Full Text
4.36 ABUSE AND HARASSMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ANIMALS THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. AUTHORITY Pursuant to the authority of Section 59.06, Wisconsin Statutes, Douglas County does hereby establish rules and regulations regulating the treatment of Douglas County Sheriff Department and Fire Department animals used in law enforcement. SECTION II. DEFINITIONS A. “Abuse” means to strike, shove, kick, hit, burn, shoot, stab, throw an object at which makes contact with the animal, poison, or otherwise subject a law enforcement animal to any action which results in harm, pain or injury to the animal. Said harmful or painful contact includes but is not limited to the use of any dangerous weapon against the animal. B. “Harass” means to yell at, chase, or throw an object at a law enforcement animal. C. “Dangerous weapon” includes but is not limited to the use of any firearm, knife, wooden stick or bat, chemical agents, poison, or incendiary device. D. “Law Enforcement animal” means any animal used by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department to perform agency or department functions or duties; or any law enforcement animal used by another law enforcement agency while within the statutory boundaries of Douglas County. SECTION III. ABUSE OR HARASSMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMAL PROHIBITED No person may frighten, abuse, harass, injure or otherwise harm any animal that is used by Douglas County Law Enforcement or Superior Police Department to perform agency or department functions or duties. ---PAGE BREAK--- SECTION IV. EXCEPTIONS This section does not apply to any act authorized by the animal’s handler or owner which is necessary for the training of an animal to perform its functions or duties as a Douglas County law enforcement animal. SECTION V. PENALTIES Any person violating this ordinance is subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100.00 and not more than $10,000.00. SECTION VI. DISTRIBUTION OF FINES When a person is charged and convicted, the remaining fine amount after court fees paid, be deposited into a Canine Supplies and Training account. SECTION VII. EFFECTIVE DATE Following passage and publication by the Douglas County Board of Supervisors this ordinance shall be in full force and effect. Adopted this 21st day of August, 2003