(A) Any inherently dangerous exotic or wild mammal, inherently dangerous reptile, or wild animal, which is kept by any person in contravention of this subchapter, may be taken up and impounded by the Animal Control Department, without the necessity of a written order or a court order, for the protection of the public or the health of the animal.
(B) If the animal cannot be taken up safely by the Animal Control Department or law enforcement, or if proper and safe housing cannot be found for the animal, the Department may immediately destroy the animal.
(C) The owner or keeper of an impounded animal may reclaim the animal if the person satisfies the Animal Control Department Director, or the Director's designee, that a safe and prompt transfer of the animal to an appropriate location outside the county has been arranged.
(D) If an impounded animal's owner or keeper cannot be located, or if an impounded animal remains unclaimed, at the discretion of the Animal Control Department Director, or the Director's designee, the Animal Control Department may euthanize the animal, allow it to be lawfully adopted by a zoo, or return it to the appropriate wilderness.
(E) Security for costs.
(1) Disposition. Excluding animals under quarantine pursuant to the provisions of state law, any animal seized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or state law may be humanely disposed of by adoption or euthanasia at the discretion of Davie County Animal Control after three days following the date on which the animal was seized unless the animal's owner provides a security bond or cash in accordance with division (E)(2) below.
(2) Bond. Any person claiming an ownership interest in any animal confined pursuant to this subchapter may prevent the disposition of the animal after the three-day period set forth in this subchapter by posting a security bond or cash with the Animal Control Department prior to the animal being adopted or euthanized in an amount sufficient to guarantee payment of all of the reasonable expenses expected to be incurred in caring and providing for the animal, including the estimated cost of medical care, for at least 30 days, however, such security shall not prevent the Animal Control Department from disposing of the animal at the end of the 30-day period covered by the posted bond/cash, unless the person claiming an ownership interest in the animal posts an additional security bond or cash with the Animal Control Department to secure payment of the animal's reasonable expenses for an additional 30 days, and does so prior to the expiration of the first 30-day period. The amount of the bond/cash shall be determined by Davie County Animal Control based on the current rate for board and on the condition of the animal after examination by an Animal Control Officer. Failure to timely post the security shall result in the animal being immediately forfeited to the Animal Control Department for disposition in accordance with division (E)(1) above.
(3) Notice. Excluding owner-surrendered animals, if the animal control takes custody of an animal pursuant to this subchapter, the Department shall give notice of this section by posting a copy of it at the location where the animal was seized or by delivering it to a person residing on the property of the owner within 24 hours of the time the animal was seized.
(4) Security forfeited upon failure, to pay costs. If the fees, costs, and penalties owed for the animal are not paid in full by the end of each security period, the security already posted shall be forfeited to the county on said date and used to pay the remaining unpaid fees, costs, and penalties owing for the animal. The animal's owner shall remain responsible for all remaining unpaid fees, costs, and penalties. Any security bond/cash remaining after the payment of all fees, costs, and penalties shall be remitted to the person who posted the bond/cash.
(Adopted 10-3-2017)