The Animal Control Officer may, at the time provided in a notice of sale, sell at public auction animals impounded under the provisions of this chapter, which have not been reclaimed by the owner. The animal shall be sold to the highest cash bidder and the Animal Control Officer shall immediately pay to the Clerk the proceeds of the sale of any such animal. In no instance shall the Animal Control Officer be or become interested, either directly or indirectly, n the purchase of any animal sold by him or her.