9-499.04. Animal control officers; appointment; authority; regulation of dogs; powers and duties
201 words·~1 min read·
/az/title-9/9-499-04A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
A. Any city and town may by ordinance provide for the appointment of animal control officers who may commence an action or proceeding before a court for any violation of a state statute or local ordinance relating to rabies and animal control that occurs within the jurisdiction of the city or town.
B. An animal control officer appointed pursuant to subsection A of this section shall:
1. Be unarmed during the course of duties except that a small caliber firearm may be available to be used in controlling vicious animals or in dispatching of a wounded animal. For the purposes of this paragraph, "small caliber firearm" means a rifle or pistol utilizing a rimfire cartridge with a caliber not to exceed twenty-two hundredths of an inch and with a non-richocheting bullet or a shotgun whose bore size does not exceed forty-one hundredths of an inch.
2. Be an employee of the appointing city or town.
C. A city or town may regulate the control of dogs if the regulation is not specific to any breed.
D. Subsection B of this section does not grant other powers or benefits to animal control officers to which peace officers of this state are entitled.