CHAPTER II. ANIMAL CONTROL AND REGULATIONCHAPTER II. ANIMAL CONTROL AND REGULATION\ARTICLE 8. IMPOUNDMENT OF ANIMALS

Upon the taking and impoundment of any cat or dog wearing a current city licensing and/or rabies vaccination tag, the Animal Control Officer shall notify the owner/custodian of such animal of its impoundment and conditions under which the animal can be recovered. Such notice shall be given within forty-eight (48) hours of the impoundment of such animal. Any owner/custodian so notified who fails to reclaim such animal within one business day or such notice shall be issued a notice to appear for failure to reclaim.

(Ord. 1992, Sec. 1; Ord. 2274)

The owner/custodian of any impounded animal who does not recover such animal may still be processed against for violation of any applicable section or sections of this chapter.

(Ord. 1992, Sec. 1; Ord. 2274)

(a)   Any impounded cat or dog not recovered by its owner/custodian within a holding period of three (3) business days shall become the property of the city and may be offered for adoption or humanely euthanized.

(b)   When any cat or dog not having proper identification arrives at the shelter in such a condition that, in the judgement of the veterinarian, compassion requires that such animal be promptly and humanely euthanized.

(Ord. 1992, Sec. 1; Ord. 2274)

(a)   Any owner/custodian of an impounded dog or cat shall be entitled to recover such animal if, within the prescribed holding period, such person shall appear to claim such animal and shall make payment of the required fees and any veterinary expenses. The required fees shall be established by resolution.

(b)   If an owner/custodian cannot validate current rabies immunization for his/her animal, then such owner/custodian shall, within three (3) business days, accomplish such vaccination with a licensed veterinarian or shall be issued a notice to appear for validation of this section.

(Ord. 1992, Sec. 1; Ord. 2274)

It shall be unlawful for any person other than a duly authorized officer to break open or attempt to break open any enclosure in which dogs, pups, cats, kittens, or any other impounded animals are confined or held pursuant to the provisions of this article or take or let out any dog, pup, cat, kitten or any other impounded animals placed therein by an officer of this city, or take or attempt to take from an officer of this city any dog, pup, cat, kitten or any other impounded animal taken by such an officer, or in any manner interfere with or hinder any officer of this city in catching or taking up any animal.

(Ord. 1992, Sec. 1; Ord. 2274)