(A) In the event of actual and immediate danger of bodily injury to any person because of an animal's vicious nature or actions, or in the event an animal which constitutes a threat to the health of people or other animals is about to elude capture, then, provided that other reasonable alternatives for eliminating the threat have been exhausted, the animal may be humanely destroyed by the use of any reasonable means without liability of any nature from the owner for the death of the animal.
(B) An animal that has been severely injured may be destroyed in a humane manner by the Animal Service Division personnel or a police officer, if the animal is suffering and is not expected to survive.
(C) An animal that exhibits symptoms of mange, distemper, parvo, or other communicable diseases may be destroyed in a humane manner by Animal Service Division personnel or a police officer. Animals suspected of having a communicable disease shall not be confined with healthy animals in an animal shelter.
(D) If an injured or diseased animal in the custody of an animal shelter or animal services personnel bears a microchip, vaccination tag or other identification, the custodian shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owner if such effort does not cause the animal unnecessary suffering or otherwise pose an unreasonable risk to other animals, persons or property. Once notified, if the owner proceeds immediately to the location of the injured animal, it shall be released to the owner. Animals not bearing any type of identification, or who in the event of further delay would be subject to unnecessary suffering or pose an unreasonable risk to other animals, persons or property, may be destroyed immediately by Animal Service Division personnel or a police officer.
(E) The city shall not be responsible for obtaining veterinary services for a diseased or injured animal. In the event a humane society obtains veterinary services for a diseased or injured animal, the person who subsequently claims ownership of the animal shall be liable for all expenses of treatment. A person or entity that obtains veterinary services for an animal may bring suit against the animal's owner to collect expenses of treatment.
(F) The city, its officers, agents, and employees shall not be liable for any damages for the destruction of any animal accomplished in accordance with this chapter.
(Ord. 92-08, passed 4-23-92; Am. Ord. 2014-30, passed 11-18-14; Am. Ord. 2019-36, passed 10-22-19)