(A) Animals found abandoned or in cruel, abusive or neglectful situations may be promptly impounded if no immediate contact with a responsible person can be made. The impounding officer shall leave written notice on the premises notifying the owner of the reason for the impoundment.
(B) Animals so removed will be impounded and held at an animal control facility until such time the violator is in compliance with this chapter; provided, however, that in no event shall this period exceed three days, at which time the animal shall become the property of the animal control authority, unless an extension is necessary for the Animal Control Officer to have ample time to prepare a court case if prosecution is warranted.
(C) In the case of animals impounded for quarantine at an animal control facility, the animal will become property of the animal control facility if not claimed by closing time on the eleventh day of quarantine.
(D) Animals impounded for reasons beyond the control of the owner (e.g., house fire, death of owner, and the like) will be held for ten days, during which time a reasonable effort will be made to contact the owner and/or a family member or representative. After the tenth day of impoundment, the animal will become the property of the animal control facility.
(E) An animal awaiting disposition by the court shall remain in the custody of the animal control facility, until such disposition is made, or placed in a foster home until legal arrangements have been completed.
(F) Animals so removed may be transported to a licensed veterinarian for examination and/or treatment. If, in the opinion of the veterinarian, the animal must be destroyed, euthanasia will be performed immediately. The cost of treatment, care and/or euthanasia shall be the responsibility of the owner/agent.
(G) An owner reclaiming an impounded animal shall pay a fee to the town or any organization holding the animal at the town’s request. That fee shall be equal to the actual cost of housing the animal, not to exceed $50 per day.
(H) Upon the impoundment of an animal, a reasonable attempt shall be made to notify and inform the owner of the requirements for regaining the custody of the animal. Such attempt shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(1) In the instance of an impounded dog or cat, contact with the owner identified by the microchip or other permanent means of identification, if any, borne by the dog or cat;
(2) In the instance of an impounded dog or cat not bearing a permanent means of identification, contact with the veterinarian facility listed on the animal’s vaccination tag; and/or
(3) Cooperation of effort with other governmental and private agencies, such as an animal control organization or other humane and/or breed rescue organizations.
(I) A person who confines an animal found by that person to be at large shall notify the town’s Police Department or one of its agents within 48 hours.
(J) An animal impounded under this chapter, if claimed by its owner, shall be returned upon compliance with the following:
(1) The owner may obtain the return of such animal upon compliance with any applicable provisions and the payment of the appropriate impoundment and kennel fees and any other applicable fees and/or fines; and
(2) Prior to the return to its owner, an impounded dog or cat, which did not bear a permanent means of identification as required, will be implanted with a microchip containing a registration number. The microchip shall be implanted by a licensed veterinarian and the fee for the service shall be paid by the owner at the time of the microchip placing.
(Ord. 2021-4, passed 11-16-2021) Penalty, see § 91.99