§ 6.10.030. Appeal.

The owner or keeper of a dog or animal determined to be vicious/dangerous under this chapter or in violation of any other provision of this chapter, may appeal such determination and request a hearing before the city's hearing officer. A request for hearing must be made in writing and delivered to the city clerk within five days of an impoundment of any dog or animal which has been determined vicious/dangerous or has been found in violation of any other provision of this chapter. The hearing is to be held at city hall and shall be set within three business days of the request for hearing, or at a date and time mutually convenient to the parties. The hearing officer will determine whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the dog or animal is vicious or dangerous. The dog or animal shall remain impounded during the pendency of the appeal, if applicable. Within two business days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall render a written decision and notify the owner or keeper by certified mail. The decision shall include, if appropriate, the fine or penalty to be imposed as well as an assessment of any costs for impoundment and/or attorney's fees. Formal rules of evidence shall not apply at the administrative hearing. The hearing officer shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois for a minimum of three years.

(Ord. 04-20 § 4(part), 2004).

(Ord. No. 2017-13, § 1, 4-18-2018)