A. Whenever an animal suspected of being vicious is reported, an animal control officer shall investigate the circumstances and if the officer finds that the animal has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to any human or a domestic animal, or shows a propensity to attack or bite people or other domestic animals without provocation, the officer shall notify the owner in writing, stating the facts and circumstances. The animal control officer may order that the animal be kept within an enclosure, securely leashed or otherwise controlled.
B. If the animal control officer has probable cause to believe an animal may be designated as "vicious" under this chapter, and the owner is unwilling or unable to properly contain or control the animal immediately or the animal poses an immediate threat to the safety of persons or domestic animals, the animal may be seized pending the outcome of a hearing or trial and any appeals conducted pursuant to this chapter, or during the period of time the owner needs to comply with any requirements imposed hereunder. Any animal seized hereunder shall be impounded and kept at the animal shelter at the owner's expense.
C. The animal's owner shall be charged for all costs incurred or fees applicable with respect to such impoundment unless a finding is made that the animal is not vicious. An animal held under the provisions of this section shall not be released until the owner pays all applicable costs and fees for impoundment and redemption under this chapter. If the owner refuses to pay such charges, the animal shall be treated as abandoned by the owner, and disposed of pursuant to section 5-3-22 of this chapter. Disposal of the animal does not release the owner from his/her responsibility to pay the impoundment charges. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)