(A) It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Authority to capture, secure, and remove to the Animal Shelter or other suitable impoundment or care facility, in as humane manner as is practicable under the circumstances, any animal running at large, owned, kept, harbored, or confined in violation of this Chapter. The animals 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 animal shall be kept and maintained at the Animal Shelter, impoundment, or other care facility for a period of not less than five (5) days after public notice has been given unless keeping or harboring the animal is lawful within the City and the animal has been reclaimed earlier by its owner. Notice of impoundment of all animals, including any significant marks or identifications, shall be posted at the office of the Animal Control Authority within twenty-four (24) hours after impoundment as public notification of such impoundment.
(B) If keeping or harboring the impounded animal is lawful within the City, then such animal may be reclaimed by its owner during the period of impoundment by payment of the required fees as set by the Animal Control Authority. The owner shall then be required to comply with applicable licensing and rabies vaccination requirements within seventy-two (72) hours after release. If the animal is not claimed at the end of the required waiting period after public notice has been given, the Animal Control Authority may dispose of the animal in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the same, provided that if, in the judgment of the Animal Control Authority, a suitable home can be found for any such animal, the animal shall be turned over to that person and the new owner shall then be required to pay all fees and comply with all applicable licensing and vaccinating requirements provided in this Chapter.
(C) The City and/or Animal Control Authority shall acquire legal title to any unlicensed animal impounded in the Animal Shelter for a period longer than the required waiting period after giving notice.
(D) All expenses of licensing such animals and maintaining the City dog pound and the salary of the Humane Officer shall be paid out of the General Fund of the City, and all sums collected by the City Clerk for animal licensing and all impounding charges collected shall be deposited to and become a part of the General Fund of the City, unless otherwise provided for by a contract entered into pursuant to § 6-102 of this Chapter. (Ord. No. 828, 10/16/12)