(a) The violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as provided in G.S. 14-4, or other applicable state law. Each day's violation of this chapter may be considered a separate offense. Payment of a fine imposed in criminal proceedings pursuant to this subsection does not relieve a person of his liability for taxes, fees, or civil penalties imposed under this chapter.

(b) Enforcement of this chapter may include any appropriate equitable remedy, injunction or order of abatement issued from a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to G.S. 153A-123(d) and (e).

(c) In addition to and independent of any criminal penalties and other sanctions provided in this chapter, a violation of this chapter may also subject the offender to the civil penalties as set forth below:

1. The animal control officer may issue to the known owner or keeper of the animal or to any other violator of the provisions of this chapter a citation giving notice of the alleged violation. Pursuant to the authority provided in G.S. 153A-123(a), (c), (d), and (e), any person maintaining an animal who permits such animal to be in violation of this chapter or anyone who is in violation of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $50.00.
2. If the owner or keeper of an animal or other alleged violator does not appear in response to the above described citation, or the civil penalty is not paid within the time period prescribed (30 days), a civil action may be commenced to recover the penalty and cost associated with collection of the penalty, and/or a criminal summons may be issued against the owner or keeper or other alleged violator of this chapter, and upon conviction the owner shall be punished as provided by state law.

(Ord. of 7-7-92, art. IX)