(A) When in the judgement of the County Animal Control Officer or his or her agent, or by a town police officer, it is determined that any pet found at large that is dangerous, fierce, vicious or represents a threat to the safety or health of members of the public, such pet may be slain forthwith by the Animal Control Officer, agent or police officer.
(B) It is unlawful to keep any dangerous dog for any purpose within the corporate limits of the town. Any dangerous dog which is kept by any person after said person has been afforded the due process set forth in G.S. § 67-4.1(c) shall be taken up and impounded by the Town Animal Control Officer or his or her designee for the protection and health of the animal and/ or for the protection of the public.
(1) Any animal impounded pursuant to this section will be held for three days for the owner to claim it pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section , but if the animal cannot be taken up safely by the Animal Control Officer, or if proper and safe housing cannot be found for the animal, the Animal Control Officer can immediately destroy the animal.
(2) The owner or harborer of the animal can reclaim the animal if the person can satisfy the Animal Control Officer that a safe transfer of the animal to an appropriate location out of the corporate limits has been arranged.
(3) If no owner or harborer can be located or will claim the animal within three days after impoundment, the Animal Control Officer may sell, adopt or euthanize the animal at the discretion of the Animal Control Officer.
(4) All costs of impoundment and care of the animal will be charged to its owner or harborer regardless of whether the animal is claimed by or returned to said owner or harborer; and in the event the animal is reclaimed pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section such costs shall be paid in full prior to the release of the animal.
(‘85 Code, § 5-1.8) (Ord. 10.1-88, passed 8-1-88; Am. Ord. 16-06, passed 2-16-16)