(A) Dogs. The St. Charles Police Department or any duly authorized assistants, or any peace officer, may impound any dog found in the city without the currently effective tag provided for in this subchapter; or any dog found at large at any time or found not to be kept, confined or licensed in the manner required by this subchapter within the city.
(B) Cats. It will be lawful for the St. Charles Police Department or any of their duly authorized assistants, or any peace officer, to take up and impound any cat found in the city without a currently effective rabies vaccination provided for in this subchapter; or any cat found at large at any time within the city.
(C) Other animals. Any animal considered at large is subject to impoundment. Any unrestrained, unlicensed or unpermitted animal required to be restrained, licensed or permitted.
(D) Any owner shall produce for the inspection of the police his or her pet's tag and/or a receipt indicating payment of the license fee when requested by the official.
(E) No person shall interfere with, hinder or molest the police or any of their assistants in the performance of their duties hereunder.
(F) Animals impounded under this section shall be confined and disposed of in the following manner:
(1) Any dog or cat impounded under this section shall be confined in the city animal shelter, in a private animal shelter or facility contracted with by the city, and in a humane manner for a period of not less than 5 regular business days of the impounding agency, as defined by state law, if not claimed prior thereto by its owner.
(2) Anytime thereafter the dog or cat shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of in a humane manner or may be sold to or placed in the custody of some other suitable person.
(3) If a dog or cat is destroyed pursuant to this section, the license of the dog or cat shall expire.
(G) Immediately upon the impounding of a dog or cat wearing a current license tag, the police shall make every reasonable effort to notify the owner of the impoundment and of the conditions whereby the owner may regain custody of the dog or cat. Any verbal notices shall immediately be confirmed in writing by the police.
(Ord. 625, passed 9-8-2020) Penalty, see § 10.99