(A) Any dog or cat or other small animal kept as a house pet found running at large shall be picked up and immediately impounded in the animal shelter and there confined in a humane manner. Dogs and cats and other small animals not claimed by their owners before the expiration of 72 hours shall become the property of the city and shall be disposed of at the discretion of the city. All animals, except those under quarantine, may be disposed of at the end of five days.
(B) When dogs or cats are found running at large and their ownership is known to the agents of the city, such dogs or cats need not be impounded, but the agent may, at his or her discretion, cite the owner of such dog or cat to appear in court to answer to charges of violations of this chapter.
(C) Immediately upon impounding dogs or cats or other animals, the agent of the city charged with the enforcement hereof shall make every possible effort to notify the owners of such dog, cat, or other animal so impounded and inform such owners of the conditions whereby they may regain custody of such animal or animals. A description of the animal shall also be made on records kept by the animal warden.
(D) Small unlicensed animals, other than dogs or cats, shall be impounded when found running at large within the city limits and disposed of in accordance with the terms heretofore stated or other applicable law.
(E) No animal may be adopted from the animal shelter by any employee of the animal shelter, for any reason. Any employee adopting, giving away, or selling any animal from the shelter, except in accordance with this chapter, shall be deemed guilty of an offense.
(Prior Code, § 90.17) (Ord. 381, passed 6-25-1974) Penalty, see § 90.99