It is provided that law enforcement, animal control officer or designee may enter upon the premises where any animal is kept in a reportedly cruel, or inhumane, manner; demand to examine such animal and to take possession of such animal, which in their opinion, requires humane treatment or veterinary care. Such animal in need of humane treatment, or veterinary care, shall be impounded. Minimal veterinary care necessary shall be provided by a licensed veterinarian, and the expenses of such care, and impoundment, shall be held as a lien on the animal to be paid before the animal can be lawfully recovered. The owner of such animal may regain possession upon payment of any fines imposed, and all bills for veterinary care provided during impoundment. Such owner shall be informed that if inhumane treatment occurs a second time, the animal shall again be seized, and destroyed, if necessary, without being held for three days, or if the animal is deemed not dangerous, or undesirable due to the inhumane treatment sustained, such animal may be placed with a person deemed to be a responsible and caring owner, or released to the custody of any humane society to be placed for adoption to a responsible person. Under no circumstances shall the inhumanely treated animal be returned to the former owner, or any agent of the former owner. (Ord. 749, 2014; Ord. 636 (part), 2006)