(a) Animal Control Agency.
(1) The Village of Edgar may contract with or enter into an agreement with such person, persons, organization or corporation to provide for the operation of an animal shelter, impoundment of stray animals, confinement of certain animals, disposition of impounded animals and for assisting in the administration of rabies vaccination programs.
(2) The Village of Edgar does hereby delegate to any such animal control agency the authority to act pursuant to the provisions of this Section.
(b) Impounding of Animals. In addition to any penalty hereinafter provided for a violation of this Chapter, a law enforcement or animal control officer may impound any dog, cat or other animal which habitually pursues any vehicle upon any street, alley or highway of the Village of Edgar, assaults or attacks any person, is at large within the Village, habitually barks, cries or howls, kills, wounds or worries any domestic animal or is infected with rabies. In order for an animal to be impounded, the impounding officer must see or hear the violation of this Section or have in his/her possession a signed statement of a complaining witness made under oath alleging the facts regarding the violation and containing an agreement to reimburse the Village of Edgar for any damages it sustains for improper or illegal seizure.
(c) Claiming Animal; Disposal of Unclaimed Animals.
(1) Seizure.
A law enforcement officer or any animal control officer appointed by the Village Board may attempt to capture and restrain dogs or other animals running at large or otherwise in violation of this Chapter, and shall confine and capture or restrain animals in a suitable dog pound or other enclosure. After seizure of animals under this Section by a law enforcement or animal control officer, the animal shall be impounded.
(2) Retention and Disposition of Unclaimed Animals.
All dogs or other animals apprehended may be kept for no more than three (3) days at the animal pound or other enclosure and if such animal is not claimed by the rightful owner, representative or keeper within such time, said animal shall be transmitted to the area or County Humane Society to be handled in accordance with the Wisconsin Statutes and the policies of that facility.
(3) Notification.
A person who captures or restrains a dog or other animal shall notify or deliver the dog or other animal to the humane society or to any officer within twelve (12) hours of capture or restraint. Any law enforcement or other Village official to whom a dog or other animal is delivered shall attempt to notify the owner as soon as possible if the owner is known or can be ascertained with reasonable effort.
(4) Claiming Animals.
The owner or representative, or keeper of any dog or other animal so confined may reclaim such animal from the detention shelter at any time before transmittal to the humane society, if:
a. The owner, representative or keeper gives his/her name and address.
b. The owner, representative or keeper presents evidence that the dog is licensed and presents evidence that the dog is vaccinated against rabies, or a receipt from a licensed veterinarian for repayment of a rabies inoculation.
c. The owner, representative or keeper pays the cost of apprehending, boarding fees, necessary medical treatment and impounding fees, if any.
(5) Payment of Costs.
Payment of costs and charges shall be made to the Village of Edgar. Upon identification of the owner of a dog or other animal so apprehended or confined, all Village costs and charges shall be billed to said owner.
(d) Sale of Impounded Animals.
If the owner does not reclaim the animal within seven (7) days, the animal control officer may sell the animal to any willing buyer.
(e) Village Not Liable for Impounding Animals.
The Village of Edgar and/or its animal control agency shall not be liable for the death of any animal which has been impounded or disposed of pursuant to this Section.