(A) Animals not redeemed by their owner within the holding period after notice of impoundment by the Animal Services Division (where the owner has been identified) or within the holding period upon posting of an impoundment notice as required by this chapter (where the owner cannot be identified) may be offered for adoption, transferred to an approved animal welfare or animal rescue group, or euthanized by the Animal Services Division. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit the Animal Services Division from extending the holding period for any animal beyond the required minimum if, in the opinion of the Animal Services Director, there is a likelihood of locating the animal owner and/or the animal is considered adoptable and there is adequate capacity at the animal shelter. Animals shall not be offered for adoption to an animal dealer who acquires animals for resale. Persons adopting animals from the animal shelter shall agree in writing to comply with all local ordinances and state laws regarding animals. The county will not knowingly release for adoption any animal which is known to have previously bitten a person, is aggressive, or has been deemed potentially dangerous or dangerous. Adoption and adoption related fees may be waived at the discretion of the Health Director for rescue or animal welfare groups approved by the Health Director. Placement of animals with approved groups will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
(B) No animal which has been impounded by reason of its being stray or unclaimed by its owner shall be adopted from the animal shelter during a period of emergency rabies quarantine invoked pursuant to state law, except by special authorization of the Health Director.
(Ord. passed 9-18-2017)