Whenever any person finds an animal running at large or complains that an animal constitutes a public nuisance, that person may notify the animal control officer, who, after investigation, may cause the animal to be impounded. No individual shall have the right to willfully destroy or attempt to destroy or maim the animal so long as the animal does not pose a threat to life. Upon the capture of any animal, the animal control officer shall make diligent effort to notify the owner of its capture, if the owner’s identity can be ascertained. An impounded animal may be confined and offered for adoption or euthanized if not identified and claimed within 5 calendar days after its capture. No owner may claim an animal unless and until all charges incident to the confinement of the animal have been paid. An animal which is ill or injured may be euthanized in less than 5 calendar days.
(Ord. 94-24-119, 11-15-1994; Ord. 14-23-678, 11-13-2014)