(a) When any animal is seized under this Chapter, the owner shall be personally liable to the City or its contractor for the cost of the seizure and care of the animal. If the charges for the seizure or impoundment and any other charges permitted under this Section are not paid within 14 days of the seizure, or, if the owner, within 14 days of notice of availability of the animal to be returned, fails to pay charges permitted under this Section and take possession of the animal, the animal shall be deemed to have been abandoned and may be disposed of or released for adoption by the Animal Control Officer. The charges may be collected as set out in Section 10.36.050.
(b) No animal seized under this Chapter shall be returned to its owner until, in the determination of the Animal Control Officer, the animal is physically fit or the owner can demonstrate to the Animal Control Officer’s satisfaction that the owner can and will provide the necessary care.
(c) If the animal requires veterinary care and the City and Animal Control Officer are not assured, within fourteen (14) days of the seizure of the animal, that the owner will provide the necessary care, the animal shall not be returned to its owner and shall be deemed to have been abandoned and may be disposed of by the Animal Control Officer.
(d) A veterinarian may humanely destroy an impounded animal without regard to the prescribed holding period when it has been determined that the animal has incurred severe injuries or is incurably crippled. A veterinarian also may immediately humanely destroy an impounded animal afflicted with a serious contagious disease unless the owner immediately authorizes the treatment of the animal by a veterinarian at the owner’s expense.
(32-12/92 § 10.09.050)