(A) The Administrator may impound any animal that:
(1) Is found running at large;
(2) In accordance with § 96.26, has bitten any person or is otherwise suspected of having rabies; or
(3) Is found to be mistreated, or without proper care, in accordance with G.S. § 14-360 because of the incapacitation or absence of its owner or keeper.
(B) Whenever an animal is impounded, or whenever an animal otherwise lawfully comes into the possession of the Administrator, that animal shall:
(1) (a) If the animal is wearing a tag, be kept temporarily by the town pending transfer to the Randolph County Animal Control Shelter.
(b) The animal shall, at the discretion of the Administrator, be held for up to 5 days by the town and, after the fifth day, if not reclaimed by the owner, be put up for adoption, transferred to Randolph County Animal Control Shelter, or euthanized; or
(2) (a) If the animal is not wearing a tag and is not reclaimed within 2 hours from the Town of Liberty, it may be taken to the Randolph County Animal Control Shelter.
(b) The Town of Liberty shall at the discretion of the Administrator, hold the animal for up to 3 days. After the third day, if not reclaimed by the owner, be put up for adoption, transferred to the Randolph County Animal Control shelter, or euthanized.
(C) Whenever an animal is impounded or otherwise comes into the possession of the Administrator, the Administrator shall make reasonable efforts to identify the owner, notify him or her of the impoundment, and advise him or her of the conditions under which the animal may be reclaimed.
(1981 Code, § 10-21) (Ord. passed 2-26-2001; Am. Ord. passed 2021)