A. In connection with the issuance of a citation for a violation of 5-1-6 B., an animal control officer may:
1. require the owner or custodian of a vicious animal to deliver possession of the animal to an animal control officer, or
2. summarily impound a vicious animal which is at large or which is an immediate danger to humans or domesticated animals.
B. If, after demand, the owner or custodian fails or refuses to deliver possession of the animal to an animal control officer, the animal control officer may request an order from a court of competent jurisdiction requiring the owner or custodian to deliver possession of the animal to an animal control officer.
C. If a vicious animal is impounded without the knowledge of the owner or custodian, notice that the animal has been impounded shall be given to the owner or custodian of the animal, if the same is known, by attaching a notice to a door at the residence thereof or by mailing a notice thereto. The notice shall state that:
1. The animal has been impounded without a court order,
2. The owner or custodian may contest the impoundment by filing a written objection with the court within five (5) days after receipt of the notice of impoundment, and
3. If no objection is filed, that the animal shall remain impounded at the cost of the owner or custodian until the court issues an order for disposition of the animal.
D. The owner or custodian of an animal impounded other than by a court order may contest the impounding by filing a notice with the proper court within five (5) days after the impounding.
E . A vicious animal impounded with or without a court order shall be disposed of as ordered by the court. (Ord. 2024-15, 8-7-2024)