§ 8-121. Enforcement.

(a)

Authorization. Animal control officers and law enforcement officers of the various jurisdictions within the county shall be enforcement officials for this chapter. These officials shall have the authority to act on behalf of the county and the participating municipalities and the animal control board in investigating complaints, impounding and destroying animals, issuing citations, and taking other lawful action as required to enforce the provisions of this chapter. It shall be a violation of this chapter to interfere with any animal control officer or other enforcement official in the performance of his duties.

(b)

Citations upon affidavit. Upon the sworn affidavit of any citizen alleging a violation of this chapter, an animal control officer or law enforcement officer may issue a citation to the owner of the animal requiring the owner to appear before the magistrate court of Bartow County for an adjudication of the complaint on a date and time certain.

(c)

Citation requirements. Citations issued hereunder shall be pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-10-63, and shall be personally served upon the person accused. Each citation shall state the time and place at which the accused is to appear for trial.

(d)

Interference with officer. It shall be a violation of this chapter to interfere with, hinder, disrupt, or obstruct an animal control officer in the performance of his or her duty or the enforcement of this chapter. See also, O.C.G.A. § 4-1-6 for state felony charge for obstruction.