(A) Any dog at large shall be impounded. All impounded dogs shall be given proper care and maintenance.
(B) Each impounded licensed or microchipped dog shall be kept and maintained at the Animal Control Shelter for a minimum of five days unless claimed by its owner or responsible person. An unlicensed dog shall be kept and maintained at the Animal Control Shelter for a minimum of three days. Any dog found without a tag or microchip device identifying its owner shall be deemed not owned.
(C) An impounded licensed or unlicensed dog may be adopted upon expiration of the impoundment period, provided the adopting person pays the appropriate adoption fees and complies with licensing and vaccinating provisions of this chapter. Adoption fees may be waived for recognized nonprofit dog rescue groups. No dog shall be released for use in medical research. Animal control officers may destroy impounded sick or injured dogs whenever the destruction is deemed by a licensed veterinarian to be necessary to prevent the dog from suffering, or to prevent the spread of disease.
(D) Any licensed impounded dog may be reclaimed by its owner or responsible person within five days of its impoundment, provided the person reclaiming the dog furnishes proof of the right to do so, proof of rabies vaccination, pays all dog shelter fees, medical fees, and service and license fees as applicable. If the dog is not reclaimed within the impoundment period, the animal control officer shall take possession of the dog and may place the dog for adoption, or dispose of the dog in a humane manner as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.
(E) A dog showing signs or symptoms of rabies, may be destroyed by a state-licensed veterinarian or any other means deemed necessary to protect public health and safety.
(F) Upon surrender of a dog by its owner or responsible person to the town for destruction, the town shall become the person responsible for the dog. Prior to the surrender, the owner or responsible person shall pay all associated fees to the town.
(G) If a peace officer or animal control officer observes an animal in imminent danger of death or inhumane suffering, the peace officer or animal control officer may assist the animal as needed.
(Res. 12-999, passed 12-11-2012; Ord. 12-760, passed 12-11-2012; Ord. 17-834, passed 10-24-2017; Ord. 2023-926, passed 2-14-2023)