(A) Unlicensed dogs or dogs found running at large may be subject to impoundment in the County Animal Center. Any such unlicensed dog or dogs found running at large may be confined by any individual or officer acting for any municipal corporation, and he or she shall notify the County Sheriff’s Department or the County Animal Control Officer. If notice is first given to the County Sheriff’s Department, the County Sheriff’s Department shall then notify the County Animal Control Officer. In any event, such officer shall, as soon as conveniently possible, pick up said dog and take the dog to the County Animal Center, and said dog will be so impounded pursuant to the terms of this chapter.
(B) Any individual may deliver a dog qualifying under the terms of this chapter to the County Animal Center for such impoundment.
(C) In the event unlicensed dogs are found running at large and the ownership of such dog is known to the Animal Control Officer, such dog need not be impounded, but the Animal Control Officer may, at his or her discretion, notify the owner immediately to take control of such animal and, if unlicensed, to have such dog licensed immediately by the proper authorities, and may, at his or her discretion, cite the owner of such dog to appear in court to answer to charges for violation of this chapter or the appropriate state law.
(D) Immediately after impoundment, the Animal Control Officer shall notify any individual whose name appears on the identification of such dog of such impoundment and the procedures to redeem such animal.
(E) All dogs impounded in the County Animal Center shall be held for a minimum of three days; provided, however, such impoundment may be extended in event the Animal Control Officer determines there is a likelihood of the owner being located or for any other reason such officer shall believe proper.
(Ord. 4-2-1, passed 9-16-1991)