No person shall keep or allow to be kept on their premises, nor permit to run at large within the city, any animal which is diseased so as to be a danger to the health and safety of the city, even though the animal be properly licensed under this subchapter. Any animal reasonably suspected of being diseased and presenting a threat to the health and safety of the public, may be apprehended and confined in the animal pound by any city employee or police officer. The police officer shall have a qualified veterinarian examine the animal. If the animal is found to be diseased in such a manner so as to be a danger to the health and safety of the city, the officer shall cause the animal to be destroyed and shall properly dispose of the remains. The owner of the animal killed under this section shall be liable for the cost of maintaining and disposing of the animal, plus the costs of any veterinarian examinations. If the animal, upon examination, is not found to be diseased within the meaning of this section, the animal shall be released to the owner free of charge.
(Ord. 225, passed 10-4-2004) Penalty, see § 91.99