705.08 IMPOUNDING OF ANIMALS.
(a) In addition to other penalties applicable to violations of this chapter, the Animal Warden may impound any dog found running at large, any animal which is abandoned, neglected, mistreated or estray, and all dogs more than three months of age found not wearing a valid registration tag. An animal may be seized on the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer and impounded only if the premises has been declared to be abandoned by the City pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Codified Ordinances, in the event of a natural disaster, in an emergency where probable cause is found that the life or health of the animal is in immediate danger, or pursuant to a search warrant or court order.
(b) Whenever any person files an affidavit with a court of competent jurisdiction that there is a dog running at large or that a dog is kept or harbored in the City without being registered as required by law, the Animal Warden may seize and impound the dog.
(c) The Animal Warden shall give immediate notice by regular mail to the owner, keeper, or harborer of an animal seized and impounded by the Warden, if the owner, keeper, or harborer can be determined, that the animal has been impounded and that, unless the animal is redeemed within five days of the date of the notice, it may thereafter be placed into adoption, sold, euthanized following humane procedures, or transferred to another facility. If the owner, keeper, or harborer cannot be determined, the Warden shall post a notice at the Department of Public Works describing the animal and place where seized and advising the unknown owner that, unless the animal is redeemed within five days, it may thereafter be placed into adoption, sold, euthanized following humane procedures, or transferred to another facility.
(d) Any domestic animal seized and impounded hereunder may be redeemed by its owner, keeper or harborer at any time prior to the applicable redemption period upon the payment of all lawful costs assessed against the animal and upon providing, in the case of a dog, with a valid registration tag if it has none. In the case of a vicious dog seized and impounded pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, in addition to the requirements herein, such vicious dog shall not be released until after trial or otherwise upon the approval of the City Prosecutor or upon order of the Municipal Court.
(e) The City may assess against or charge the owner, keeper or harborer of any domestic animal the actual costs relative to the seizure and/or impoundment of such animal for its seizure, shelter, food, and any veterinary care found necessary during impoundment. Such costs may include the cost to have the animal spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
(f) The City may offer for adoption any animal not redeemed pursuant to this Section.
(Ord. 08-102. Enacted 11-24-08.)