It shall be the duty of the municipal police or the person designated by the governing body to capture, secure and remove in a humane manner to the veterinary clinic any dog violating any of the provisions of this chapter. The dogs so impounded shall be treated in a humane manner and shall be provided with sufficient supply of food and fresh water each day. The owner of each dog bearing a license shall be personally notified of the dog’s intended impoundment, and given an opportunity to retrieve the animal. Each impounded dog bearing tags shall be kept and maintained at the pound for a period of not less than five days after notice has been given, unless reclaimed earlier by the owner. Any dog bearing tags may be reclaimed by its owner during the period of impoundment by payment of the costs of the veterinary clinic. Any unlicensed dog shall be kept and maintained at the impoundment for a period of not less than three days after the owner, if known, is notified of such impoundment, which notice shall be given personally to the owner. Any untagged dog may be reclaimed by its owner during the period of impoundment, by payment of a fine, all costs of the veterinary clinic and compliance with the licensing and rabies vaccination requirements prior to release. If the dog is not claimed at the end of the impoundment period, the police may dispose of the dog in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the same; provided, that if in the judgment of the municipal police a suitable home can be found for such dog within the municipality, the said dog shall be turned over to that person and the new owner shall be required to pay all veterinary fees and meet all licensing and vaccinating requirements provided in this subchapter. The municipality shall acquire title to any unlicensed dog impounded in the animal shelter for a period longer than three days after giving notice, and shall acquire legal title to any licensed dog impounded in the animal shelter for a period longer than five days after giving notice. All dogs shall be destroyed and buried in the summary and humane manner as prescribed by the Board of Health unless a suitable home can be found for such dog.
(1997 Code, § 6-116) (Ord. 2007-03, passed 4-17-2007)
Statutory reference:
Authority or similar provisions, see Neb. RS 17-548, 71-4408