An owner of an animal which has been impounded by animal services may resume possession of the animal, except as already provided or in other subchapters of this chapter, upon compliance with the following provisions.
(A) Proof and acknowledgment of ownership. Any person attempting to redeem an impounded animal shall present proof sufficient to satisfy the Sheriff of ownership of the animal.
(1) Evidence of ownership may include, but is not limited to, any of the following:
(a) License tag from another county;
(b) Rabies tag for the animal;
(c) Ownership documents, pedigree papers, bill of sale, and any other document identifying the person as owner of the animal;
(d) Photographs of the animal with the owner or other family members; or
(e) Affidavit from two people in the community stating that the animal has been seen in the presence or possession of the person attempting to resume possession.
(2) Any person attempting to redeem an animal on behalf of an owner shall present proof sufficient to satisfy shelter personnel that he or she is acting as agent for the owner.
(B) Time of redemption. Any person attempting to redeem an animal must make contact with the animal shelter within five days of the animal being impounded at the animal shelter or some other appropriate facility. After making contact, that person shall be given a reasonable amount of time to prove ownership of the animal not to exceed five additional days.
(C) Payment of redemption fees, boarding fees, and civil penalties. The owner of an impounded animal must pay all redemption fees, boarding fees, and civil penalties assessed against the animal before it can be released from the shelter.
(1) Any person, after presenting sufficient proof of ownership, may redeem the animal after paying the following fees and costs:
(a) First redemption by owner: $50 + boarding fee + civil penalty;
(b) Second redemption by owner: $75 + boarding fee + civil penalty;
(c) Third redemption by owner: $100 + boarding fee + civil penalty; and
(d) Fourth and subsequent redemption: $150 + boarding fee + civil penalty.
(2) If an owner cannot prove a current rabies vaccination, he or she will be charged an additional $10 for a rabies vaccination certificate.
(3) These amounts may be changed by the County Board of Commissioners at any time. The animal shall become the property of the county if the owner fails to pay all amounts due and if the appropriate holding period has passed, and will then be disposed of as provided by this chapter.
(Ord. 2015-03, passed 7-7-2015)