A. Official Pound: Every year the council shall designate an official pound to which animals found in violation of this chapter shall be taken for safe treatment and, if necessary, for destruction.
B. Impoundment Of Animals:
1. Running At Large: Any animal running at large is hereby declared a public nuisance. Except as otherwise provided under a city approved trap, neuter and release program, any police officer may impound any dog or other animal found unlicensed or any animal found running at large and shall give notice of the impounding to the owner of such dog or other animal, if known. In case the owner is unknown, the officer shall post notice at the city office that if the dog or other animal is not claimed within the time specified in subsection C of this section, it will be sold or otherwise disposed of. Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to kill, destroy, or otherwise cause injury to any animal, including dogs and cats running at large. (Ord. 24, 6-26-2008)
2. Animals That Bite: Any animal that does not have a current and valid rabies vaccination and which has bitten any person, wherein the skin has been punctured or the services of a doctor are required, shall be confined in the city pound for a period of not less than ten (10) days, at the expense of the owner. The animal may be released at the end of such time if healthy and free from symptoms of rabies and by the payment of all costs by the owner. However, if the owner of the animal shall elect immediately upon receipt of notice of need for such confinement by the officer to voluntarily and immediately confine the animal for the required period of time in a veterinary hospital of the owner's choosing, not outside of the county, and provide immediate proof of such confinement in such manner as may be required, the owner may do so. If, however, the animal has been properly vaccinated for rabies and the owner has proof of the vaccination by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, the owner may confine the dog or other animal to the owner's property. (Ord. 24, 6-26-2008; amd. 2011 Code)
3. Animal That Has Been Bitten Or Exposed: Any animal known to have been bitten or exposed to rabies shall be impounded and destroyed; provided, however, that such animal may be immediately destroyed if, with reasonable effort, it cannot first be taken up and impounded. If such an animal is impounded, it shall not be destroyed if the owner makes provision for suitable quarantine for a period of not less than six (6) months or proof of immunization is furnished and booster injections are given by a licensed veterinarian at the expense of the owner. (Ord. 24, 6-26-2008)
C. Conditions Of Impoundment; Reclamation Of Animal: All animals conveyed to the pound shall be kept, with humane treatment and sufficient food and water for their comfort, at least five (5) regular business days, unless the animal is a dangerous animal as defined in section 6-4-9 of this chapter, in which case, it shall be kept for seven (7) regular business days, and if the animal is a cruelly treated animal, it shall be kept for ten (10) regular business days, unless sooner reclaimed by its owners or keepers as provided by this section. In case the owner or keeper shall desire to reclaim the animal from the pound, the following shall be required, unless otherwise provided in this code or established from time to time by ordinance of the city council: (Ord. 24, 6-26-2008; amd. 2011 Code)
1. Payment of a release fee and receipt of a release permit from the police. This release fee is in addition to the release permit fee;
2. Payment of maintenance costs, as provided by the pound, per day or any part of day while the animal is in the pound; and
3. If a dog is unlicensed, payment of a regular license fee and valid certificate of vaccination for rabies and distemper shots.
D. Unclaimed Animals: At the expiration of the times established in subsection C of this section, if the animal has not been reclaimed in accordance with the provisions of this section, the officer appointed to enforce this section may let any person claim the animal by complying with all provisions in this section, or released for adoption, or cause the animal to be destroyed in a proper and humane manner and shall properly dispose of the remains thereof. Any money collected under this subsection shall be payable to the city clerk. (Ord. 24, 6-26-2008)