(a) When an animal control officer observes a violation of this chapter, the animal control officer may impound the animal in question. The animal control officer shall notify the owner or keeper, if known, of the violation, issue an order to abate the violation within 48 hours, and issue a citation for payment of penalty.

(b) After receiving a detailed complaint describing an alleged violation of this chapter, the animal control officer shall investigate the complaint. If in the judgment of the animal control officer the complaint is justified, the animal control officer shall notify the owner or keeper of the animal in question in writing, and may order abatement of the violation within 48 hours, and issue a citation for payment of a penalty.

(c) If the abatement time elapses and the violation is not abated, the animal involved in the violation is subject to being impounded.

(d) When a civil penalty is levied, the person cited may pay the penalty at the county health department, 201 N. McLewean St., Kinston, N.C., or may pay the penalty by mailing the citation notice and the required amount of the penalty to the Lenoir County Health Department, P.O. Box 3385, Kinston, N.C. 28502.

(e) If the person violating this chapter cannot be located during normal working hours, a warning notice or citation may be mailed to the person at his last known address with a return receipt requested. The return of the signed receipt to the animal control program will constitute legal delivery of the notice of citation.
(Ord. of 7-7-92, art. VIII)