It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer or his agent to apprehend and impound any animal not under control. Depending on the circumstances, impoundment shall be as follows:
(A) Known ownership.
(1) When the owner or harborer of a stray animal is known through licensing, collar identification or other immediate means, the Animal Control Officer shall notify the person of the impounding in the most expeditious manner available.
(2) The release of an impounded animal shall not be made by the Animal Control Officer until all expenses of apprehension, notification and impounding have been paid by the owner or harborer.
(3) If the impounded animal is one requiring a license and/or rabies vaccination, the owner or harborer shall have 48 hours in which to present proof of vaccination to the Animal Control Officer.
(4) The known owner or harborer of the stray animal shall have three days from the time of notification in which to claim the animal. Failure by the known owner of harborer to obtain release of the impounded animal within this time period shall be deemed an act of disclaiming, and the Animal Control Officer shall consign the animal to a recognized animal humane society, licensed animal shelter, or county officers having animal control jurisdiction for Adams County.
(B) Unknown ownership.
(1) When the owner or harborer of a stray animal cannot be ascertained, the animal shall be locally impounded for no less than three days.
(2) If unclaimed beyond this time period, the Animal Control Officer shall consign the animal to a recognized humane society, licensed animal shelter, or county officers having animal control jurisdiction for Adams County. If, in the opinion of a licensed veterinarian, the animal is not suitable as a pet, the animal shall be euthanized.
(Ord. 573, passed 9-10-07)