(a) Any dog found in violation of the provisions of this article shall be subject to impoundment by the city.
(b) A record of all dogs impounded shall be kept by the city containing the following information: color; sex; weight; height; identifying marks; registration number (if any) and the date of impoundment.
(c) No dog impounded under this section shall be disposed of until after expiration of a minimum of three full business days of custody during which the public has clear access to inspect and recover the dog through time periods ordinarily accepted as usual business hours. During such time of custody, the city shall attempt to notify the owner or custodian of any dog impounded by such facility if the owner or custodian is known or reasonably ascertainable. Such dog may, at any time, be released to the legal owner, moved to a veterinary hospital for treatment or observation, released in any manner, if such dog was a gift to the animal shelter, or euthanized by a licensed veterinarian if it appears to the veterinarian that the dog is diseased or disabled beyond recovery. If within three full business days the owner does not appear to claim the dog, then the dog may be sold, euthanized or otherwise disposed of.
(d) If at any time before the sale or destruction of any dog impounded under the provisions of this article, the owner of an impounded dog does appear and redeem the dog, it shall be turned over to the person claiming it upon payment of any impoundment fees or penalties plus the actual costs of impoundment, and shall not apply to any dog alleged as being vicious under § 2-115 or suspected of rabies under § 2-119.
(e) The minimum impoundment fee shall be as set by the governing body.
(f) Any dog impounded may not be released without a current rabies vaccination.
(g) Impoundment hereunder shall not preclude any court from imposing and executing any fine that might otherwise be levied under this article for violation of any of the provisions thereof; nor shall impoundment be a defense in any prosecution commenced hereunder.
(h) The redemption of any dog impounded for a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of such provision by the person redeeming the dog.
(1987 Code, § 2-206)