At least three working days prior to the impoundment of any animal, notice shall be given in person to, or by mail to the last known address of, the owner or person entitled to possession thereof of his or her right to a hearing as to whether or not such impoundment is justified. If the owner or person entitled to possession thereof requests a hearing prior to impoundment, no impoundment shall take place until the conclusion of the hearing except as provided herein. If in the opinion of the Health Officer, immediate impoundment is necessary for the preservation of the public health or safety, the pre-impoundment hearing may be dispensed with; provided, however, in such cases the owner or person entitled to possession thereof shall be given three working days' notice as provided herein of his or her right to a hearing. If a hearing is requested, the hearing shall be held within five days of the request, and the animal shall not be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of prior to the conclusion of the hearing. Notice of the time, date and place of the hearing shall be given to the owner or person entitled to possession thereof. If, at the end of the hearing, the impoundment is found to be unjustified, the animal shall be returned to the owner or person entitled to possession thereof without charge.
(Ord. 2018-252, passed 12-5-2018)