(A) (1) When a dog or cat is apprehended, it may be returned or impounded. If impounded by the Administrator, the animal shall be scanned for the presence of a microchip. The Administrator or Animal Care and Control Warden shall make every reasonable attempt to contact the owner, caretaker, or purchaser of the microchip, or any contact as soon as possible. The Administrator shall give notice of not less than seven business days to the owner, caretaker, or purchaser of the microchip, if known, prior to disposal of the animal. Where the owner, caretaker, or purchaser of the microchip of an impounded dog or cat is unknown, the dog or cat may be humanely dispatched only after all reasonable attempts have been made, over a period of not less than ten days to place the animal with/through a rescue group, humane organization, or animal shelter. Where the owner, caretaker, or purchaser of an impounded cat is unknown, the cat may be humanely dispatched or offered to a rescue group or humane organization or animal shelter, after three business days.
(2) Any sick or injured dog or cat, or any litter of puppies or kittens may be immediately released to any licensed rescue group or animal shelter.
(B) Notice shall be mailed to the last known address of the owner. Testimony of the Administrator, or his or her authorized agent, who mails the notice shall be evidence of the receipt of the notice by the owner of the animal.
(1993 Code, § 50.042) (Ord. 92-10, passed 11-18-1992; Ord. 2003-08, passed 11-19-2003; Ord. 2006-07, passed 6-21-2006; Ord. 2022-01, passed 3-16-2022)