Unrestrained dogs may be taken by any “officer” as hereinbefore defined and impounded in an animal shelter and there confined in a humane manner. Impounded dogs shall be kept for five days unless reclaimed prior to that time by their owner as provided hereafter.
(A) Notice of impoundment. Upon taking up and impounding any dog, the Poundmaster shall, within one day thereafter, post for three days in two or more conspicuous places in the city, a notice of impounding and mail a copy of these to the owner if the name and address of the owner is known.
(B) Redemption. Any dog may be reclaimed from the animal shelter by its owner within the time specified in the notice by the payment to the Administrator of the license fee with an impounding fee and a boarding fee for each day or fraction of a day that the dog has been confined as the cost of boarding, both of which fees shall be set by resolution of the City Council. Notwithstanding this section, the owner shall remain subject to all other penalties contained in this chapter.
(C) Disposition of unclaimed dogs. Any dog which is not claimed within five days after impounding, may be sold with the proceeds applied to the cost of confinement and sale of the dog, and the balance returned to the city. If, after making reasonable efforts to sell the dog, no sale is obtained, the dog may be humanely destroyed or given away.
(D) Permissible return of unrestrained dog. If an animal is found unrestrained and its owner can be identified and located, such animal need not be impounded but may, instead, be taken to the owner. In such case, however, proceedings may be taken against the owner for violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 321, Second Series, passed 10-13-2009)