(A) It is recommended that any person living within the city who owns or harbors a dog or cat cause the animal to bear an identification tag, which tag shall clearly indicate the name and address of the owner of the animal.
(B) Any dog or cat owner, who lives within the city, may voluntarily register his or her animal with the Animal Control Officer, for a fee of $1 per animal, with proof of current rabies vaccination. Any such pet owner may also request that the animal control officer or his designee implant a microchip in his or her animal for a fee of $15.
(C) The Animal Control Officer or person acting on his behalf may impound any stray animal found within the city limits in a suitable animal shelter. Upon the impounding of any animal, the Animal Control Officer or his or her designee shall record the following information:
(1) The breed, color, and sex of the animal;
(2) Information available concerning whether the animal is vaccinated and has current rabies tags;
(3) The name and address of the owner of the animal, if known;
(4) Any additional information that is available that might assist in the locating the animal's owner;
(5) The place of impoundment;
(6) The date of impoundment; and
(7) Concerns regarding the condition of the animal.
(D) As soon as reasonably practical, the Animal Control Officer or his or her designee shall notify the owner of an impounded animal, if known, of the following;
(1) The fact that the animal has been impounded;
(2) The location of the animal; and
(3) The charge to be imposed under this section for the impoundment.
(E) The owner of an impounded animal shall pay an initial charge of $25 for impounding the animal as well as a charge of $10 a day for keeping the animal; however, the initial charge for impounding a stray animal shall be $5 if the animal bears an identification tag as described in division (A) above or an identifying microchip.
(F) An animal that has been impounded that has a registered or known owner shall be held in the city kennel shelter for a minimum period of ten days. Unregistered and untagged animals, without known owners, shall be held for a minimum period of three days. The animals may be held either in the city kennel or the Randolph County Animal Shelter at the discretion of the Animal Control Officer.
(G) No more than two days following the impounding of an animal, written notice shall be posted at police headquarters describing the animal impounded; the place the animal was found and the time of impounding.
(H) Unless the animal has been determined to be a dangerous animal, the owner of any impounded animal may reclaim the animal upon payment of all costs and charges incurred by the city for the impounding notice and keeping of the animal.
(I) If the animal has also been determined to be a dangerous animal, the animal owner, who wishes to reclaim the animal, must do the following:
(1) Pay the fees required by division (E) above;
(2) Present proof of insurance coverage as required by § 90.16(D); and
(3) Execute and deliver a certification that the animal will be restrained or confined as required by § 90.16(D).
(J) Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the Animal Shelter and Registration Fund to defray the cost for supplies and equipment used in animal control.
(K) The owner or harborer of a stray animal shall remain liable for any loss incurred as a result of the animal being allowed to stray. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to impose a liability on the city or its agents for the safety and care of stray animals.
(Ord. 90-15, passed 12-10-90; Am. Ord. 2001-04, passed 6-12-01; Am. Ord. 2004-15, passed 11-22-04; Am. Ord. 2009-13, passed 10-26-09) Penalty, see § 90.99