(A) The owner may redeem an animal taken up and impounded under this chapter at any time before the actual disposal of the animal, by presenting suitable evidence of ownership. (See Food and Agric. Code § 31108.5.) No animal will be released until the owner has:
(1) Paid redemption fees and any fees and penalties authorized by this chapter. The fees may include, but are not limited to: impound fee; boarding (care and feeding); microchip fee; dog license; vaccination; veterinary fees, if injured; investigation; spaying or neutering; special tag and investigation if determined to be potentially dangerous or vicious;
(2) Signed a declaration of ownership, made under penalty of perjury, to justify the release of the animal declaring ownership. However, the Animal Control Supervisor may refuse to release the animal if there is reasonable cause to believe that the information contained in the declaration is untrue or incorrect and, in that case, may require additional evidence of ownership as the Animal Control Supervisor may determine; and
(3) Paid the fine specified under Cal. Food and Agric. Code § 30804.7 for any nonspayed or unneutered dog that is impounded.
(B) No dog shall be released from impoundment until the dog has been licensed or registered. No dog or cat shall be released from impoundment until the animal has been implanted with a microchip identification and, after the second impoundment, until the animal has been spayed or neutered.
(C) The Animal Control Supervisor, at his or her discretion, may refuse to permit the redemption of any animal impounded under this chapter, or any other county, state, or municipal law, until the need for the retention of such animal no longer exists. The city shall bear the cost of the continued retention, after any request of redemption and tendering of all other costs and fees by the owner.
(Ord. 2083-C-S, passed 4-8-14)