(A) It shall be the duty of the animal control officers to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the duty of the police of the city to assist the animal control officers with their enforcement efforts.
(B) An officer may seize and impound, subject to the provisions of this chapter, any animals found in violation of the provisions of this chapter within this city, whether such animal shall be in the immediate presence of its owner or custodian or otherwise. If an owner or keeper is present and able to take control of the animal in lieu of impoundment, a summons and complaint may be issued to that person and the person may retain possession of the animal.
(C) Any animals seized or impounded, subject to the provisions of this chapter, may, at the discretion of the Chief of Police, or his designee, be examined and/or treated by a licensed veterinarian. If it is determined by a veterinarian acting for the authority that such animal is diseased or disabled beyond any useful purpose, the animal shall immediately become the property of the city to be humanely disposed of as the Chief of Police, or his designee, deems appropriate. Costs of examination, treatment, euthanasia, and/or other care shall be the responsibility of the person who was the owner at the time of seizure or impoundment.
(D) If an officer reasonably believes that a violation of this chapter has occurred, outside of the officer's clear vision, the officer is hereby authorized and empowered to seek a search warrant from the appropriate court to enable the officer to enter private property in order to inspect, care for, or impound animals found to be in violation of this chapter.
(E) Whenever any animal is impounded or otherwise confined by authority of this chapter, the Police Department may require that all fees, costs and expenses incurred by the city in impounding or otherwise confining the animal be paid prior to release of the animal to its owner or keeper. No animal shall be released until it is shown that the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies.
(F) The officer, within 24 hours of taking custody of an animal under this chapter, shall take reasonable steps to provide written notice of the impoundment to the owner of the animal by either posting a notice of the impoundment at the location where the animal was seized or by delivering a copy of such notice to a person of suitable age on the owner's property. If the owner's identity is not known, then the officer is not required to take any other steps except post notice in the location of the impoundment.
(Prior Code, § 8-3) (Am. Ord. 3768, passed 8-4-2009)