(A) It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Bureau to keep all impounded dogs and cats for a minimum holding period of at least six business days, not including the day of impoundment.
(B) During the first three business days of the holding period, not including the day of impoundment, only the owner may redeem the dog or cat.
(C) If, upon conclusion of the third business day of the holding period, not including the day of impoundment, the dog or cat has not been redeemed by its owner, the Animal Control Bureau may sell or give away the animal at a public or private adoption sale, provided that the adoption of such animal shall not occur until after the conclusion of the sixth business day holding period, not including the day of impoundment, and any such adoption will not be contrary to the public health, safety and general welfare. The owner shall have first priority to redeem the animal any time prior to the conclusion of the sixth business day, not including the day of impoundment.
(D) If an impounded dog or cat is not redeemed by its owner or adopted at the conclusion of the six business day holding period, not including the day of impoundment, the Animal Control Bureau may, in its discretion, either continue the sale or adoption process or euthanize the animal in some humane way and in no other manner.
(E) Prior to euthanizing an impounded dog or cat, the Animal Control Bureau shall release the animal to a nonprofit animal rescue or adoption organization, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, if requested by the organization prior to the scheduled euthanasia of the animal and such release is not contrary to the public health, safety and general welfare.
(F) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, an impounded dog or cat may be euthanized by the Animal Control Bureau without complying with the above holding period if the animal reasonably appears to the Animal Control Bureau to be:
(1) Suffering from rabies;
(2) Affected with hydrophobia, mange or other infectious or dangerous disease;
(3) Incurably crippled, infirm and suffering on account of advanced age; or
(4) Seriously and irreparably injured.
(G) If a dog or cat is euthanized pursuant to this section, its owner shall be charged a fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.
(`78 Code, § 6.12.200.) ( Ord. 3299 § 2 (part), 2019; Ord. 3246 § 14, 2016; Ord. 3229 § 2, 2016; Ord. 3170 § 2 (part), 2014; Ord. 3088 § 1 (part), 2011; Ord. 1722 § 6, 1984; Ord. 1685 § 1, 1983; Ord. 1608 § 2, 1981.)