It shall be the duty of any animal control official designated by resolution of the City Council to capture, secure, and remove in a humane manner to the designated animal shelter any dog or cat violating any of the provisions of this chapter. The dogs or cats so impounded shall be treated in a humane manner and shall be provided with a sufficient supply of food and fresh water each day. Each impounded dog or cat shall be kept and maintained at the shelter for a period of not less than five days after public notice has been given unless reclaimed earlier by the owner. Notice of impoundment of all animals, including any significant marks or identifications, shall be posted at the office of the Municipal Clerk/Treasurer and at the shelter within 24 hours after impoundment as public notification of such impoundment. Notice of the impoundment of any licensed dog shall be mailed to the owner listed on the license application of such dog or cat, by regular U.S. Mail, at the address of such applicant. Any dog or cat may be reclaimed by its owner during the period of impoundment by payment of a general impoundment fee and daily board fee as set by resolution of the governing body and on file at the office of the Municipal Clerk. The owner shall be required to comply with the licensing and rabies vaccination before release. If the dog or cat is not claimed at the end of the required waiting period after public notice has been given, any animal control official designated by resolution of the City Council, may dispose of the dog or cat in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the same, provided that if, in the judgment of any designated animal control official, a suitable home can be found for any such dog or cat within the municipality, the said dog shall be turned over to that person, and the new owner shall then be required to pay all fees and meet all licensing and vaccinating requirements provided in this chapter. The municipality shall acquire legal title to any unlicensed dog or cat impounded in the animal shelter for a period longer than the required waiting period after giving notice. All dogs and cats shall be destroyed and buried in the summary and humane manner as prescribed by the Board of Health unless a suitable home can be found for such dog or cat.
(Ord. 2003-O-020, passed 8-11-03)