A. All dogs found running at large within the city limits may be impounded by the animal control officer by the use of a tranquilizer gun or other humane means of dog control.
B. If a dog is impounded, the animal control officer shall undertake a reasonable inquiry to determine the identity of the owner or harborer of the dog. Reasonable inquiry shall consist of and be limited to: 1) examining any tags affixed to any collar worn by the dog at the time of impoundment; and 2) examining the dog licensing records of the city. In the event the identity of the owner or harborer of the dog is determined from such inquiry, the animal control officer shall serve the owner or harborer of the dog with written notice of the impoundment by: 1) personal service; or 2) regular first class U.S. mail addressed to the last known mailing address of the owner or harborer as shown by the records of the city clerk-treasurer, with service being effective on the date of mailing. No such notice shall be required if the identity of the owner or harborer is not determined from the inquiry.
C. The owner or harborer of any dog which may be taken up and impounded under the provisions of this chapter may recover possession of the dog upon payment to the city of any license fees, impoundment fees, and other costs provided in this chapter. (Ord. 151 § 2, 1996)