§ 4-11. Initiation of proceedings.

(a)

Appeals. To appeal the action or decision of the authority or ASO as provided herein, a person must file a notice of appeal with the municipal court within five (5) days of receiving notice of the action or decision. The court shall hear all appeals as if there had been no prior disposition in the case. All decisions of the ASO made pursuant to this chapter are final unless appealed as provided herein.

(b)

Complaints by residents. Persons residing within six hundred (600) feet of a person who harbors or owns an animal may initiate an action before the court regarding the animal for violations of this chapter or as otherwise provided herein by filing a petition signed by the residents of ten (10) percent of the households within that area. Such petition shall contain the printed name, address and phone number of each person signing it, the total number of households within the prescribed area and a statement setting forth specific facts to support the allegations it contains regarding the animal in question. If the petition does not contain this information or if less than fifty (50) percent of those who signed the petition fail to appear at the hearing, the court may hold the petition to be invalid and dispense with any further action. The petition shall also designate an individual as the neighborhood contact.

(c)

Complaint by ASO. The ASO may also initiate a complaint in the municipal court under this article regarding any animal for violations of this chapter if the [ASO] determines that the situation requires stronger remedial measures than the ASO is authorized to impose. Otherwise, the ASO shall impose such remedial measures as it deems necessary after a full investigation of the matter.

(Ord. No. 2026, § 1(Exh. A), 8-14-07)