(A) Any dog or cat impounded under the provisions hereof, other than a dog or cat suspected of biting or scratching a person and other than dogs or cats which are known to be diseased or which are known to be vicious or dangerous, shall be destroyed unless claimed by its owner after payment of redemption charges or unless adopted by a person over the age of 18 years of age, as hereinafter provided.
(B) The owner of any impounded dog or cat other than those dogs and cats excepted in division (A) above, may claim and redeem the animal within 72 hours from date and time of impoundment under the following conditions:
(1) The person provides sufficient proof of ownership;
(2) The owner provides proof of current rabies vaccination; and
(3) The owner pays the charges for redemption provided for hereinafter.
(C) If a dog or cat impounded under the provisions hereof other than a dog or cat, excepted in division (A) above, is not claimed by its owner within the 72-hour period provided for above, then the dog or cat shall be eligible for adoption under the following conditions:
(1) The person adopting the animal is over 18 years of age;
(2) The animal has a current rabies vaccination;
(3) The animal has been sterilized, except in the case of infant animals;
(4) The person adopting the animal pays the costs of vaccination and sterilization, as may be established by the City Manager;
(5) The person signs a written agreement releasing the city, its agents and employees from any liability for damages or injury caused by the animal and risk involved with the adoption of the animal; and
(6) Other rules or regulations as the City Manager may establish.
(D) Any animals not claimed by the owner within 72 hours after impoundment and not adopted within seven days after impoundment shall be disposed of by the animal control officer. Before the disposition of impounded dogs and cats, the animal control officer shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owner thereof where the owner is known. No liability shall be incurred by the city or by the animal control officer by reason of failure of notification of the owner. The method and manner of disposing of impounded dogs and cats shall be as directed by the City Manager.
(E) The City Manager is authorized to negotiate with licensed veterinarians for provision of the vaccination, sterilization and euthanasia services required in this section.
(Prior Code, §4-305) (Am. Ord. 1326, passed 4-16-85; Am. Ord. 1469, passed 12-18-90; Am. Ord. 1745, passed 3-15-05)
Statutory reference:
Lawful means of disposing of animals in shelters or pounds, see 4 O.S. §§ 501 to 508