF MARIN ADOPTING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 597.1 OF THE PENAL CODE RELATING TO THE CARE FOR ANIMALS AND DECLARING THAT SECTION 597(F) OF THE PENAL CODE SHALL NOT BE OPERATIVE. WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of Penal Code section 597.1, the provisions of said Section shall be operative in the County of Marin and for the Marin Humane Society only if the Board of Supervisors so determines and further determines that Section 597(f) of the Penal Code shall not be operative. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin hereby resolves as follows: 1. The provisions of Penal Code section 597.1 are hereby adopted in their entirety and shall apply within the unincorporated limits of the County of Marin and to all law enforcement agencies and empowered animal protection organizations within the unincorporated areas of the County of Marin. 2. The provisions of Section 597(f) of the Penal Code shall not apply within the unincorporated areas of the County of Marin or to all law enforcement agencies and empowered animal protection organizations within the unincorporated areas of the County of Marin. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on the 20th day of April 1993 by the following vote: AYES: SUPERVISORS Annette Rose, Gary Giacomini, Harold C. Brown, Jr. Brady Bevis, Bob Roumiguiere NOES: none ABSENT: none � � �' ' ��airperson, Board f Supervisors ATTEST: /.r,�- ��'7�`� Clerk ' O: AAHV 2*Z2E 4.RES RESOLUTION NO. 93-85 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF MARIN APPOINTING AN ADVISORY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION TO EVALUATE AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON COUNTYWIDE NATTERS INVOLVING ANIMAL CONTROL. WHEREAS, the County of Marin and the cities within the County are desirous of establishing an advisory commission to hear public concerns and suggestions concerning a Countywide animal control and evaluate animal control and regulation and provide recommendations to the County and cities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin hereby resolves as follows: 1. A seven member animal control advisory commission is hereby appointed. Its membership shall be selected as follows: three citizen members appointed by the Marin County Board of Supervisors; three citizen members appointed by the Marin County Council of Mayors and Council members; one member appointed by and from the Marin Humane Society Board of Directors. 2. The commission shall serve two years from the date of this resolution unless the term is extended by this Board. 3. The charge of the commission shall be advisory. Its activities shall include the following: (a) Review and hear any public complaints or concerns regarding animal control activities except the following: matters pending or decisions of hearing officers/boards, actions of the District Attorney and courts of competent jurisdiction and ongoing criminal investigations, fines and fees approved by the Board of Supervisors, and activities/policies of the Marin Humane Society not subject to the jurisdiction of the animal services contract. (b) Provide a recommendation on the need and design, if any, of a permanent animal control complaint resolution procedure. (c) Evaluate the adequacy of the existing level of animal control service provided by the Marin Humane Society. (d) Evaluate and as appropriate make recommendations on the cost of providing animal control services by the Marin Humane Society. (e) Evaluate the pros and cons of the need for a uniform countywide leash law. (f) Submit at the end of two years a report covering the activities and recommendations of this commission and the need, if any, for its continuation. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin, State of California, held this 20th day of April , 1993 by the following vote: AYES: SUPERVISORS Annette Rose, Gary Giacomini, Harold C. Brown, Jr., Brady Bevis, Bob Roumiguiere NOES: none ABSENT: none Chairperson, Board of Supervisors ATT'ST : Clerk M ." ,