(A) The owner of an animal may redeem the animal by paying all the costs and fines assessed that have accrued up to the time of making the redemption, plus the license fee for the animal, if required. Any animal not claimed by an owner, in accordance with the time periods described in this chapter, shall become the property of the animal shelter and may be disposed of in any manner, as is in accordance with this chapter.
(B) An application for redemption must be filed by the owner, if at all, prior to the expiration of the impoundment term.
(1) If the owner cannot be identified, the animal shelter may request reasonable proof of ownership as a condition for the release of the animal. For purposes of this section, proof of ownership may include: bills of sale; photos depicting the animal and the owner; vet records with owners name; and/or similar evidence.
(2) In the event of the existence of a controversy pertaining to the ownership or right of possession of an impounded animal, the animal shelter may refuse redemption except upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(C) (1) Any animal impounded may be released only upon the application for redemption and after being fitted with a microchip, to facilitate future identification of the animal and owner.
(2) Any animal impounded two times within a 12-month period may be released only upon application for redemption and conditioned upon the spaying or neutering of the animal.
(3) The cost of either such procedures shall be paid by the owner of the animal. The animal shelter may release any animal at its discretion without an application for a microchip or spaying or neutering.
(D) Any animal deemed to be suffering with extreme pain due to possible injury or apparent disease may be humanely euthanized before the holding period has expired.
(Ord. 2015-14, passed 12-1-2015) Penalty, see § 93.999
Statutory reference:
Prohibited methods of destruction, see I.C. 35-46-3-15(b)