(A) Any person owning, possessing or keeping an animal which has been allowed to run at large and which has been impounded may claim and retrieve such animal from the animal control authority after payment of the fees set forth herein and providing proof that the dog or cat has been vaccinated within the year next preceding such impounding and that the dog is currently licensed as required by § 90.03. The burden of proof as to vaccination and licensing shall be upon the party attempting to claim the dog or cat from the animal control authority under this chapter. Any person claiming unvaccinated dogs or cat or an unlicensed dog shall, after payment of the fee assessed herein and prior to release of the dog or cat shall sign a promise in writing such person will immediately have the dog or cat vaccinated and the dog licensed if the animal is released to him or her.
(B) Any animal impounded for being a public nuisance may not be redeemed unless the redemption is authorized by a court having jurisdiction.
(C) When, in the judgment of the animal control authority or its agents, any animal should be destroyed for humane reasons, such animal may not be redeemed.
(D) A person who fails to reclaim an animal which has come into the possession of the animal control authority as described herein shall be deemed to be guilty of failure to reclaim such animal within three days of receipt of actual notice that the animal control authority has in its possession such animal. Such violation shall be considered a Class C misdemeanor.
(E) Any animal impounded hereunder may be claimed by the owner upon payment of fee, to the animal control authority in an amount to be determined by City Council for each dog, cat, or any other animal.
(F) Any animal unwanted or unclaimed by its owner may be adopted by payment of a fee as prescribed by the following fees schedule:
(1) Dogs: an amount as established by the City Council from time to time;
(2) Cats: an amount as established by the City Council from time to time;
(3) Large animals such as cows and horses may be adopted on bid.
(G) Registration; criminal penalty.
(1) A person commits an offense if:
(a) The person fails or refuses to register or present for registration a dog or cat owned by the person; and
(b) The animal is required to be registered under this chapter.
(2) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 14-09, passed 10-12-2009)