(A) During the time an animal is impounded at the Animal Shelter it shall be available for redemption by the owner or the person in possession unless the animal is under quarantine under the provisions of this subchapter or if the animal was impounded due to cruel treatment. A redemption service fee shall be charged each time an animal is redeemed plus a boarding fee per day. Fees will be approved by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. If the owner or the person in possession of an impounded animal can be identified and if the owner or the person in possession chooses not to redeem his/her animal, the Animal Services Manager may charge said owner or the person in possession for the animal's boarding and veterinarian costs. In order to recover said boarding and veterinarian costs, the Animal Services Manager may adopt or euthanize an impounded animal, if the owner or the person in possession cannot be identified, or if the owner or the person in possession refuses to redeem the animal pursuant to the provision of this subchapter.
(B) Any person attempting to redeem an impounded animal shall present proof sufficient to satisfy the Animal Services Manager or other Animal Services personnel of ownership of the animal. Evidence of ownership may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) A valid animal license from Harnett County or another county;
(2) A valid rabies tag for the animal;
(3) Ownership documents, pedigree papers, bill of sale, or any other document identifying the person as the owner or person in possession of the animal; or
(4) Photographs of the animal with the person claiming ownership or possession of the animal.
(Ord. passed 6-4-2018; Ord. 2022-25, passed 10-17-2022)