(A) An animal that has been severely injured may be destroyed in a humane manner if the animal is suffering and is not expected to survive.
(B) An animal that exhibits symptoms of mange, distemper, parvo or other communicable diseases may be destroyed in a humane manner. Animals suspected of having a communicable disease shall not be confined with healthy animals in any animal shelter.
(C) If an injured or diseased animal in the custody of the Animal Control Officer or town police officer is wearing a current vaccination tag or other identification, the custodian shall make every reasonable effort to notify the owner of the animal’s location and condition before destroying the animal. Once notified, if the owner proceeds immediately to the location of the injured animal, it shall be released to the owner. Animals that are not wearing any type of identification may be destroyed immediately.
(D) The town shall not be responsible for obtaining veterinary services for unclaimed diseased or injured animals. In the event a person obtains veterinary services for a diseased or injured animal, a person subsequently claiming 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
(E) The town, its officers, agents and employees, shall not be liable for damages in the destruction of any animal accomplished in accordance with this chapter.
(Ord. 2005-10, passed 12-28-2005)