A.    If the Animal Control Director or any authorized agent of the Animal Control Director determines, as the result of a witnessed incident, that an animal is either dangerous or potentially dangerous, and finds that the animal is in violation of any restrictions the department deems or has deemed necessary and reasonable for the safety of persons and/or animals, the department may declare the animal to be a vicious animal.

    B.    The department is authorized to immediately take possession of the vicious animal and place it in an appropriate and approved quarantine facility.

    C.    After placing the vicious animal in an appropriate and approved quarantine facility, the Animal Control Director shall attempt to obtain the written consent of the owner of the vicious animal to euthanize the animal in a humane manner. If the animal owner’ s consent cannot be readily obtained or the owner refuses to consent to the proposed euthanization, the Animal Control Director shall seek an ex parte order authorizing continued impoundment from a court of competent jurisdiction and an order determining that the animal is vicious as defined by this title and authorizing the euthanization of the animal in a humane manner.

    D.    If the court determines that the animal is a vicious animal, the owner shall pay all costs and fees for the impoundment, maintenance and costs incurred as the result of the impoundment and euthanization. (Ord. 9-2000 § 23: Ord. 7-1992 § 5.05)