§ 4-8. Violations and enforcement.

(a)

If an Animal Control Officer has probable cause to believe that a person or owner has committed an act in violation of this chapter, such act is a civil infraction and the Animal Control Officer may issue a written notice to the owner of a hearing before the Special Master in the manner prescribed in Chapter 8 of the Lake County Code. Any penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter are in addition to and shall not be deemed to supersede any other penalty as provided by law, including criminal penalties and injunctive relief.

(b)

A violation of any provision of this chapter is a civil infraction which carries a penalty set forth herein. Pursuant to F.S. § 828.27(4), a surcharge of five dollars ($5.00) will be imposed in addition to each penalty for a violation of this chapter and the funds shall be used to pay the costs for training of Animal Control Officers.

(c)

If a violator fails to pay the penalty or fails to appear at the hearing to contest the violation, the violator shall be deemed to waive his or her right to contest the penalty and an order may be entered by the Special Master for the penalty, plus surcharge.

(d)

In addition to the penalties otherwise provided in this chapter, the county or law enforcement agency shall have the right to enforce by injunction, or any other appropriate legal means, compliance with the regulations and requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2009-47, § 2, 9-1-09; Ord. No. 2018-22, § 2, 5-8-18)