(A) (1) In an effort to mitigate interpersonal violence, MAS upon request, shall provide free of charge, shelter and sustenance to pets of families or households during the interim in which the victim(s) of such suspected interpersonal violence finds safe housing, or upon request of the victim, facilitate adoption of the pet or pets, or assist with the transport of the pet to another safe location, including but not limited to, a friend or family member of the victim within Jefferson County, Kentucky. No information shall be divulged concerning any participant utilizing the services of this section and related information shall be kept confidential.
(2) MAS may establish procedures to collaborate with and utilize already existing programs, including MAS Foster care programs, serving the same or similar purpose as that set forth herein. If a MAS Foster Care program is utilized, providers of foster care pursuant to this section shall be informed of the circumstances of their participation in the program and no information shall be divulged concerning any participant. Those community-based programs already providing the same or similar services as those set forth in this section shall not be bound by the requirements of this section.
(3) MAS shall limit the time period for such care to 30 days, unless good cause is shown by the party who requested MAS services. After 30 days, the animal in question may be made available for adoption.
(4) MAS shall create procedures and regulations to facilitate communication with individuals utilizing the services provided under this Section including the creation of a form or waiver that fully notifies participating individuals of the parameters of the animal care provided.
(B) (1) An animal relinquished pursuant to this program shall be held by MAS for a minimum of 14 days. If a criminal case related to the facts that led to the utilization of this program has commenced, the animal shall only be relinquished pursuant to an order of the presiding court.
(2) After 14 days, if no relevant criminal case has commenced and there is no ongoing active investigation, an individual seeking release of the animal, if able to show sufficient proof of ownership, shall have the animal relinquished to their possession.
(3) If the request for the animal's return is made by the individual who originally utilized MAS assistance, the provisions of subsection (B)(1) shall not apply and the animal shall be returned immediately.
(C) In instances of suspected interpersonal violence in which there is pet ownership within the family or household, a responding officer of any department shall inform the victim(s) of Louisville Metro Government's provision for free animal care set forth in this section.
(D) LMPD and/or MAS shall offer to transport the animal of a victim of interpersonal violence to any provider of animal care under the provisions of this section, or to any other place of safety available to the victim within Jefferson County, Kentucky.
(E) MAS and LMPD shall collaborate to create an information brochure which is to be readily available and offered to those who may have an interest in utilizing the provisions of this section. This brochure shall contain information on all government and community-based resources available to potential victims of interpersonal violence, including resources available for pet care while safe housing is located. It shall be the responsibility of MAS and LMPD to routinely update such information.
(F) LMPD and MAS shall ensure that the Jefferson County Attorney's Office is provided the informational brochure to facilitate and ensure that anyone applying for an emergency or interpersonal violence protective order is informed of all available resources for pet owners.
(Lou. Metro Ord. No. 158-2021, approved 11-11-2021)