(a) The Chief of Police may, but is not required to take up and impound any dog which is alleged to have bitten or attacked a human being or other domestic animal in violation of this chapter, pending the completion of criminal proceedings arising from such incident. Such dog shall be boarded and housed in an animal shelter, animal hospital, kennel or other place which the Chief of Police deems equally secure until such time as the owner, harborer, or other person having custody or control of such dog shall be tried or enter a guilty or no contest plea to any and all charges arising out of the biting/attack incident, and until such further time as the Court enters sentence, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The Chief of Police may permit the owner, harborer or person having custody or control of the dog to place the dog in a ten (10) day quarantine in a kennel they select, with the Chief of Police's consent as to the kennel placement and so long as the kennel provides the Chief of Police with a certificate they kept the dog quarantined for ten consecutive days.
(b) Any dog impounded shall be released at the earlier of the following times, unless a longer period of impoundment is authorized or permitted by this chapter:
(1) At least ten working days have passed since the biting or attack incident and no charges are pending against the owner, harborer or person caring for or in control of such dog;
(2) The owner, harborer or person caring for or in control of the dog has been acquitted of all criminal charges arising out of the attack/biting incident.
(c) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Chief of Police pursuant to subsection (a) herein may appeal such order to the Bedford Municipal Court as established in Section 505.23. Any such appeal should be heard within five (5) working days of the date the notice of appeal is filed, subject to the court's schedule or matters that take priority by law or court policy. Notice of such hearing shall be given to the person(s) who has allegedly been bitten or attacked by the dog, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of any minor(s) who has allegedly been the victim of such an attack, and the owner(s) of any domestic animal(s) which has allegedly been bitten or attacked by the dog.
(d) The costs of the boarding and lodging of the dog shall be charged to the owner, harborer, and/or person caring for or in control of the dog, unless the dog has been released pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) hereof.
(e) The provisions of this Section shall be in addition to any other procedures, penalties and/or remedies provided in this chapter or otherwise available at law.
(Ord. 2020-36. Passed 10-12-20.)