(a) In addition to other procedures and penalties applicable to violations of this chapter, the Animal Warden may take up and impound any animal found in violation hereof. If such animal is not wearing a valid license tag, the Animal Warden may, within three (3) days after taking up such animal, turn such animal over to an officer charged by law with the custody and disposal of such animals. If the animal is wearing a license tag or some other type of identification showing the name and address of its owner, the Animal Warden shall immediately give such person notice that the animal has been found and taken up. The animal shall not be released to its owner except upon payment to the City of all lawful costs assessed against the animal to cover the cost of taking it up, plus such additional costs as may be incurred by the City for impounding the animal.
Such release payment shall be tendered within five (5) days of receipt of notice by the animal's owner; however, no period of holding by the City shall exceed seven (7) days unless the seventh (7th) days falls on a weekend. Any animal not reclaimed within the respective time periods may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of at the discretion of the Animal Warden. "Otherwise disposed of" shall include the right to sell these animals to suitable individuals for the cost to the City of the animal's boarding. When such a sale does occur, the City shall not charge the buyer with the impounding fee. No sale will be transacted until a valid registration tag, if required, is obtained.
(b) The City may assess against or charge the owner, keeper or harborer of any domestic animal the actual costs relative to the seizure and/or impoundment of such animal for its seizure, shelter, food, and any veterinary care found necessary during impoundment. Such costs may include the cost to have the animal spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
(c) The Animal Warden's Office may keep a register of people interested in obtaining an animal impounded by the City. Such register may be categorized by the breed desired and should be set up to give the person who has been registered the longest period of time the first chance to obtain the animal.
(Ord. 94-2019. Passed 11-4-19.)