A. Impoundment Authorized:
1. Any dog found to be in violation of Idaho Code section 25-2805 or its successor, or in violation of any other provision of this chapter, may be impounded and placed in an animal shelter, kennel or veterinary clinic/hospital.
2. Any officer taking such action or receiving an impounded dog shall make a registry of such action, entering the breed, color and sex of such dog. If the owner is known or may be determined, the officer may, as an alternative, or in addition to impoundment, issue to the owner or keeper of the dog a citation and complaint in the form and manner prescribed by law.
B. Notice Of Impoundment: Not later than forty eight (48) hours after the impounding of any dog, the owner, keeper or lawful custodian of the dog, if known, shall be notified in person of said impoundment. After notice, the owner, keeper or lawful custodian of the dog shall have four (4) days to redeem or file a notice of appeal, describing the animal and the place and time of taking. If said dog is unclaimed, or an appeal is not filed after notice is given, the dog will be subject to the provisions of subsection D of this section. If the owner, keeper or lawful custodian of the dog is unknown, written notice describing said dog shall be posted for not less than five (5) calendar days at the place of impoundment and at the Latah County Courthouse. Notice shall include whether the dog has been declared dangerous.
C. Redemption Of Impounded Dogs: The owner, keeper or lawful custodian of any dog impounded under the provisions of this chapter may reclaim such dog within six (6) days, or, if the dog is under quarantine restrictions, fifteen (15) days; provided, that said dog shall be released only upon payment of such usual and customary fees as may be determined by the operator of the place of impoundment.
D. Disposition Of Unclaimed Dogs: All impounded dogs, if unclaimed, shall be kept six (6) days. If, at the expiration of such time, such animal shall not have been reclaimed, the animal may be placed in a suitable home, released to the animal shelter or be humanely euthanized at the cost of the owner, if known. Except in the case of dangerous or diseased dogs, dogs not reclaimed after the expiration of six (6) days may be released to any person desiring to take the dog and provide it with shelter and veterinary care and the payment of fees and charges. If the dog is released to any person other than the owner, the person to whom the dog is released shall be deemed a purchaser of such dog; and all rights and interest of the former owner in said dog shall terminate.
E. Quarantine: Any dog which bites and breaks the skin of any person shall be quarantined for fifteen (15) days at the place of impoundment. The owner shall be responsible for all costs of quarantine. As an alternative to impoundment of such dogs, the investigating officer may permit the dog's retention in the custody of its owner, provided that a secure enclosure, as defined in Idaho Code section 25-2805(2) is available, and the owner agrees in writing to confine the dog to such an enclosure for the period of quarantine and to arrange for examination of the dog by a licensed veterinarian, at the owner's expense, within the period of quarantine. (Ord. 194, 6-30-1998, eff. 7-15-1998)