§ 32.1503 Captured, Received, Taken Up, or Impounded Unaltered Dogs Other Than Pit Bulls.

   (a)   When an unaltered dog is captured, received, taken up, or impounded pursuant to § 32.0102(a), the dog shall be spayed or neutered as set forth below.

      (1)   The dog may be released to the owner or custodian with written notice provided to the owner or custodian that the owner or custodian must within ten calendar days of such release have the dog spayed or neutered and submit a statement signed by a licensed veterinarian confirming such spaying or neutering. Failure to comply with such noticed requirements is a violation of this Code.

      (2)   Notwithstanding Subdivision (a)(1), the Health Officer, solely at his or her own discretion, may have the dog spayed or neutered by a veterinarian designated by the Health Officer, prior to releasing the dog to the owner or custodian. The owner or custodian shall be liable for all costs associated with such spaying or neutering, including the time expended by the Health Officer, based on the hourly rate set forth in § 16.0213A(b)(1). The owner or custodian must pay such costs prior to the release of the dog to the owner or custodian.

   (b)   The owner or custodian of an unaltered dog is exempt from the requirements of § 32.1503(a) if the owner or custodian complies with § 32.1502(b).

   (c)   If such dog is impounded, the costs of impoundment shall be a lien on the dog, and the dog shall not be returned to its owner or custodian until the costs are paid. If the owner or custodian of an impounded unaltered dog does not pay the lien against the dog in full within ten calendar days of notice of impoundment, the dog shall be deemed abandoned to the Health Officer in accordance with § 32.0102(a)(1)(E).

(Ord. 4150, passed - -2011)