§ 6-19. Enforcement.

Enforcement of the provisions of this chapter is specifically authorized by any peace officer within the City of LaPorte and any and all animal control officers of the City of LaPorte.

In the event that either the above mentioned peace officers or animal control officers observe a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, or receive reliable information which leads to the determination that violation of this chapter occurs: said officer may cite the owner of any animal in violation, or any person whose conduct specifically is prohibited by this chapter.

Any said peace officer or animal control officer observing such a violation or receiving information which leads to the determination of the violations occurred, shall serve the aforementioned violating individual with a citation which specifies which portion of this chapter has been violated and advising said individual that the violation may be prosecuted pursuant to the terms of the chapter.

Prosecution of any violations of this chapter may be brought before the LaPorte City Administrative Law Judge. Upon referral of a citation for violation of this chapter, the office of the City Attorney may file charges either before the Administrative Law Judge or before a court of general jurisdiction within the County of LaPorte.