Any dog running at large contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be taken up and impounded. If the impounded dog has been licensed, the poundmaster shall immediately notify the registered agent, if possible, by telephone, and if that is not possible by posting a list daily at the law enforcement center and at the dog pound describing each dog including the date and time of its capture. All costs of impounding, together with any necessary immunizations to ensure the dog is not rabid and dog license if not previously obtained, must be paid by the owner before the dog may be released.
If an impounded dog is not claimed by its owner within forty eight (48) hours and the costs above are not paid, the dog shall be destroyed by the poundmaster; provided, however, that the chief of police may direct the poundmaster to keep any dog longer than forty eight (48) hours. In the event that there is existing in Richland County at the time a suitable and approved animal shelter, any dog not claimed by its owner within such forty eight (48) hour period or such longer period as determined by the chief of police, shall be delivered to such shelter at no charge in lieu of destruction.
Notwithstanding any of the above provisions, if the poundmaster in his discretion determines that a dog is too diseased or vicious to be placed through the animal shelter, he shall so notify the chief of police who shall order such dog to be destroyed. (Ord. 358, 6-18-1984)