(A) An Animal Control Officer or its designee may immediately seize, impound, or confine any of the following animals:
(1) Unless excepted, any animal running at large;
(2) Any animal constituting a public nuisance;
(3) Any unattended animal that is ill, injured, or otherwise in need of care;
(4) Any unattended animal that is reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected;
(5) Any animal that is reasonably suspected of having rabies;
(6) Any animal charged with being dangerous or determined to be dangerous by the Animal Control Agency; or
(7) Any animal that is considered unattended or abandoned, as in situations where the owner is deceased, has been arrested, or evicted from his or her regular place of residence.
(B) If any dangerous, ferocious, or vicious animal is found at large and cannot be safely impounded, an animal may be tranquilized, tased, slain, or humanely euthanized to prevent harm or undue suffering by an Animal Control Officer or its designee.
(C) If dogs and cats licensed under this chapter are impounded by the Animal Control Agency, an attempt shall be made by the Animal Control Officer or its designee to return the animal to the owner, as indicated on the records of the Animal Control Agency, as soon as is practical after the time of the impoundment. Unless this animal is claimed by the owner within seven days from the date of its impoundment, the animal may be placed for adoption or humanely euthanized.
(D) All other impounded animals (except dogs and cats specifically covered herein) shall be under the authority of the Animal Control Officer or its designee. The animals shall be held at least one day, after which time the Animal Control Agency shall have the authority to take whatever action is necessary with regard to adoption or euthanasia of such animals.
(E) The Animal Control Agency shall have authority to take whatever action is reasonably necessary, including humane euthanization, to deal with a sick or injured animal, for the welfare of the animal and for the safety of humane officers and the public. The agency may take action without holding an animal within any stated impoundment time period as hereinabove or hereinafter stated.
(F) Nothing contained herein shall limit the Animal Control Agency’s authority to take whatever action is reasonably necessary to provide veterinary care by a licensed veterinarian for a sick or injured animal.
(G) Any animal impounded in an animal control facility or shelter, if not reclaimed by its owner as provided for herein, shall thereby become the property of the animal shelter and, if not adopted by the public, shall be humanely euthanized.
(H) Reclaiming procedures of impounded animals. The local animal shelter shall establish procedures for reclaiming impounded animals. In the event there ceases to exist a local animal shelter, the city shall establish reclaiming procedures for impounded animals within its facilities.
(Ord. 2005-21, passed 5-25-2005; Am. Ord. 2014-1, passed 2-25-2014)