(A) The owner or keeper of an animal impounded pursuant to §§ 90.120 and 90.121 may redeem the animal and regain possession thereof within 72 hours after notice of impoundment is posted as required by this chapter and complying with all applicable provisions of this chapter by paying any applicable fees as determined by the Board of Commissioners.
(B) Any animal held or impounded in the animal shelter because of being found running at large shall be released to its owner by the Health Department Director, or his or her designee, upon presentation of the following:
(1) Proof of ownership of the animal;
(2) Proof of current rabies vaccination; and
(3) Payment of the daily boarding cost plus the impoundment fee, as set forth as follows:
(a) First violation per animal: if the animal is not microchipped, it shall be microchipped at the owner’s expense prior to return.
(b) Second violation per animal: if the animal is intact, the animal shall be spayed/neutered at the owner’s expense prior to return.
(c) Third and each ensuing violation per animal: an amount set by the town.
(C) Any animal held or impounded in the animal shelter because of violation of any provision of this chapter, except running at large, shall be released to its owner thereof by the Health Director, or his or her designee, upon proof of ownership of the animal. The owner of the animal shall remain liable for payment of the daily boarding cost plus the impoundment fee as set forth above.
(D) Payment of the daily boarding cost and impoundment fee shall not relieve the owner from the responsibility for all penalties which may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
(E) All animals with proper identification shall be held a minimum of seven days, and all exhaustive measures will be taken to reunite the animal with its owner.
(Ord. passed 10-6-2008) Penalty, see § 90.999