(A) The city will keep an impounded dog or cat for:
(1) If licensed, bears owner identification or is known to the Animal Control Supervisor, for at least ten days that the shelter is open;
(2) If the dog or cat is unlicensed and bears no identification, for at least four days that the shelter is open. (See Cal. Food and Agric. Code § 31108.)
(B) Upon delivering the animal to Animal Services, the Animal Control Supervisor shall send a written notice of impoundment by email or mail to the licensed or registered owner of the animal, if known, at the address as shown on the records of the Animal Services. The Animal Control Supervisor shall scan the animal for a microchip that identifies the owner. (See Food and Ag. Code § 31108(c).) The notice shall state that the animal has been impounded and shall give the location of impoundment. The notice shall also state that if the animal is not claimed within the period specified in the notice, the animal will be disposed of by placing it in another suitable home or by euthanizing the animal.
(C) The owner may recover the dog, cat, or other animal picked up and impounded under this chapter only upon payment of the charges and costs of redemption of impounded animals. (See § 6-1.705 below.)
(1) The owner is liable for the costs whether or not the owner redeems the animal.
(2) The owner's refusal or failure to pay the fees and charges, after due notification, constitutes his or her abandonment of the animal.
(D) A licensed dog not redeemed by the owner within ten days after mailing or emailing the notice shall be disposed of as though the dog was an unlicensed dog when impounded. If the Animal Control Supervisor determines that the animal will not be claimed, represents a health hazard to the other animals maintained at the shelter, is of a wild nature, or is severely injured, he or she may order the animal to be placed in a suitable home or euthanized. (See Cal. Food and Agric. Code § 31108.)
(Ord. 2083-C-S, passed 4-8-14)