Sec. 4-24.  Holding impounded animals.

 

(a)   Notice of impoundment of any animal, including any sig­nificant marks of identification, shall be posted at the pound within twenty-four (24) hours after such animal is impounded, as public notification of impoundment.  In addition, the owner of any animal impounded, regardless of reason for impounding shall, if possible, be notified if such owner's identity and address can be ascertained upon reasonable investigation, within twenty-four (24) hours after such animal is impounded under any of the provisions of this chapter.  The notice shall inform the owner that the animal has been impounded and the purpose or reason for such impounding.

 

(b)  Any dog or cat not properly licensed or found running at large may be impounded.  All dogs or cats impounded because of not being properly licensed or for running at large shall be held for not less than seventy-two (72) hours, unless sooner redeemed or released as hereinafter provided; and if not so redeemed or released at the expiration of the time limit of seventy-two (72) hours, may be euthanized.

 

(c)   The licensed veterinarian or organization with whom the city council has contracted to enforce the provisions of this chapter, may hold any animal impounded in the impoundment facil­ity after the expiration of the time limit as set by this section for the purpose of finding a suitable home for such animal.  No such animal shall be released until the new owner has procured a license and metallic tag for such animal, if applicable, under the provisions of this chapter.

 

(d)   The owner of any animal which is impounded or destroyed under this chapter shall be held responsible for payment of the boarding fees, the impoundment fee, the expense incident to the impoundment for observation, or the cost of euthanization.  Fail­ure to pay such fee or expense to the city within fifteen (15) days after being billed for the same by the city shall constitute an offense. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3523, § 25, 2-1-88; Ord No. 4774, § 1, 1-18-05