(a) The governing body of a county or municipality may appoint one or more animal control officers to investigate alleged violations of this chapter. An investigating officer shall not be required to be a certified law enforcement officer.
(b) Upon having probable cause that a violation of this chapter has occurred, a certified law enforcement officer, including those serving as animal control officers, may do either of the following:
(1) Remove a dog from its present location if he or she believes the dog’s life is in danger.
(2) Order the owner to provide care to the dog at the owner’s expense to comply with this chapter.
(c) The removal of a dog or the issuance of an order to provide care to a dog shall be subject to the hearing and disposition requirements and procedures provided in Sections 13A-11-244 and 13A-11-245.
(d) A county, municipality, animal control officer, or certified law enforcement officer, acting in good faith, may not be liable for any actions taken pursuant to this chapter, regardless of whether a dog that is removed is returned to its owner.
(e) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent or limit a law enforcement officer from seeking a warrant to enter private property to enforce this chapter.
(f) A property owner, animal owner, or person responsible for a dog shall not be liable for any injury to a certified law enforcement officer or animal control officer that occurs while the officer is attempting to seize, remove, or take custody of a dog pursuant to this chapter, provided the property owner, animal owner, or person responsible for the dog has not intentionally caused the injury.